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Cool mountain mornings. Sunny afternoons. A new season to explore.
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.
NOW FLYING NONSTOP TO RUIDOSO
New Contour Airlines service connects Denver and Ruidoso, making it easier than ever to reach the mountains.
TASTE THE SEASON
Harvest flavors, local wine, craft beer and mountain-town gatherings.
IDEAS & INSPIRATION
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Fly nonstop from Denver to Ruidoso and make New Mexico’s mountain village your home base for a southern New Mexico getaway. Enjoy Ruidoso’s outdoor adventures, dining, shopping and entertainment, then explore White Sands National Park, Roswell, Valley of Fires and other regional attractions before returning to the mountains.
Plan your Halloween weekend in Ruidoso with trick-or-treating, pumpkin activities, live entertainment, historic tours, family-friendly fun, and seasonal events throughout the area.
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.
Discover Ruidoso's vibrant autumn with our fall foliage guide. Explore top spots like Alto Lake, Grindstone Lake, Lincoln National Forest, and Ski Run Road. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more amidst stunning fall colors. Visit during peak season from mid-September to late October, and don't miss local events like AspenFest and Oktoberfest.
Celebrate fall at Ruidoso AspenFest on October 3, 2026, with the annual Midtown parade, live music, food, New Mexico wine and craft beer, and family-friendly fun at Wingfield Park. This favorite fall tradition pairs perfectly with crisp mountain weather, changing aspens, scenic drives, trails, and a weekend getaway in Ruidoso.
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.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track has announced that its Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series, including the All American Futurity, along with the All American Super Select Sale and Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame activities, will move to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, beginning in 2027.
Looking for a massage in Ruidoso? From therapeutic and deep-tissue massage to hot stone treatments, couples massage, spa packages, and restorative bodywork, Ruidoso offers options for relaxing after a day on the trails, recovering from outdoor adventures, or simply slowing down during your mountain getaway. Explore local massage therapists, day spas, and resort spa experiences in Ruidoso and nearby Alto and Mescalero.
Plan an OHV adventure in Ruidoso with guidance for riding responsibly on Village streets and designated routes in Lincoln National Forest. Learn where different rules apply, find official Village, state and Forest Service resources, explore local OHV experiences, and follow best practices that help protect Ruidoso’s mountain landscapes.
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.
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.
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.
UPCOMING FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS
Celebrate the Seasons: Ruidoso's Must-Attend Festivals & Events
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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 »
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.
Looking for a feel-good way to spend an afternoon in Ruidoso? Join the Toss No Mas Cleanup on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, 1–3 p.m. at Wingfield Park. Lend a hand, meet locals, and enjoy the fresh mountain air while helping keep the village beautiful. Volunteers get free food, prize giveaways, and all supplies provided—just bring your smile! Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.
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.
Shop for the holidays at the 39th Annual Christmas Jubilee, November 13–15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy three days of shopping plus family activities Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5; children 12 and under and active military are free with ID. 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.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
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.