Must-Visit Attractions in Ruidoso
Find out what's on in Ruidoso. Explore the non-stop lineup of events, concerts, and festivals in Ruidoso, New Mexico. This is not a comprehensive list of all the incredible Ruidoso experiences, but it’s a start.
Let’s go! We dare you to do them all!
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions & Activities
Grindstone and Alto Lakes
Discover Ruidoso's favorite lakes! Bring a picnic, cast for fish, paddle a boat, cycle, horseback ride, or explore on foot via multi-use trails at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake recreation areas.
Lincoln National Forest
The Village of Ruidoso is home to the Smokey Bear District of Lincoln National Forest and ranges in elevation from 5,400 to 11,580 feet. There are two wilderness areas with year-round outdoor recreation.
Pillow’s Funtrackers
At Funtrackers you'll find fun for all ages at this family-favorite Ruidoso amusement park offering 3 go-kart tracks, 18-hole mini-golf, bumper boats, a maze, and arcade games.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
At Ruidoso Downs you can experience the thrill of the world’s fastest quarter horses racing every weekend during the summer. If you are visiting during the off-season, Billy the Kid Casino keeps you in the action.
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
Named one of the seven finest theaters in the world just after it opened in 1997, the landmark $22-million Spencer Theater For The Performing Arts is one of Ruidoso's finest cultural attractions.
Discover Ruidoso Lodging Collections
From budget adventures and couples getaways to family memories and a warm welcome for pets, use these handpicked accommodation collections curated by us to inspire your next Ruidoso vacation.
Midtown - Main Street Ruidoso
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, wineries, brewpubs and cafes.
Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Summer and Christmastime Only)
The Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show are one of Ruidoso's most popular summer activities, offering great food and excellent family entertainment.
Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Areas
Ruidoso parks, public places, natural areas, and recreational opportunities give life and beauty to our village for residents and visitors. Don’t miss a visit to Wingfield Park conveniently located in the heart of Midtown.
Experience the Thrill of the New Screaming Eagle Roller Coaster
Experience New Mexico's only Mountain Coaster, the Screaming Eagle! With 5100 feet of twists, a 360-degree helix, and speeds up to 25mph, it's a thrill-seeker's dream. Plus, stay safe with its state-of-the-art collision avoidance system.
Discover Top Ruidoso Experiences
The best Ruidoso family vacations begin with carefree moments that last a lifetime and inspire you to return again and again.
From coffeehouses and cheeseburgers, steaks and seafood, to pizza and all the barbecue you can eat, Ruidoso offers a taste of everything for everyone.
With so many entertainment attractions and events—from musical performances and cultural festivals to fun for the whole family—there's never a dull moment in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso offers history buffs a region rich in Native American cultures, famous forts and time-honored traditions along with legendary characters and cowboy folklore.
Immerse yourself in our laid-back village vibe and transform yourself into a new person during your vacation. Whether you book a spa treatment, join a yoga class, or just kick back and enjoy the view, Ruidoso is slow travel perfected.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Festivals.
Don't miss the opportunity to embrace the spirit of giving and create lasting memories at this heartwarming and festive annual fundraiser event for Lincoln County Santa's Helpers. Enjoy musical performances, savor delicious hors d'oeuvres, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Your generous contributions will help make the holiday season brighter for families in need.
Join Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside on November 22, 2024, for an evening of live music featuring Texas guitarist Dave Millsap and folk singer-songwriter Alex Teller. Millsap, known for his Grammy-nominated work with Delbert McClinton, will perform at 5 PM. Teller, bringing his vintage country sound and storytelling lyrics, takes the stage at 7:30 PM. Enjoy a night of blues, folk, and great company!
Calling all beer nerds! Join the fun at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap location on Friday, November 22nd, at 6 PM for "Are You Smarter Than a Beertender?" - Trivia Night! Gather your friends and form teams of up to 4 people for a fun-filled evening. Show up at 6 PM, and the trivia fun will begin at 6:30. Test your knowledge and see if you can outsmart our beertenders!
Algodones Distillery invites whiskey lovers to its shop for the return of the popular “Meet the Distiller” event! Celebrate the launch of larger bottles of Nina Baby Blue Corn Bourbon and Maiz Single Barrel Whiskey. Guests can enjoy tastings, meet the distiller, and enter raffles for exclusive distillery swag. This event is free and open to the public—perfect for whiskey enthusiasts!
Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Colton Amerson at Win Place and Show Bar in Ruidoso on November 23, 2024, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. With a mix of country favorites and classic rock tunes, Colton delivers a lively performance you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends and join the fun!
Catch West Texas’ own Russell Joe Thompson live at Downshift Brewing Co. on November 24! With honky-tonk roots and a 90s grunge twist, Russell’s powerful originals and unforgettable covers bring an evening of raw, poetic storytelling and moody melodies. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show in Ruidoso!
Thanksgiving in Ruidoso is ideal if you’re looking for the perfect mountain town getaway packed with the best of the outdoors, indoors, and everything in between.
The hugely popular pop-up outdoor skating rink is back at Wingfield Park for the 2024-2025 winter season! Opening day is November 29, 2024, with fun for the whole family. Don’t miss it!
Enjoy a night of incredible live music at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside on November 29, 2024! Texas-based guitarist Dave Millsap kicks off at 5 PM with bluesy brilliance, followed by Roswell's own Matt Palmer Band at 7:30 PM, rocking the house with electrifying vocals and guitar. Don’t miss this evening of great tunes and brews! Location: 2704 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM.
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November thru the end of December 2022! BOOK NOW for the following performance dates:
Dave Hamilton's Electric Rock Cello Show is back! Prepare for an electrifying night as Dave Hamilton rocks out with his unique electric cello, performing your favorite classics and new hits. Join the fun for an unforgettable evening of music and energy at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap.
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at Billy’s Cantina with the ultimate party! Join DJ Movado live on Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30, for two nights of incredible music, dancing, and fun. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere at Ruidoso Downs/Billy the Kid Casino. This 21+ event is the perfect way to keep the holiday vibes going.
Party on the Mountain is back at Ski Apache! Join Ski Apache as they kick off the 2024-25 Winter Season with a day of food, fun, and entertainment. Enjoy gondola rides (weather permitting), live music, and more. Plus, don’t miss the last chance to get the best price on your season passes! Learn More »
Put on your running shoes for the 5K Ruidoso Turkey Trot, an annual fun Run-Walk on the Links Trail to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. This is the final race of the Run Ruidoso 2024 season. $20 registration fee via Civic Rec (under the Activities & Programs tab)
Shop local and spend less at this annual holiday event featuring the work of talented local artisans and vendors.
There’s plenty of adventure in the Ruidoso outdoors. Go hiking, biking and horseback riding, zip-lining, alpine skiing, and year-round golf and you have the ultimate outdoor destination.