Can't-Miss Festivals & Events In Ruidoso

Whether you’re in the mood for beer and barbecue, live music, or the opportunity to discover new art and artists, these annual Ruidoso events are worth traveling for.

Pack your bags and add these upcoming Ruidoso festivals and events to your calendar.

Featured
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 8
Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Convention Center

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

Ruidoso Convention Center
Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso
Nov 28
Thanksgiving Weekend 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.

Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Nov 29
Wingfield Park
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Wingfield Park

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!

Wingfield Park
Opening Weekend: Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)
Nov 29
Flying J Ranch
Opening Weekend: Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)
Flying J Ranch

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:

Flying J Ranch
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
Nov 30
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)

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)

White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
Christmas In The Park
Dec 5
Wingfield Park
Christmas In The Park
Wingfield Park

Kick off the Christmas season while viewing the beautiful Christmas lights put up by the Parks and Recreation Department at Wingfield Park on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM. There will be pictures with Santa, cookies, Christmas carols, and much more.

Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 7
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

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. After Party to follow the Parade at Wingfield Park.

New Year's Eve in Ruidoso
Dec 31
New Year's Eve in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. Wine, dine and dance the night away with a New Year's Eve celebration. Check out our summary of Ruidoso New Year events with options for every budget.

Check out these past events to help you plan for next year!

Featured
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 30
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll

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!

Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 5
Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate Autumn in Ruidoso at AspenFest. The weekend celebration is on Saturday, October 5, 2024, with a 10:00 AM parade through Midtown, immediately followed by fun, food, music, and drinks at Wingfield Park. Don't miss Ruidoso's favorite fall festival!

Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 28
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Raise a stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside in beautiful Midtown Ruidoso, New Mexico. Look forward to a day of Oktoberfest celebrations and the Collective Good beer initiative, which will raise funds for those affected by the Salt/South Fork Fires and floods. Beer, German Food and lots of fun for the whole family. Entertainment all day outside on the main stage and inside on the Riverside live stage! BUY TICKETS >>

Fort Stanton LIVE [RESCHEDULED]
Sep 28
Fort Stanton LIVE [RESCHEDULED]

Experience history at Fort Stanton's annual event on September 28, featuring Civil War and Indian War re-enactors, demonstrations, live music, and vendors. Enjoy performances by Mescalero Apache dancers and Indian tacos and explore new exhibits in the Nurse's Quarters. Kids can enjoy themed activities, and a blood drive honors the nurses who served. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free entry is available for qualifying groups. Buy Tickets >>

Ruidoso Kite Festival
Sep 21
Ruidoso Kite Festival

Build and fly your own kite, food & drinks, and kite demonstrations at the White Mountain Sports Complex on September 21-22, 2024. Spend a 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.

Motor Mountain Weekend
Sep 20
Motor Mountain Weekend

Get ready for a high-octane weekend packed with motorsports excitement! Tackle thrilling off-road trails, enjoy scenic motorcycle rides, and unwind with live entertainment every afternoon and evening. Whether you're an expert rider or a beginner, this event promises roaring engines, flying dust, and unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this ultimate motorsports adventure!

Cruise to the Pines C10 Truck Show at Wingfield Park
Sep 7
Cruise to the Pines C10 Truck Show at Wingfield Park

Whether you're a die-hard truck enthusiast, a music lover, a foodie, or just someone seeking an unforgettable experience, the C10 TRUCK SHOW has something for everyone. Don't miss out. Get ready to rev up your engines and roll into the most exciting truck event of the year! This is a free event.

All American Futurity: The World's Richest Quarter Horse Race - [LIVE RACING RELOCATED TO THE DOWNS IN ABQ]
Sep 2
All American Futurity: The World's Richest Quarter Horse Race - [LIVE RACING RELOCATED TO THE DOWNS IN ABQ]

ALERT! Ruidoso Downs has relocated the remainder of the 2024 summer meet to The Downs at Albuquerque. This includes major races like the All American Derby and $3 million All American Futurity. Devastating wildfires in June, compounded by recent flash floods, have severely impacted the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, necessitating the move to ensure safety and continuity. Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com

Run, White and Blue 5K Color Fun Run - [RESCHEDULED]
Aug 31
Run, White and Blue 5K Color Fun Run - [RESCHEDULED]

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Ruidoso with a vibrant 5K paint race on August 31, 2024! Enjoy Color Splash stations as you walk or run the scenic Links Trail. Registration is $20, with packet pickup at the Kids Connection Pavilion from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and is the fifth race in the Run Ruidoso 2024 series. Register today with Ruidoso Parks and Recreation under the Activities & Programs tab!

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 24
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)

Join the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs at Wingfield Park on August 24, 2024. Celebrate the 10th anniversary with a Half Marathon Heavy (13.8 miles), 8.5 miles, and 4 miles. Events start at 7:00 AM. Proceeds benefit All-Season Adaptive Sports. Top finishers qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Enjoy commemorative swag, cake, and a post-race party. Register now!

New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake
Aug 23
New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake

Come out to watch the longest-running tournament in the state of New Mexico and one of the top-rated courses in the state at the 35th New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships, a PDGA Sanctioned B-tier event, at Grindstone Park on August 23-25, 2024. Online registration closes on August 4th, 2024 at 6:01 PM.

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park - [CANCELED]
Aug 17
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park - [CANCELED]

Brewdoso 2024 Canceled: We regret to announce that Brewdoso 2024 has been canceled. For more information, visit Ruidoso Midtown Association. We appreciate your understanding and support.

White Oaks Miner's Day
Aug 17
White Oaks Miner's Day

The town of White Oaks celebrates its Wild West past with a parade at 10 AM, a play at the schoolhouse, gold panning, a chuckwagon demonstration, food, and vendors. Music from noon to 4:00 pm at the No Scum Allowed Saloon, then again from 6:00- 11:00 pm.

Alto Artists Tour
Aug 2
Alto Artists Tour

This free, self-guided annual tour offers you the chance to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community. The public is invited to visit private studios and homes throughout Alto to interact with local professional artists.

Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Aug 2
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days

This annual folk pageant with re-enactors portraying Billy the Kid's last escape and the notorious Lincoln County War is a regional favorite with food vendors, live music, food, arts & crafts, and a parade. Don’t miss it!

53rd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 26
53rd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival

Art lovers from around the southwest make an annual trip to Ruidoso for this juried fine arts show that features over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists, showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums, showcasing collectible art and jewelry.

Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run
Jul 19
Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run

Come join us and elevate your running with this challenging race event, the fourth of six Run Ruidoso 2024 series races. Register online today!

Red, White and Brews at Ruidoso Downs Race Track - CANCELED
Jul 6
Red, White and Brews at Ruidoso Downs Race Track - CANCELED

Due to regional wildfires, this event has been canceled.

29th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 5
29th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Throughout Lincoln County artists will open their studios, demonstrate their craft and discuss their creative process creating much more than simply a vibrant art market.

Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods - CANCELED
Jul 4
Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods - CANCELED

Due to regional wildfires, the Fourth of July celebration has been canceled.

Smokey Bear Stampede
Jul 3
Smokey Bear Stampede

Eight rodeos in four days! The nation’s largest open rodeo weekend includes four nightly rodeos, a two-day ranch rodeo, a youth ranch rodeo, a kid’s rough stock rodeo, a cook-off, kids’ events, and nightly dances. On July 4th, enjoy a full day of Independence celebration with a campfire Dutch oven competition, mutton bustin’, steer riding, evening rodeo, live music, and dance. You don’t want to miss this annual 4th of July celebration! smokeybearstampede.com

Bourbon Fest at Ruidoso Downs Race Track - POSTPONED
Jun 22
Bourbon Fest at Ruidoso Downs Race Track - POSTPONED

Alert: Event Closures Due to South Fork and Salt Fire Evacuations

Dear friends and visitors,

In light of the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fire evacuations, we must regrettably cancel all events scheduled for this week in Ruidoso. Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities.

We truly appreciate your understanding and patience during this challenging time. Stay tuned for updates and new dates for our events. We can't wait to welcome you back and share our beautiful town with you again as soon as possible.

Stay safe and take care. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party
Jun 15
Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party

A plated lobster tail and filet mignon dinner with generous pours of fine wines takes top billing at the 2024 “Taste of the Spencer” Party & Fundraiser on Saturday, June 15th at 6 p.m. Everyone’s invited to this night of tasteful fun in which all Spencer Theater patrons play a part. Your support is paramount! BUY TICKETS >>

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center
Jun 14
Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center

Join Tattoo artists from all over the country for three days filled with tattoos, live performances, contests, and more. Get tattooed by amazing artists nationwide, browse vendor booths for unique items, and enjoy watching art in action. Learn more at ruidosotattooexpo.com

6th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race
Jun 1
6th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race

Catch the Parade through Midtown beginning at 9:00 am Saturday. Then watch as the teams race their beds back to Wingfield Park for food, fun, and games for all ages. Following the race, there will be activities at the park! All proceeds benefit the High Mountain Youth Project.

Tequila and Margarita Festival Plus Stone Larue in Concert at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 25
Tequila and Margarita Festival Plus Stone Larue in Concert at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

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

Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake
May 25
Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake

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.

Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 24
Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

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!

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 17
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park

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.

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
May 16
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center

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

 
Entertainment experiences, Things to do in Ruidoso, Events & FestivalsEllen BaroneAttractions & Activities, festivals & events, art festivals, Things to do in Ruidoso., Things to do with friends