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Cool mountain mornings. Sunny afternoons. A new season to explore.
RUIDOSO RUNFEST
September 18 - 19, 2026
Ruidoso RunFest returns with mountain races, live music, local food, and a weekend of high-altitude fun.
RUIDOSO ASPENFEST
October 3, 2026
AspenFest is kicked off with a 10:00 AM parade through Midtown, immediately followed by fun, food, music, and drinks at Wingfield Park.
XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
October 8–11, 2026
World-class off-road racing comes to Ruidoso with mountain trails, high-altitude competition, and four days of championship excitement.
TASTE THE SEASON
Harvest flavors, local wine, craft beer and mountain-town gatherings.
IDEAS & INSPIRATION
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Make the most of Labor Day Weekend in Ruidoso with live music, local markets, community events, mountain adventures, shopping, dining, and more. Explore what’s happening around town and start planning a long weekend in the cool mountain air of the Sierra Blanca.
There’s something about Ruidoso that keeps people coming back. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso offers cool mountain air, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure, locally owned shops, great dining, live music, and year-round experiences. Discover why generations of visitors have made Ruidoso their favorite mountain escape.
Experience XTERRA beyond race day in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discover championship trails, mountain scenery, local dining, outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and unforgettable experiences throughout Lincoln County. Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines, or planning a mountain getaway, DiscoverRuidoso is your guide to making the most of championship week.
Flying to Ruidoso has never been easier. New nonstop Contour Airlines service connects Denver International Airport with Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (RUI), bringing visitors just minutes from Midtown, Ski Apache, hiking trails, lodging, and year-round events. Learn about flights, airport information, ground transportation, and planning your mountain getaway.
Experience autumn in Ruidoso, where golden aspens, crisp mountain air, scenic drives, hiking trails, local festivals, and cozy restaurants create the perfect mountain getaway. Discover the best places to see fall color, enjoy outdoor adventures, explore Midtown, and plan an unforgettable fall escape in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico.
Explore OHV riding in Lincoln National Forest near Ruidoso, with miles of designated routes for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and highway-legal vehicles. Learn where to ride, how to access Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM), and why staying on designated routes is essential to protecting natural resources and keeping trails open.
Cool Summer Nights launches in Ruidoso for summer 2026 with FREE Friday night concerts at Wingfield Park from May 29 through August 28. Formerly Under a Mountain Sky, the newly branded summer music series features live outdoor performances from 6–8 p.m. alongside cool mountain evenings, Midtown energy, and a lineup of local and regional artists.
Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, a beautifully restored 1920s home. Once a family residence and business hub, it now features curated exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, and the town’s evolution. Explore preserved rooms, uncover local traditions, and connect with the stories that shaped Ruidoso’s past and present.
Cedar Creek Trails in Ruidoso offers multi-use hiking, biking, and equestrian trails within Lincoln National Forest. Temporary monsoon-related safety closures are currently in effect for portions of the Cedar Creek trail system and recreation area due to hazardous flooding risks following wildfire impacts. Visitors should check official Lincoln National Forest alerts before visiting.
Ruidoso has been recognized by WorldAtlas as one of New Mexico’s best places to retire. The article highlights the village’s mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, welcoming community, and year-round lifestyle, reinforcing Ruidoso’s reputation as a destination where residents can enjoy both adventure and tranquility.
Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.
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 a trip to Ruidoso? Review current fire restrictions, wildfire safety tips, campfire regulations, air quality resources, and emergency information before exploring the area. Learn how visitors can help reduce wildfire risk while safely enjoying Ruidoso’s forests, trails, campgrounds, and mountain communities during wildfire season.
Ruidoso has been named the #1 Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—marking its second consecutive win (2025 and 2026). The honor celebrates the village’s vibrant arts, music, heritage, and community spirit that continue to draw visitors year after year.
UPCOMING FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS
Celebrate the Seasons: Ruidoso's Must-Attend Festivals & Events
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Build and fly your own kite, food & drinks, and kite demonstrations at the White Mountain Sports Complex. Spend the weekend with family and friends. See the kites fly, see them swirl, and see them do acrobatics in the sky. A perfect way to kick off fall with outdoor fun in a park setting. FREE to attend! Fun for all ages.
Experience the thrill of the National Championship Air Races, just a short drive from Ruidoso, at the Roswell International Air Center from September 16-20, 2026! Witness aircraft racing at over 500 mph, enjoy aerobatic shows, and explore interactive exhibits. Whether it is a day trip or a weekend getaway, don’t miss this unique high-speed adventure right next door! Visit https://airrace.org/ for tickets and details.
Ruidoso RunFest returns September 18–19, 2026, bringing runners and visitors together for a weekend of mountain racing and community celebration. Friday features the Pizza Hut 5K and Kids’ 1K at Wingfield Park, while Saturday’s 47K/50K, marathon, and half marathon begin and finish at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water. Enjoy live music, food trucks, a Downshift Brewing beer garden, and family-friendly festivities throughout the weekend. Registration + Details >>
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Midtown Ruidoso with Downshift Brewing Company on September 26. Enjoy German food, craft beer, live music, stein hoisting, contests, family activities, and entertainment on multiple stages. Choose from General Admission, Designated Driver, or VIP tickets for a full day of festive fun. BUY TICKETS »
Celebrate fall at Ruidoso AspenFest on October 3, 2026, featuring the Midtown Parade at 10 AM with the theme “Harvesting Adventure,” followed by the Wingfield Park Festival from 11 AM–6 PM. Enjoy live music, New Mexico wine and craft beer, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Admission is $10, $25 with wine and beer tasting, and free for kids 12 and under.
Ruidoso hosts the 2026 XTERRA World Championship, October 8–11, celebrating XTERRA’s 30th anniversary and its return to the United States. Watch world-class athletes swim Grindstone Lake, mountain bike rugged forest trails, and compete at nearly 7,000 feet—then explore Ruidoso’s dining, outdoor recreation, events, and welcoming mountain community.
Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there! Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration from 3–6:30 PM along Sudderth Drive—closed to traffic for a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience.
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.
Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com
Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere!
Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.
Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.
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.
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.