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
Ruidoso Kite Festival
Sep 12
Ruidoso Kite Festival

Build and fly your own kite, food & drinks, and kite demonstrations at the White Mountain Sports Complex. Spend the weekend with family and friends. See the kites fly, see them swirl, and see them do acrobatics in the sky. A perfect way to kick off fall with outdoor fun in a park setting. FREE to attend! Fun for all ages.

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2026 National Championship Air Races
Sep 16
2026 National Championship Air Races

Experience the thrill of the National Championship Air Races, just a short drive from Ruidoso, at the Roswell International Air Center from September 16-20, 2026! Witness aircraft racing at over 500 mph, enjoy aerobatic shows, and explore interactive exhibits. Whether it is a day trip or a weekend getaway, don’t miss this unique high-speed adventure right next door! Visit https://airrace.org/ for tickets and details.

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

Ruidoso RunFest returns September 18–19, 2026, bringing runners and visitors together for a weekend of mountain racing and community celebration. Friday features the Pizza Hut 5K and Kids’ 1K at Wingfield Park, while Saturday’s 47K/50K, marathon, and half marathon begin and finish at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water. Enjoy live music, food trucks, a Downshift Brewing beer garden, and family-friendly festivities throughout the weekend. Registration + Details >>

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Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 26
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Midtown Ruidoso with Downshift Brewing Company on September 26. Enjoy German food, craft beer, live music, stein hoisting, contests, family activities, and entertainment on multiple stages. Choose from General Admission, Designated Driver, or VIP tickets for a full day of festive fun. BUY TICKETS »

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2026 Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 3
2026 Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate fall at Ruidoso AspenFest on October 3, 2026, featuring the Midtown Parade at 10 AM with the theme “Harvesting Adventure,” followed by the Wingfield Park Festival from 11 AM–6 PM. Enjoy live music, New Mexico wine and craft beer, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Admission is $10, $25 with wine and beer tasting, and free for kids 12 and under.

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XTERRA World Championship 2026 in Ruidoso
Oct 8
XTERRA World Championship 2026 in Ruidoso

Ruidoso hosts the 2026 XTERRA World Championship, October 8–11, celebrating XTERRA’s 30th anniversary and its return to the United States. Watch world-class athletes swim Grindstone Lake, mountain bike rugged forest trails, and compete at nearly 7,000 feet—then explore Ruidoso’s dining, outdoor recreation, events, and welcoming mountain community.

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Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 28
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! Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration from 3–6:30 PM along Sudderth Drive—closed to traffic for a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience.

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12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln
Oct 31
12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in historic Lincoln with live music, dance performances, historic presentations, ofrendas, face painting, food, drinks, and handcrafted vendors. Admission is free, and the festival offers a full day of family-friendly activities. Most vendors will be cash only due to limited cell service.

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Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 13
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

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A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 20
A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center

Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere! 

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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 28, 2026! 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.

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Christmas In The Park
Dec 3
Christmas In The Park

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.

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Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 5
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.

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The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

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The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

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The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

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