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.
Nestled within the majestic Sierra Blanca range, Ruidoso bursts into a riot of colors as spring and summer roll around, turning its trails and meadows into vibrant canvases of wildflowers. Eager to immerse yourself in this floral extravaganza? Let this guide be your ticket to the best wildflower sightseeing adventures in Ruidoso.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Don’t miss Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, a floating, inflatable platform perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Open in summer only (Memorial Day to Labor Day Monday). Check the Parks and Recreation Facebook page for any weather-related announcements or changes in hours.
Don't have a travel partner? No problem. Ruidoso is an ideal destination for travelers exploring alone. Enjoy solitary hiking, mountain biking, or paddling in summer. Ski and snowboard in winter. Ruidoso is a laid-back village with a friendly mountain town vibe, making it easy to socialize and find your way around. Visitors will find plenty of year-round solitary activities.
Ruidoso’s social calendar is packed with music festivals, outdoor concerts, art fests, running races, and more all summer. Don’t miss a beat with this handy guide that covers the best Ruidoso festivals and annual events happening each month. Start making your travel plans now.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Ruidoso. Get ready to immerse yourself in stunning mountain scenery, encounter wildlife, and enjoy the cool high-altitude climate. Ruidoso is a great place to escape the heat and have some fun in the mountains. Here are some of the top summer outdoor activities in Ruidoso.
While much of the country is sweltering in the 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.
Test out your skills by throwing an axe around in Ruidoso. Rally up your friends for the latest fun in Midtown: Axe Throwing at the Win Place & Show patio. Guided and family-friendly. Friday - Sunday, Noon to 5 pm, 1 hr/$30. Reserve a lane today >>
Trade the mundane for the extraordinary as your workspace transforms into a haven of tranquility against the stunning Ruidoso mountains. Let the mountain air inspire a year of productivity and rejuvenation, turning work into a seamless blend of professional pursuits and natural wonders. Fortunately, plenty of accommodation options and open outdoor space make Ruidoso a perfect choice for your next remote work destination.
Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm to provide locally made products at Country Club Lot (100 Country Club Drive) in Midtown Ruidoso.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
DON'T MISS THESE POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS
Ruidoso locals, Doso Dirtbag's high-energy show comprises a killer mix of mountain country/punk/blues and Irish music. Come join them as they perform live at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Experience an unforgettable evening of live music at Downshift Brewing Company as Downshift Brewing Company Riverside presents a lineup featuring Ruidoso's own Tyler Jones followed by the nationally touring Urban Folk sensation, Ceekay Jones! Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical experience!
Delve into the intricacies of severe weather spotting alongside seasoned experts in collaboration with CoRAHS on May 2, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ruidoso Convention Center. This enriching opportunity is free of charge and open to all, with no registration required. Embrace the chance to deepen your understanding and appreciation of nature's awe-inspiring forces.
Experience the talents of local students through various mediums such as artwork, acting, film, and creative writing. Plus, enjoy a performance by the community choir. This free event offers food and promises an inspiring evening at ENMU-Ruidoso.
Experience the ultimate blend of charity and creativity at Tighty Whitey Charity Day! Local charities compete for the best themed booth while you enjoy live music and heartwarming Puppy Yoga sessions. Bring your friends and family for a day of laughter, music, and goodwill, all in support of charity.
Noisy Water Winery (The Cellar Uncorked) is hosting a Mother's Day Paint and Sip Event on May 10th, offering 2.5 hours of creativity, laughter, and bonding. Enjoy painting, sipping on select wines, and celebrating mothers. $40. Tickets include all materials and a complimentary glass of wine. Register Today >>
Beat the heat and find yourself riding the shaded pines of the Sacramento mountains for 4-days of riding, food and music. Learn more at MotorcycleRally.com
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 day. 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. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.
Join the celebration of the 70th anniversary of this Hondo Valley tradition. Enjoy an evening filled with outstanding performances from preschool to 12th grade, featuring dancers in colorful costumes performing Spanish, Mexican, and New Mexican dances from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Don't miss out on the enchilada dinner at the school from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Get ready to rock at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside, where Doso Dirtbags Live at 7:00 PM. Their unique blend of mountain country, punk, blues, and Irish music guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend with the top two-and-three-year-old quarter horses in the world competing in the Ruidoso Futurity/Derby Trials and the $45K John Andreini Memorial Stakes. Book your tickets today!
"Under a Mountain Sky" is a FREE summer outdoor music series sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso. Join us at Wingfield Park on May 24 from 6-8 PM for live music by Hannah Owens. Bring your friends and family for a delightful evening. Don't miss out! Immerse yourself in music and community under the wide open skies of Ruidoso!
Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, opens for the summer season on May 25, 2024. 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, in the heart of Ruidoso.
Experience the ultimate evening of tequila tastings, specialty margaritas, and delicious food alongside live entertainment by Stoney Larue! Tickets are on sale on April 4th at RaceRuidoso.com. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night! Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com
Experience soulful blues and country music with Erica Hamilton and Hannah Owens at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap on May 25, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Don't miss this captivating performance by two talented musicians.
He's back! A can't-miss experience, SPiVEY is like nothing you've heard before. Catch him at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Enjoy a day of gallery hopping in Ruidoso's Midtown shopping district with this recommended art itinerary.