Ruidoso's Music and Arts Scene
Experience the vibrant music and arts scene in Ruidoso, New Mexico! From live concerts and music festivals to art shows and cultural events, Ruidoso is a hub for creativity and entertainment. Explore local galleries, outdoor performances, and annual festivals celebrating the region’s artistic spirit. Whether you’re a fan of fine art, live music, or interactive workshops, Ruidoso offers something for every art lover.
Discover upcoming events and immerse yourself in Ruidoso’s creative culture!
DISCOVER RUIDOSO FESTIVALS AND ART EVENTS
Join the Ruidoso Public Library Teen Book Club for a spooky-season discussion of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs on October 17.
Experience cosplay, comics, gaming, artists, vendors, and pop culture fun at R2Doso Con 2026 in Ruidoso on October 17–18. The two-day convention features actors, voice actors, illustrators, tournaments, collectibles, and fandom activities for all ages in the mountains of New Mexico.
Experience award-winning pianist Doug Montgomery at Spencer Theater on October 17, 2026. The Juilliard-trained New Mexico favorite brings dazzling musicianship and an engaging performance style to a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and more.
Celebrate two years of Ruidoso history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Enjoy live music, food, and a first look at the new Carmon Phillips Exhibit during this free community celebration from 5:00–7:00 PM.
Oso Productions brings The Rocky Horror Picture Show back to Ruidoso with live shadow-cast performances at Downshift Riverside on October 23 and 24. Ages 18+. Buy Tickets >>
Oso Productions brings The Rocky Horror Picture Show back to Ruidoso with live shadow-cast performances at Downshift Riverside on October 23 and 24. Ages 18+. Buy Tickets >>
Join The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom for a discussion of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Enjoy craft beer, thoughtful conversation, and a welcoming community of readers as you explore this acclaimed historical novel inspired by the life of Shakespeare’s family.
Travel back to one of popular music’s most transformative decades with The Sixties Show at Spencer Theater on November 22, 2026. This high-energy multimedia concert brings the sounds and spirit of the 1960s to life, spanning rock, pop, folk, psychedelia, the British Invasion, and the music that helped define a generation.
Join The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom on December 8 for a relaxed book discussion featuring The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten.
Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theater on December 10, 2026. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an unforgettable journey through Christmases past, present, and yet to come. Filled with memorable characters and a message of generosity, compassion, and second chances, this holiday classic brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage.
Start the new year with The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company on January 12 for a relaxed book discussion featuring Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth.
See Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! at Spencer Theater, January 27–28, 2027. Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, this celebrated one-man show brings Mark Twain’s unmistakable wit, humor, and observations about American life to the stage. Thomas is the first actor authorized to perform the show since Holbrook.
See Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! at Spencer Theater, January 27–28, 2027. Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, this celebrated one-man show brings Mark Twain’s unmistakable wit, humor, and observations about American life to the stage. Thomas is the first actor authorized to perform the show since Holbrook.
Step into the shadows with Aquila Theatre’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at Spencer Theater on February 25, 2027. Robert Louis Stevenson’s chilling classic explores one man’s attempt to separate good from evil and the dangerous force he unleashes. Aquila Theatre brings the story to life through physical storytelling, powerful performances, and imaginative staging.
Enjoy an afternoon of western swing with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys at Spencer Theater on March 13, 2027. Carrying forward the musical tradition of legendary bandleader Bob Wills, this ensemble of accomplished Oklahoma and Texas musicians brings fiddle, steel guitar, piano, horns, bass, and drums together for a lively celebration of a distinctly American sound.
Celebrate the music of Barry Manilow with Daybreak at Spencer Theater on March 20, 2027. This live tribute brings Manilow’s memorable pop hits and romantic ballads to the stage, recreating the sound and spirit of his music for an evening filled with familiar favorites, soaring melodies, and plenty of nostalgia.
Escape to the islands with A1A, a tribute to the music and laid-back spirit of Jimmy Buffett, at Spencer Theater on April 10, 2027. With a full band and tropical stage atmosphere, A1A celebrates the songs and stories that inspired generations of Parrotheads with familiar favorites, beach-town escapism, and plenty of island spirit.
Celebrate the music of John Denver with Jim Curry’s Take Me Home at Spencer Theater on April 15, 2027. This live tribute honors Denver’s enduring catalog of mountain anthems, heartfelt ballads, and familiar favorites, capturing the warmth, optimism, and connection to nature that made his music beloved by generations.
CHECK OUT RUIDOSO’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE
SWITCHFOOT brings the Forever Now Tour to Jacks Backstage in Ruidoso on Friday, October 16, with special guest ANBERLIN. Experience an unforgettable night of alternative rock, massive singalongs, and live energy under the mountain sky at The Pit. Doors open at 5 PM. All ages welcome. Buy Tickets »
Singer-songwriter Richard Nihil brings I Am Hologram’s psychedelic folk and road-worn acoustic sound to Bonito Valley Brewing in Lincoln on October 17, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
Experience award-winning pianist Doug Montgomery at Spencer Theater on October 17, 2026. The Juilliard-trained New Mexico favorite brings dazzling musicianship and an engaging performance style to a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and more.
Eli Young Band takes the stage at The Pit at Jacks Backstage on October 17 from 7–10 PM (doors at 6). With chart-topping hits and a high-energy crowd, this all-ages show delivers classic country favorites under Ruidoso’s cool fall sky. VIP and GA options available—plan your weekend and don’t miss it. Tickets »
The Saint Cecilia brings a high-energy blend of rock, soul, and rhythm to Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside in Ruidoso on Wednesday, October 21, from 7–10 PM.
Light up the night for a good cause at Light It Up for LEAD, Saturday, October 24, at Jack’s Backstage in Ruidoso. Enjoy live music by Fell Runyan, an auction, and an all-ages evening supporting LEAD Therapeutic Riding and its equine-assisted programs. General admission is $30; VIP tickets are $75.
Arizona singer-songwriter I Am Hologram, the solo project of Richard Nihil, performs live at Downshift Brewing Company – Hidden Tap on October 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Blending acoustic songwriting with punk, indie, and alternative influences, Nihil delivers an intimate and engaging evening of original live music.
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.
Bottomland is coming to Ruidoso! Catch the band live at the Patina Lounge at Jacks Backstage on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The 18+ show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/467105
Texas country artist Clay Hollis brings his rich vocals, driving guitars, and ’90s-country influence to Patina Lounge at JACKS Backstage in Ruidoso on Saturday, November 21. Ages 18+.
Travel back to one of popular music’s most transformative decades with The Sixties Show at Spencer Theater on November 22, 2026. This high-energy multimedia concert brings the sounds and spirit of the 1960s to life, spanning rock, pop, folk, psychedelia, the British Invasion, and the music that helped define a generation.
Celebrate the music and legacy of Juan Gabriel with Aarón Palacios at Inn of the Mountain Gods on November 28, 2026. This live tribute honors the beloved Mexican singer-songwriter and performer with an evening dedicated to his music. Doors open at 6 PM, with the show beginning at 7 PM.
Country superstar Luke Bryan comes to Inn of the Mountain Gods on December 5, 2026, for two live shows at 5 PM and 8 PM. Tickets range from $75 to $275.
Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theater on December 10, 2026. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an unforgettable journey through Christmases past, present, and yet to come. Filled with memorable characters and a message of generosity, compassion, and second chances, this holiday classic brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage.
Hunter Hicks and West Bound Hearts bring two full sets of live country music to Patina Lounge at JACKS Backstage in Ruidoso on Saturday, December 12. Ages 18+.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy an afternoon of western swing with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys at Spencer Theater on March 13, 2027. Carrying forward the musical tradition of legendary bandleader Bob Wills, this ensemble of accomplished Oklahoma and Texas musicians brings fiddle, steel guitar, piano, horns, bass, and drums together for a lively celebration of a distinctly American sound.
Shamrock the Hill brings Austin Meade, Sterling Elza, Cole Barnhill, and The Smokin’ Oaks to JACKS Backstage in Ruidoso for a full day of live music on St. Patrick’s Day 2027.
Celebrate the music of Barry Manilow with Daybreak at Spencer Theater on March 20, 2027. This live tribute brings Manilow’s memorable pop hits and romantic ballads to the stage, recreating the sound and spirit of his music for an evening filled with familiar favorites, soaring melodies, and plenty of nostalgia.
Escape to the islands with A1A, a tribute to the music and laid-back spirit of Jimmy Buffett, at Spencer Theater on April 10, 2027. With a full band and tropical stage atmosphere, A1A celebrates the songs and stories that inspired generations of Parrotheads with familiar favorites, beach-town escapism, and plenty of island spirit.
Celebrate the music of John Denver with Jim Curry’s Take Me Home at Spencer Theater on April 15, 2027. This live tribute honors Denver’s enduring catalog of mountain anthems, heartfelt ballads, and familiar favorites, capturing the warmth, optimism, and connection to nature that made his music beloved by generations.
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.