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
2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 2 [REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED]
Jun 15
2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 2 [REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED]

Visiting Ruidoso this summer? Ruidoso Parks and Recreation’s Youth Summer Wilderness Camp invites kids ages 7–12 to explore hiking, fishing, wildlife, swimming, and more in the cool mountain air. Held June 8–12 and June 15–19, 2026. $65 per week. Space is limited to 25 campers. Registration opens March 1. For more details, call (575) 257-5030. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center
Jun 19
Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center

Join Tattoo artists from all over the country for three days filled with tattoos, live performances, contests, and more. Get tattooed by amazing artists nationwide, browse vendor booths for unique items, and enjoy watching art in action. Learn more at ruidosotattooexpo.com

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Jun 20
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park

Brewdoso 2026 returns to Wingfield Park on June 20 for a full day of craft beer, live music, and mountain-town energy. Sample regional and national brews, enjoy food vendors and artisan booths, and settle in for an evening of concerts under the pines. A signature summer celebration in the heart of Ruidoso. Learn more at Brewdoso.com

31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 3
31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Experience the art where it’s made. Throughout Lincoln County, painters, sculptors, and artisans open their studios for a self-guided tour that invites you to meet the makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover original works directly from local artists.

All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show
Jul 3
All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show

See 150 drones take flight in a patriotic-themed aerial drone show featuring a 300-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, fireworks, an eagle, and other iconic American images. Meet family and friends for a pre-show tailgate and enjoy FREE family-friendly activities and entertainment starting at 5:00 PM.

Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at The Links Trail
Jul 4
Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at The Links Trail

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Run White & Blue 5K on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10 AM on The Links Trail in Ruidoso. Starting near the Dog Park and Tennis Courts, this all-ages race is part of the Run Ruidoso series. Runners and walkers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. Register online via the Activities & Programs tab. Color, community, and a cause—don’t miss it!

July 4th Celebration at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Jul 4
July 4th Celebration at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Inn of the Mountain Gods with live DJ entertainment, concessions, lakeside festivities, and the largest fireworks display in New Mexico. Enjoy an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in Mescalero beginning at 3 PM and ending with fireworks at dusk.

Fort Stanton LIVE
Jul 11
Fort Stanton LIVE

Step back in time at Fort Stanton LIVE on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Enjoy Civil War and Indian Wars re-enactors, live demonstrations, Mescalero Apache dancers, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities celebrating history and culture.

IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso
Jul 11
IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN® 70.3 Ruidoso Race Weekend 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 »

55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 24
55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival

A cornerstone of Ruidoso’s cultural calendar, this juried fine art show draws over 100 acclaimed artists from across the country. Explore paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more while enjoying regional wines, live music, and mountain hospitality. Don’t miss: The opportunity to meet featured artists and add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection.

Alto Artists Tour
Aug 7
Alto Artists Tour

Step inside the studios and homes of Alto’s professional artists during this free, self-guided tour. From ceramics and glass to woodwork and textiles, each stop reveals the stories and spaces behind the art. Insider favorite: Many artists offer works not available anywhere else—so come ready to browse and be inspired. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release
Aug 15
Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release

Join a special Monarch Butterfly Release on August 15 at White Mountain Meadows in Ruidoso. Pre-order a live butterfly and take part in a shared moment of renewal as they take flight at 11 AM. Arrive early to participate in this peaceful outdoor experience set in a scenic park setting.

Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party
Aug 15
Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party

Attend the 19th Annual Taste of the Spencer fundraiser on August 15, 2026, featuring fine wines, a plated filet and lobster dinner, and an evening supporting Spencer Theater.

Annual Ruidoso Antiques & Collectables Show
Aug 21
Annual Ruidoso Antiques & Collectables Show

The annual Ruidoso Antique Show comes to the Ruidoso Convention Center August 21–23. Hosted by Yesterday Antiques, this three-day event features antique dealers, vintage décor, collectibles, and unique treasures. Browse vendor booths, discover storied pieces, and enjoy a weekend of antique shopping in Ruidoso.

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 22
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)

Join the 12th annual Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs on August 22, 2026, at Wingfield Park in downtown Ruidoso. Choose from a 13.8-mile Half Marathon Heavy, 8.5-mile, 4-mile, or Kids’ Dash. Enjoy scenic mountain trails, commemorative swag, free race photos, and a post-race party supporting All-Season Adaptive Sports.

Rainmakers Golf Tourney
Sep 8
Rainmakers Golf Tourney

Join the Rainmakers Golf Tourney on September 8, 2026, benefiting Spencer Theater operations and programming at the Robert Trent Jones Championship Course in Alto, New Mexico.

2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest (formerly Ruidoso Marathon Weekend)
Sep 18
2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest (formerly Ruidoso Marathon Weekend)

The 2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest takes place September 18–19, 2026, bringing runners and visitors together for a festive weekend in downtown Ruidoso. Events include a Friday night 5K and Kids’ 1K, plus Saturday’s marathon, half marathon, and road 47K/50K, with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden at Wingfield Park. Registration + Details >>

Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship
Oct 8
Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championship October 8–11, 2026, marking XTERRA’s 30th anniversary. Elite athletes compete across high-altitude swim, bike, and trail run courses set around Grindstone Lake, while visitors enjoy race-week excitement, cool October weather, and Ruidoso’s distinctive mountain-town charm.

Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
Nov 28
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 29, 2025! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.

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