Summer Trip Ideas
We’ve compiled our summer vacation ideas—all our top attractions, best food, cultural happenings, most memorable activities – and popular summer events are worth traveling for. Meet the locals, find the best deals from our partners, and learn how to get here, get around, and find accommodations.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.
Explore the scenic mountain lakes of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Grindstone, Alto, and Bonito Lakes offer trout fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful alpine views. Find out which lake is closest to downtown, where boating is allowed, and what permits you need before you go.
Now open in Ruidoso, The Crow at Marty’s Golf House is an indoor golf and social lounge blending interactive simulators, casual dining, and a relaxed sports-lounge vibe. Enjoy handmade pizzas, New Mexico chile favorites, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails in a welcoming space designed for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake is Ruidoso’s floating, inflatable summer attraction—perfect for family fun, groups, and special events. Spend the day tackling the on-water obstacle course, then enjoy Grindstone Lake’s other recreation options like picnicking, fishing, boating, and disc golf nearby.
Looking for the best breakfast in Ruidoso? Whether you crave a hearty mountain-style meal, a cozy café with a fireplace, or a sunlit patio to enjoy your coffee, Ruidoso has plenty of charming spots to start your day. From classic diners to hidden gems serving homemade pastries, here’s your guide to the top breakfast restaurants in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso’s mild mountain climate makes outdoor dining a year-round pleasure. From cozy patios and wine gardens to casual brewery tables and classic Midtown decks, these local restaurants offer the perfect spots to sip, snack, and savor the fresh air. Call ahead to confirm patio seating availability.
Ruidoso is ready for a vibrant 2026 summer. Local shops, restaurants, trails, and outdoor spaces are welcoming visitors, with continued improvements following last year’s flooding. Enjoy cool mountain air, a vibrant Midtown shopping district, and easy access to nature—just be sure to stay weather-aware during monsoon season.
IRONMAN Comes to Ruidoso! Experience the thrill as IRONMAN 70.3 debuts in New Mexico with a festival weekend of triathlon racing in Ruidoso, July 11–12, 2026. Swim, bike, and run through stunning mountain landscapes—or come cheer on the athletes and enjoy the excitement! Registration opens April 23. 2026.
Discover the Heart of Ruidoso at Midtown Market. Shop local every Saturday, June through October, from 9 am to 1 pm at Country Club Park in Midtown Ruidoso. Enjoy fresh New Mexico produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and regional wines in a lively, community-driven atmosphere. With special events all season, it’s a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.
Planning your Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso, NM? From live music and great food to rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Explore our top four picks to celebrate Memorial Day in style!
Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!
DON'T MISS THESE POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS
Watch the full moon rise over the glowing gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park. Enjoy live music, ranger programs, and cultural presentations during these free 2026 Full Moon Nights. Extended park hours allow visitors to experience the magic even without a scheduled program. Bring chairs, blankets, and layers for a stunning desert evening under the stars.
Acoustic rock singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski brings his high-energy “Super Happy Fun Time” to Downshift Brewing Riverside. Known for catchy songs, warm crowd connection, and a globe-spanning touring history, Bryan’s sound blends classic rock and folk with a fresh, upbeat style. A feel-good night of lively originals and easygoing vibes.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children's activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the weekend. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Information and tickets at https://www.lincolnforestrenfair.com
The Long Dog Derby returns to Jacks Backstage in Ruidoso on May 16 with dachshund races, crowd-favorite contests, and more than $5,000 in prizes. From Best Dressed to Slow Weenie, these speedy pups compete for glory in one of Ruidoso’s most entertaining events. Registration is $30 per dog and opens March 23. Spectators welcome for a day of laughs and dachshund-powered fun.
Supersuckers and Scott H. Biram bring high-energy outlaw rock to Jacks Patina Lounge in Ruidoso. Expect gritty vocals, loud riffs, and boots-on-the-floor energy. $20 advance tickets at https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/458605?
The historic Ruidoso Downs horse racing season begins May 22, 2026. For the 2026 season, races will take place at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque. Learn more about the season schedule and related events connected to Ruidoso Downs. Learn More >>
For a true "western" experience join the Flying J Wranglers, complete with gunfights, pony rides, stage show, gold panning, gift shops, and a chuckwagon style BBQ dinner.
Kick off summer in Ruidoso over Memorial Day Weekend with the opening of the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake and the Ruidoso Municipal Pool. Enjoy floating inflatable fun, classic pool swimming, and family-friendly recreation. Wibit opens 10 AM–6 PM; Pool opens 11 AM–4:30 PM. Fees apply.
Experience the magic of Beatlemania with 4 Lads From Liverpool – Ultimate Beatles Tribute at Inn of the Mountain Gods on May 23, 2026. This dinner-and-show event features classic Beatles hits performed live along with a themed multi-course meal inspired by the band’s iconic songs. Doors and dinner begin at 6 PM, with the show at 7 PM.
Experience Full Moon Nights at White Sands National Park in 2026. Enjoy live music, ranger programs, and moonlit views of the gypsum dunes. Scheduled programs may require advance tickets; park entrance fees apply. Extended park hours allow visitors to enjoy the full moon even on nights without a formal program.
The Annual FurrBall is a fundraising event for the Humane Society of Lincoln County featuring dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Enjoy a fun night out and support our homeless animals! Learn more at hslcnm.org/index.php/furrball/
Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays to provide locally made products in Midtown at Country Club Park, located at 100 Country Club Drive. June 6, 2026, to October 3, 2026. See you there!
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
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
Heavy metal powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch performs live at Inn of the Mountain Gods on June 18, 2026. Known for explosive concerts and multi-platinum hits, the band brings arena-level energy to this outdoor show in Mescalero, New Mexico. Doors open at 4 PM and the show begins at 8 PM.
The Phil Hamilton Band premieres its smokin’ hot new lineup in Ruidoso on June 19, 2026, at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside. From 7–10 PM, enjoy high-energy Texas Red Dirt and Americana from a four-time Texas Radio Chart #1 artist. Tickets on sale now for this one-night-only summer concert event.
The historic Ruidoso Downs racing season will be hosted at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque for 2026. The 49-day meet runs Fridays through Sundays from May 22 through Labor Day and features major races including the Ruidoso Futurity, Rainbow Futurity, and the $3 million All American Futurity.