Experience history in action at Fort Stanton! Enjoy a 10 a.m. flag-raising, 11 a.m. internment camp tour, and a 1 p.m. chapel talk by ranger Christopher Ardent on Celestial Navigation and the Age of Discovery. Learn how early explorers charted the seas with live demos. Admission: $7 adults; free for kids and eligible groups. Buy Tickets >>

Don't miss this chance to witness the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park under the captivating glow of the moon during your Ruidoso vacation! Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable nocturnal adventure.

Southern California’s renegade folk metal pirates, The Dread Crew of Oddwood, bring their Heavy Mahogany to Jacks Backstage on May 16, 2025, 8-10 pm. Known for their explosive energy and acoustic twist on heavy metal, they deliver tales of sieges, debauchery, and pirate misadventures. With four albums and viral videos like “Sulfur,” this high-energy performance is not to be missed! Grab your tickets now!

Gary Allan brings a distinctly southern soul to his country hits. Since his 1996 debut, the songwriter has charted hit after hit in his multi-platinum career and reached listeners across the globe. Now, he’s bringing your favorite songs like “Her Man,” “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” “Nothing On but the Radio” and “Right Where I Need to Be” to the stage at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Better get your tickets!

Experience Everclear like never before at Jacks Backstage! Secure your Meet & Greet Package on 2/13 for VIP early entry, premium seating, an exclusive pre-show acoustic set, autographs, a tour shirt, and more. This unforgettable night includes a personal photo with the band and priority access to Everclear merch. Don’t miss out—tickets are limited!

Catch the Ruidoso QH Derby Trials on Sunday, May 25, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races, plus special events on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Experience world-class Quarter Horse racing at its finest!

Celebrate Memorial Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with the John Andreini Memorial Stakes QH on Monday, May 26! This prestigious race features three-year-old and up Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $45,000 purse. Part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience elite Quarter Horse racing at its finest!

Catch the Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Trials on Friday, May 30, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling event showcases two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing at one of the Southwest’s premier tracks!

Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Derby Trials on Saturday, May 31, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This high-stakes race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. Part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience the speed and skill of elite Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!

Catch the Jess Burner Stakes NMB QH on Sunday, June 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This prestigious race features four-year-old and up Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for an estimated $50,000 purse ($25,000 NMHBA + $25,000 Purse Account). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Don’t miss this world-class Quarter Horse competition!

Don’t miss the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes QH Trials on Sunday, June 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race features three, four, and five-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing in the heart of Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes QH on Saturday, June 14, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This event features three, four, and five-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $100,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent in this thrilling stakes race!

Experience the Mountain Top NMB QH Derby Finals on Saturday, June 14, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $150,000 purse ($15,000 NMHBA). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness elite Quarter Horse competition in Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Finals RG2 on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This Grade 2 futurity features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $350,000 purse ($15,000 NMHBA). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Juvenile Stakes Finals on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling race features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a guaranteed $50,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent compete in Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the Vista Distaff Stakes NMB QH F&M on Saturday, June 21, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race showcases fillies and mares (three years old and up) sprinting 350 yards for a guaranteed $50,000 purse ($25,000 NMHBA + $25,000 Purse Account). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events.

Experience Flatland Cavalry live at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Event Center on June 28, 2025, for Texas Tech Weekend! The ACM-nominated band, known for their “Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” sound, brings their electrifying country storytelling to the stage. With six #1 Texas Country Radio hits and over 500 million streams, this is a can’t-miss show! Buy Tickets »

Celebrate July 4th with elite Quarter Horse racing at the Zia QH Futurity Trials NMB on Friday, July 4, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race features two-year-old New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent in Ruidoso!

Continue the holiday weekend excitement at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with the Zia QH Derby Trials NMB on Saturday, July 5! This thrilling race features three-year-old New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness top-tier Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!

See 150 drones take flight in a patriotic-themed aerial drone show featuring a 300-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, fireworks, an eagle, and other iconic American images. Meet family and friends for a pre-show tailgate and enjoy FREE family-friendly activities and entertainment starting at 5:00 PM.

Join legendary singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen for an unforgettable night at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Event Center on July 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. A pioneer of the Americana genre, Keen’s career spans three decades, 21 albums, and countless live performances. Known for his authentic storytelling and dynamic stage presence, he continues to inspire fans nationwide. Doors at 6:00 PM. Buy Tickets »

Don’t miss the AQHA Challenge Trials Weekend on July 25-26 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Featuring the John Deere Juvenile, Adequan Derby, and Distaff Challenge Trials, these races showcase top two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and fillies & mares sprinting 350-400 yards for $4,000 purses. Part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), this event is a must-see for Quarter Horse fans!

Celebrate Margarita Fest with Casey Donahew live in concert at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Enjoy handcrafted margaritas, great food, and high-energy Texas Country in a festival atmosphere. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss this one-night-only event! Get your tickets now »

The All American Futurity QH Trials take place on August 8-9 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, where two-year-old Quarter Horses compete over 440 yards for a $10,000 purse in each trial. This two-day event determines qualifiers for the prestigious All American Futurity Finals. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), it’s a must-see for Quarter Horse racing fans!

Exciting News! The Ruidoso Midtown Association is bringing back Brewdoso on August 9 at Wingfield Park! Mark your calendars for craft brews, live music, and a fantastic time in the mountains! Brewdoso.com

Don’t miss the All American Derby QH Trials on Sunday, August 10, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Three-year-old Quarter Horses will race 440 yards for a $10,000 purse in each trial, competing for a spot in the prestigious All American Derby Finals. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday racing and special holiday events. Witness elite Quarter Horse competition in Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the All American Oaks F&M QH Trials on Sunday, August 10, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Three-year-old fillies will compete over 440 yards for a $10,000 purse in each trial, racing for a spot in the All American Oaks Finals. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday racing and special holiday events. Witness elite female Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!

Don’t miss the Bill Reed Memorial Stakes 870 on Saturday, August 30, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Three-year-old and up Quarter Horses will race 870 yards for a guaranteed $50,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday racing and special holiday events. Witness top-tier distance racing in one of the season’s most anticipated events!

Join The Delk Band for a night of timeless dance music at Ruidoso Downs Race Track on August 16, 2025! As one of the longest-running dance bands in New Mexico and Arizona, they bring lively two-steps and soulful waltzes to the stage, creating unforgettable experiences for all ages. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM—don’t miss this evening of great music and dancing! Get your tickets now »

Don't miss a great night of music with Stoney LaRue on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Jacks Backstage.. Buy Tickets >>