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’s newest and most unique attraction, the new Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, opens June 19th for the summer season! The floating, inflatable platform is perfect for family fun, birthday parties and special events. Come out for the day or purchase a season pass with swimming, boating, fishing, disc golf, and more available at Grindstone Lake located in the heart of Ruidoso. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wed. through Sun.
Work together in a race against the clock to solve a series of increasingly challenging puzzles. Be prepared to have your wits tested and your entertainment level raised. Escape Room Ruidoso sets the bar for experiential entertainment.
Join us on Saturdays in Midtown for MUSIC IN THE STREETS, a FREE community program featuring live performances by Ruidoso musicians. Saturdays 11 AM to 2 PM at Times Square on Sudderth Drive beginning June 1, 2019.
The Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show is one of Ruidoso's most popular summer activities, offering great food and excellent family entertainment. Opening day for the 2019 season is May 25th.
While much of the country is sweltering in summer heat, Ruidosoans are chilling out in the tall pines. No matter what a vacation means to you, a summer holiday is pretty cool in Ruidoso.
Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered.
Do you want to put a little money down on your entertainment? At Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy The Kid Casino you can experience the thrill of the world's fastest quarter horses racing every weekend during the summer and Simulcast racing year-round.
From dazzling night skies to snow-capped peaks and evergreen forests, here are five reasons to make a Ruidoso mountain vacation your next adventure.
Cool temperatures. Unbelievable scenery. This is the Ruidoso golf experience. With four spectacular Ruidoso area golf courses, each course is situated against breathtaking backdrops with its own personality and landscape. Discover which one is best for you.
The All American Futurity (G1) is the richest race for 2-year-olds in North America, regardless of breed. Run every Labor Day at Ruidoso Downs in the mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, the $3 million race is contested by 2-year-old American Quarter Horses. It will be run on September 3, 2018.
Ski Apache is known for its beautiful warm weather skiing and snowboarding as the nation’s southern-most continually operating resort, but there is plenty of summer excitement too. Here is what travelers can look forward to this summer.
Enjoy a day of gallery hopping in Ruidoso's Midtown shopping district with this recommended art itinerary.
To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.
Quench your thirst for New Mexico craft beers and wines at these local hangouts
Camping is not only an awesome vacation for those who love the outdoors, but it's also a great way to keep a Ruidoso vacation affordable. Learn everything you need to know to plan your Ruidoso camping trip now!
A Ruidoso vacation cabin can be a fairy-tale escape — a place to curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace or conquer the nearby ski hills. Ready to cozy up to your own slice of cabin bliss? Here are a few visitor favorites to help get you started.
What's the weather in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcam from its strategic point overlooking Midtown in the heart of Ruidoso’s shopping and restaurant district with Sierra Blanca towering in the distance.
Ruidoso's live music scene is hotter than ever with venues from free street music in Midtown to annual festivals and year-round entertainment featuring everything from country singers to big-band crooners and edgy newcomers, so be sure to check our event calendar.
Discover some of Ruidoso's best patio bars, alfresco terraces and outdoor restaurants to make the most of your Ruidoso vacation.
Discover the best of Ruidoso with YOLO TX travel TV host Aerin Carreno as she shares her Ruidoso adventures in Season 2 opener.
From pristine high-mountain lakes and streams to sparkling reservoirs and meandering rivers, discover the best places to cast a line in Ruidoso.
From street to trail, if you love to pedal, Ruidoso has you covered. With new trail development and a vast network of empty rural roads and awesome mountain trails, cycling in Ruidoso has never been better. Discover the best places to get your bike on in Ruidoso.
Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.
They say the best things in life are free. Save money on your next trip by taking advantage of these 5 free things to do in Ruidoso.
A paddle sport for all ages and skill levels. Easy to learn. Gentler than tennis. Play Pickleball, a recreational craze that borrows from tennis, ping pong and badminton.
TripAdvisor reviews answer the question: Where do locals in Ruidoso go to eat? Discover the Top 10 Ruidoso restaurants according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Inspired by the heritage of the Mescalero tribe, the new The Spa at the Inn offers a wide array of signature facials, relaxing body treatments, manicures and pedicures, waxing treatments and high-end salon services.
Wildlife and Ruidoso go hand in hand. From the quiet appearance of the majestic elk and wild horse herds that roam here to the impressive flight of the bald eagle and the entertaining antics of the bears that are frequently seen, here are some of Ruidoso's most amazing wildlife and some tips on where you can safely spot them on your next trip.
Kids of all ages will have plenty of family fun in Ruidoso. Many area attractions, such as hiking, fishing, and skiing, are perfect for the entire family. Plan the perfect family vacation with these fun kid-friendly trip ideas.
The 1st Armored Division Band, under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Moore, presents an evening of military march favorites and patriotic concert music. The band’s historically rich, musically adept ensemble of 30+ soldier musicians & vocalists perform in honor of and dedicated to our nation’s military members serving throughout the world. Free to the public - Limit 4 Tickets
Enjoy a four course meal paired with signature tequilas made into delicious cocktails for each course. Bleaustation will be joining for Live Music as well.
What’s in a name? For the guys in the hit 70s disco-rock group Pablo Cruise it’s a philosophical mind-set and attitude: “Pablo” represents a down-to-earth individual and “Cruise” stands for a fun-loving, easy-going style.
Celebrate July 4th at Ruidoso Downs! Racing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Special July 4th racing with flag ceremony on the track and Billy's July 4th Jeep Giveaway in the Casino! Rainbow Futurity Trials on Friday and Saturday and Ruidoso Derby Trials on Sunday. Yarbrough Band at Billy the Kid Casino on Friday and Saturday! FREE parking and FREE general admission.
Come out to celebrate Independence Day Weekend at the Enchanted Vine Event Barn with food trucks, live music, cornhole tournament, and Lost Hiker Brewery will be there, pouring their awesome beer! Noisy Water wine will be poured, have a glass or a bottle. On July 6th Noisy Water Winery will be releasing their newest Cab Franc and Dolcetto! 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm all 3 days.
Visitors will be offered a rare opportunity to witness the coming of age ceremony of Mescalero Apache maidens during this annual event. Ceremonial dances, rodeo, arts and crafts, and ceremonial parade are all part of the annual Mescalero Ceremonial and Rodeo held at the Mescalero Apache reservation over the July 4th holiday.
Eight rodeos in four days! The nation’s largest open rodeo weekend includes four nightly rodeos, two-day ranch rodeo, youth ranch rodeo, kid’s rough stock rodeo, cook-off, kids events, and nightly dances. On July 4th, enjoy a full day of Independence celebration with a campfire dutch oven competition, mutton bustin’, goat roping, evening rodeo, fireworks, and a dance. You don’t want to miss this 4th of July celebration!
Come out and enjoy ALL the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Casino has to offer as we celebrate Independence Day! The Star Spangled Celebration is FREE and begins at 3 p.m. with concessions, jumping balloons, live music, and the LARGEST fireworks show in New Mexico. Cost: Free.
Art Loop began as a creative venture amongst artists 24 years ago and continues to be one of the most successful studio tours in New Mexico. Throughout Lincoln County artists will open their studios, demonstrate their craft and discuss their creative process creating much more than simply a vibrant art market
Come out to hear the Country Superstar sing her acclaimed hits during this intimate, all-acoustic night at the Spencer Theater with two accompanying musicians on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and keyboards.
The All-American Boys Chorus is America’s quintessential professional boys chorus, a California-based company of 100+ comprehensively trained vocalists that has delighted audiences worldwide for over 40 years. A select choir of 39 boys, ages 8-14, come to the Spencer, singing a concert designed as a patriotic salute to America’s men and women of the armed forces.
Rumours recreates the chart-topping 70s & 80s rock music of Fleetwood Mac, best known for lead vocalist Stevie Nicks' distinctive voice, mystical stage persona, and poetic, symbolic lyrics in signature harmonies like “Landslide,” “Dreams,” “Hold Me,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Rhianna,” “Think About Me” and “Tusk.”
This annual event brings costumed re-enactors from the Civil War and Indian Wars era to the Fort for demonstrations, presentations, live music and a military ball which will have visitors dancing into the night! Additionally, the event brings authors, historians, photographers, artists and a variety of historical vendors to site to share their crafts and other handiwork. Local food vendors are on hand to provide sustenance for your day at the Fort.
THE ULTIMATE ELO EXPERIENCE shares The Electric Light Orchestra’s ambitious and irresistible fusion of pop, melodic rock, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography of the 1970s in ELO classics like “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Xanadu,” “Shine A Little Love,” “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Strange Magic” and more.
Fine art lovers from around the southwest make an annual trip to Ruidoso for this juried fine arts show that features over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums, showcasing collectible art and jewelry.
Zia Festival Weekend- Over 60 vendors in Grandstand and Tent. Multiple New Mexico Stakes Races. Saturday night concert by Jake Hooker 7 p.m. Tickets $20 each, call 575-378-4431. New Mexico HBA party, Children’s Activities in tent.
See trailblazing country music star, Charley Pride, as he hits the stage on Friday, July 26 at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
A great family event starting & finishing at Wingfield Park using 2 different running trails at Grindstone Lake in midtown Ruidoso. It is sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the American Trail Running Association. Great Ruidoso carved bears as awards. It is a benefit for the Ski Apache Adaptive Sports & Ecoservants.
This is an opportunity for runners to train in the high altitude and cooler temperatures of the Sacramento Mountains. There are three runs: a 4-mile course, an 8.5-mile course & a half marathon. Each run will begin and end in Wingfield Park in mid-town Ruidoso.
Fort Stanton will be hosting its fifth annual March on Rome World War II reenactment and Living History display on Saturday, July 27, 2019, on the grounds of the fort. Authentic camps for both Allied and Axis forces will be open to the public between 4 and 6 p.m. with a public show battle beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is free to the public, although donations to Fort Stanton are welcome.
Don’t miss chart-topping country music star, Gary Allan, Saturday, July 27 at Inn of the Mountain Gods!
In the big voice year of ‘96 a dreamy song called “Strawberry Wine” came on the radio and captured the hearts of millions of country music fans around the world. The tune, by 30-year-old newcomer Deana Carter, featured her soft, sensual voice in a tune about expectations.
This free, self-guided tour offers you the chance to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community. The public is invited to visit private studios and homes throughout Alto to interact with local professional artists.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ music is timeless. Their four-part harmony country-gospel music was pure and beautiful 50 years ago, and remains so today. Their stage show is one of the most dynamic on tour today. Among their chart-topping hits are “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” and “Fancy Free.” Expect these gems and more as The Oak Ridge Boys perform with their band at the acoustically divine Spencer Theater.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ music is timeless. Their four-part harmony country-gospel music was pure and beautiful 50 years ago, and remains so today. Their stage show is one of the most dynamic on tour today. Among their chart-topping hits are “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” and “Fancy Free.” Expect these gems and more as The Oak Ridge Boys perform with their band at the acoustically divine Spencer Theater.
Don’t miss country legend Trace Adkins Saturday, August 3 at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
With pitch-perfect renditions of classics like “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Twist and Shout, ” “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Come Together,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Yellow Submarine,” The Fab Four recreates the very vibe of the British band that changed music forever.
These classically-trained, versatile tenors have performed more than 1,300 concerts around the world including headline shows in Las Vegas, China and a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom, with their legion of fans growing each year.
The 5th Annual Carrizozo Arts Weekend will take place August 17 and 18, 2019, from 11 am to 4 pm. A preview party will precede the weekend on Friday, August 16 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography located at 401 12th Street in Carrizozo. All events are free and open to the public.
Ruidoso Pickleball Club will be hosting a Super Senior International Pickleball Association (SSIPA) Tournament on August 22 - 25, 2019 at the White Mountain Sports Complex Tennis Courts starting at 8:00 am each day. Anyone that is 60+ years of age is welcome to enter. Everyone is welcome to watch.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation. A combination of ping pong, tennis and badminton, the sport is designed for all ages & skill levels. Play in the USAPA SANCTIONED "Ruidoso Pickelball Championships". This is a skill level event open to ages 12 to 59.
Head to the water for a day of paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, fishing and more. The Dam House at Grindstone Lake is open for boat and bike rentals, fishing equipment, food and drink at Grindstone Lake from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Open daily 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.