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.
Ruidoso is known for its stunning landscapes, forested paths, and mountain charm, but the adventure doesn’t stop at the village limits. Explore the Southeast Regional Trail Network with dozens of scenic hiking, biking, and walking routes across southeast New Mexico. View the interactive map and download the official guide at snmedd.com/trails.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Ruidoso with live music, family fun, and exciting events! Enjoy the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, outdoor concerts, and dancing downtown. Take the kids to Youth Fishing Day at Grindstone Lake, then head to Ruidoso Downs for a weekend of thrilling Quarter Horse racing. Wrap it up with a Brooks & Dunn tribute at Spencer Theater—June 13–15, 2025!
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.
Famous for its sunny slopes and southern charm, Ski Apache transforms in summer with high-altitude thrills and stunning mountain views. From scenic gondola rides to outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to explore beyond the snow. Plan ahead—hours vary. Visit SkiApache.com/summer or call (575) 464-3600.
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!
Experience the thrill of axe throwing at Win Place & Show in Ruidoso! Challenge your friends, test your aim, and enjoy drinks from the bar on the lively WPS patio. Let expert guides show you the ropes and make it an unforgettable outing. Book your lane for some competitive fun by calling (575) 257-9982 or reserving online. Don’t miss this exciting addition to Ruidoso Midtown!
Discover some of Ruidoso's favorite patio bars, al fresco terraces, and outdoor restaurants to make the most of your Ruidoso vacation.
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.
HEAD’S UP, SUMMER VISITORS! 2025 Wibit Water Park Opening Delayed Due to Low Water Levels: The Ruidoso Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake will not open as planned due to low water levels. Conditions will be re-evaluated mid-June to determine if the park can be set up later this summer. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as they become available.
Planning your Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso, NM? From live music and great food to exhilarating horse racing and rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Explore our top four picks to celebrate Memorial Day in style!
Transform your remote work in 2025 with Ruidoso’s scenic beauty. Set against the stunning mountains, your workspace becomes a blend of productivity and tranquility. Enjoy fresh air, creative energy, and diverse accommodations, making Ruidoso the ideal spot for remote workers seeking a balance of professional focus and natural inspiration.
DON'T MISS THESE POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS
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
Test your wizarding knowledge at Harry Potter Trivia Night on Friday, June 13 from 6–9 PM at Downshift Brewing Co. – Hidden Tap in Ruidoso! Free to play, all ages welcome, teams up to 4. Costumes encouraged, prizes for winners, and craft brews flowing like butterbeer. Gather your squad and join the magic.
Don't miss Zach Aaron live at Wingfield Park on June 13, 2025, from 6-8 PM. Enjoy this free outdoor concert as part of the "Under a Mountain Sky" Summer Outdoor Music Series presented by the Village of Ruidoso. Bring your loved ones and soak in the music under the stars!
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun night out, Win, Place and Show bar promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music and dancing. Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
Break out the small rods and reels for young anglers to test their skills at the 30th Youth Fishing Day held at Grindstone Lake on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 8 am to 1 pm. as children line the shore to try their casting arms. Don't miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime! This event is free and open to children 12 and younger.
Discover the heart of Ruidoso at Midtown Market, Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM, June–October at Country Club Park. Shop fresh local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and regional wines. Enjoy live music, community vibes, and seasonal events in a vibrant setting. A must-visit for locals and visitors alike!
Spend some quality time with Dad and experience the thrill of race day together at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.
Don’t miss the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes QH on Saturday, June 14, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This event features three, four, and five-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $100,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent in this thrilling stakes race!
Experience the Mountain Top NMB QH Derby Finals on Saturday, June 14, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $150,000 purse ($15,000 NMHBA). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness elite Quarter Horse competition in Ruidoso!
Step into New Mexico’s rich past at Fort Stanton Historic Site’s Living History Day on June 14. Enjoy a guided cemetery walk with Ranger Javier, uncover stories of early residents and Lincoln County War veterans, and learn about the Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area with Conservation Manager Warren Kasper. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | $7 adults | Free for eligible guests.
Celebrate the night sky at “Guardians of the Night” on June 14, 2025, from 8–10 PM at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Enjoy telescope views, real-time astrophotography, and a special talk on dark sky preservation. Free and family-friendly. Held at the Observatory Complex; indoor backup at the Tombaugh Dome if needed.
Catch Dunn & Brooks at Spencer Theater on Sat, June 14 at 8 PM! This tribute to Brooks & Dunn brings high-energy performances of ’90s country hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” & “My Maria.” $39–$49. Add dinner: brisket buffet ($25) or NY Strip in the Founders Room ($55) at 6 PM. Buy Tickets »
Don’t miss the Jesse Dayton Band live at Jack’s Backstage on June 14 at 8:30 p.m.! Known for his gritty blend of Texas blues, honky-tonk, and punk swagger, Dayton brings an electrifying show to Ruidoso. With a Billboard-charting album and legendary collaborations under his belt, this rare New Mexico stop promises raw, high-octane Americana at its best. Tickets: holdmyticket.com/tickets/446331
Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Finals RG2 on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This Grade 2 futurity features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $350,000 purse ($15,000 NMHBA). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!
Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Juvenile Stakes Finals on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling race features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a guaranteed $50,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent compete in Ruidoso!
Join Ruidoso Parks and Recreation for an exciting week of outdoor adventure for kids ages 7–12! Campers will fish, hike, practice survival and orienteering skills, play outdoor sports, visit the zoo and space museum, tour a fire station, and cool off at the pool. Hands-on fun and learning, limited to 20 campers. $65/week. For more details, call (575) 257-5030. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog
Experience the thrill of Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, home of the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse history. Enjoy live racing every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day or visit The Racebook for year-round simulcast betting, great food, and drinks. Plan your visit now at RaceRuidoso.com!