Ruidoso Festivals and Annual Events

Ruidoso hosts many exciting festivals and annual events. Everything from Party in the Pines to the Art Loop, AspenFest to the Festival of Lights!  We invite you to browse our diverse selection of year-round opportunities to experience art, music, and culture that makes Ruidoso such a great place to live and to visit. Find an archive of Ruidoso festivals and events HERE.

Featured
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
Aug 15
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure

Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso from August 15-17, 2025! Set against the breathtaking Grindstone Lake, this event features full and sprint triathlons, a scenic 10K trail run, and a kids’ race—all designed for athletes and outdoor lovers alike. This event welcomes athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to the lush trails of Grindstone Lake, promising adventure for all.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A FULL SCHEDULE OF XTERRA/RUIDOSO EVENTS

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 23
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)

Join the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs at Wingfield Park on August 23, 2025. Celebrate the 11th anniversary with a Half Marathon Heavy (13.8 miles), 8.5 miles, and 4 miles. Events start at 7:00 AM. Proceeds benefit All-Season Adaptive Sports. Top finishers qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Enjoy commemorative swag, cake, and a post-race party. Register now!

Fort Stanton LIVE
Aug 23
Fort Stanton LIVE

Experience history at Fort Stanton's annual event on August 23, featuring Civil War and Indian War re-enactors, demonstrations, live music, and vendors. Enjoy performances by Mescalero Apache dancers and Indian tacos and explore new exhibits in the Nurse's Quarters. Kids can enjoy themed activities, and a blood drive honors the nurses who served. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free entry is available for qualifying groups. Buy Tickets >>

White Oaks Miner's Day
Aug 23
White Oaks Miner's Day

The town of White Oaks celebrates its Wild West past with a parade at 10 AM, a play at the schoolhouse, gold panning, a chuckwagon demonstration, food, and vendors. Music from noon to 4:00 pm at the No Scum Allowed Saloon, then again from 6:00- 11:00 pm.

New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake
Aug 23
New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake

Come out to watch the longest-running tournament in the state of New Mexico and one of the top-rated courses in the state at the 36th New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships, a PDGA Sanctioned B-tier event, at Grindstone Park on August 23-25, 2025.

ALL AMERICAN FUTURITY QH Finals G1 at Albuquerque Downs [RELOCATED]
Sep 1
ALL AMERICAN FUTURITY QH Finals G1 at Albuquerque Downs [RELOCATED]

NOTICE: All American Futurity Finals Relocated: Due to flood damage at Ruidoso Downs, the 2025 All American Futurity Finals will be held at Albuquerque Downs on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. The relocation ensures the continuation of this premier race. For full details and updates, visit raceruidoso.com.

ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Albuquerque Downs [REVISED SCHEDULE & VENUE]
Sep 1
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Albuquerque Downs [REVISED SCHEDULE & VENUE]

Ruidoso Downs’ 2025 All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks will now be held at Albuquerque Downs due to flood damage. Trials run August 4–6, with all five stakes race finals—including the All American Invitational and Juvenile—set for Labor Day, September 1. Visit raceruidoso.com for the latest updates.

Rainmakers Golf Tourney
Sep 4
Rainmakers Golf Tourney

Join the RAINMAKERS Golf Tournament on Thurs, Sept 4 at Rainmakers Golf Course in Alto, NM! $135 includes breakfast, lunch, cart & green fees. 7 AM registration, 8 AM shotgun start. Play for prizes while supporting Spencer Theater operations & programming. Sponsorships: $275 Hole, $1,000 Presenting. Beautiful course, great cause—sign up now!

Motor Mountain Weekend
Sep 19
Motor Mountain Weekend

Rev your engines for Motor Mountain Weekend, September 19–20, 2025! Enjoy garage sessions, live music with Whole Lotta Rosies and Fuel & Lit, epic side-by-side trail rides, a classic car & truck show, and the Rusty Balls After Party. It’s a high-octane weekend in Ruidoso—part of a stacked September lineup. Tickets on sale July 11!

Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 27
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Raise a stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest! Celebrate at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside with beer, German food, and family fun. Enjoy live entertainment, including Fungi Mungle and Die Polka Schlingels. Enter contests for best dressed, stein hoisting, and the chicken dance. Tickets start at $10, and VIP passes include tokens, swag, and exclusive perks. This is a rain-or-shine event! BUY TICKETS »

Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 4
Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate Autumn in Ruidoso at AspenFest. The weekend celebration is on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a 10:00 AM parade through Midtown, immediately followed by fun, food, music, and drinks at Wingfield Park. Don't miss Ruidoso's favorite fall festival!

3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Oct 10
3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center

The 3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at the Ruidoso Convention Center is a three-day celebration of off-road excitement and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant vendor exhibit, car show, trail challenges, a cornhole tournament, and an overlanding campout. Open to all street-legal off-road vehicles, the family-friendly event promises fun for all ages.Don't miss out—buy tickets now! nm4x4rally.com/

Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 29
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll

Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there!

Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 14
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center

Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com

Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso
Jul 11
Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN 70.3 on July 11–12, 2026, a landmark event in our rise as a hub for elite endurance competitions. Joining the 2026 XTERRA World Championships, this triathlon will draw athletes from around the world. A full schedule and more details will be shared closer to the event. Learn More »

Events & Festivals, FAQ, Things to do in RuidosoKerry GladdenThings to do in Ruidoso.