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.

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AspenCash Motorcycle Rally 2025 at Casino Apache Travel Center
May 15
Casino Apache Travel Center
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally 2025 at Casino Apache Travel Center
Casino Apache Travel Center

Ride into Ruidoso on May 15 for an unforgettable motorcycle experience. Enjoy cool mountain air, scenic byways, and winding roads that draw riders from across the country. Connect with fellow enthusiasts, explore local shops and restaurants, and discover why the AspenCash rally is a top destination for two-wheel adventures in the Southwest.

Casino Apache Travel Center
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 16
Wingfield Park
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
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 weekend. 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.

Wingfield Park
OPENING WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 23
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
OPENING WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino

Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, home to the World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race, the All-American Futurity. Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend. Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com

Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 12
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience Rainbow Weekend on July 12-13 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $2.3 million in purse money. The Rainbow QH Derby, Oaks, and Invitational Stakes showcase top three-year-olds on Saturday, while Sunday’s Futurity and Juvenile Stakes highlight elite two-year-olds. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 19
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience the Zia Festival Weekend on July 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, showcasing New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses with over $700,000 in purse money. Featured races include the Zia QH Derby, Futurity, Stakes, 870 Championship, and Juvenile Finals, with distances from 400 to 870 yards. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 25
Ruidoso Convention Center
54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Ruidoso Convention Center

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 Convention Center
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Aug 1
Historic Lincoln
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Historic Lincoln

The 2025 Billy the Kid Pageant brings history to life in Lincoln, NM, with performances on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. This folk play, first staged in 1940, reenacts key moments of the Lincoln County War, including Billy the Kid’s daring escape. Featuring local volunteer actors, many of whom are descendants of past participants, the event offers an authentic Old West experience. Tickets are available only at the gate.

Historic Lincoln
Alto Artists Tour
Aug 1
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. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Aug 9
Wingfield Park
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

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

Wingfield Park
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
Aug 15
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure

Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso from August 15-17, 2025! Set against the breathtaking Grindstone Lake, this event features full and sprint triathlons, a scenic 10K trail run, and a kids’ race—all designed for athletes and outdoor lovers alike. This event welcomes athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to the lush trails of Grindstone Lake, promising adventure for all.

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 23
Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Wingfield Park

Join the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs at Wingfield Park on August 23, 2025. Celebrate the 11th 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!

Wingfield Park
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Aug 31
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience All American Quarter Horse Championship Weekend on August 31 & September 1 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $4.75 million in purses! The All American Futurity G1 ($3M), Derby G1 ($700K), Oaks G1 ($500K), and Gold Cup G1 ($250K) highlight two days of elite Quarter Horse racing. Don’t miss the grand finale of the 2025 racing season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show
Sep 19
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Join the Rusty Balls C10 Club NM Car and Truck Show on September 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, featuring special guest Steve Darnell from Vegas Rat Rods. The weekend kicks off with a Friday night pre-party at Jack’s Backstage, followed by Saturday’s car show with multiple award categories. After the show, enjoy a free after-party at Rusty Balls Speed Shop with food, music, and giveaways! 

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 27
Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Raise a stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest! Celebrate at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside with beer, German food, and family fun. Enjoy live entertainment, including Fungi Mungle and Die Polka Schlingels. Enter contests for best dressed, stein hoisting, and the chicken dance. Tickets start at $10, and VIP passes include tokens, swag, and exclusive perks. This is a rain-or-shine event! BUY TICKETS »

Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Oct 12
Ruidoso Convention Center
New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Convention Center

Get ready for an exhilarating off-road adventure at the NM 4x4 Rally on October 12, 2025, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Explore Lincoln County's top trail systems and discover amazing vendors and specialty vehicles. All street-legal off-road vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to Jeeps and side-by-sides, are welcome. This family-friendly event promises non-stop excitement for all. Don't miss out—buy tickets now! nm4x4rally.com/

Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 7
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
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
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.

 
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