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.
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions
Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.
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.
Even with rising travel costs, people are raring to go and eager to splurge on dining out, mementos, nicer accommodations, and longer stays. Chances are you’re feeling it too. We’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons to put Ruidoso in your 2023 summer travel plans.
With 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, a restaurant, and a lounge for parties and events, the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a fun, year-round, family-friendly entertainment destination where everybody gets to play.
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.
Buying used goods is cooler than ever, and Ruidoso retailers are right on-trend. Discover all manner of recycled and repurposed goods at these Ruidoso vintage shops and pre-owned retailers.
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, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Midtown is more colorful than ever. Grab a selfie in front of Ruidoso’s Instagrammable public murals brought to you by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association.
Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.
Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Entertainment
Join Phil Hamilton for his weekly “Gringo Loco” Thursday residency at Casa Blanca Cantina. Enjoy an evening of live music and great vibes in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Free admission. Don’t miss this chance to kick back, relax, and let Phil Hamilton’s tunes set the tone for a fantastic Thursday night!
Test your knowledge at Thirstday Night Trivia at Lost Hiker Brewing in Ruidoso! Join the fun from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Midtown Taproom. Bring a team or join one on the spot for a lively battle of wits. Enjoy $10 growler fills of local brews and bring your own food to snack on. Trivia runs every Thursday—don’t miss out!
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Chris Baker is back at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside on March 28, 2025, from 6-9 PM. This Las Cruces native is a singer-songwriter of the best variety. With covers and originals enhanced by his signature loops, his shows are always a can't miss!
Calling all beer nerds! Join the fun at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap location on Friday, October 25, 2025, 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!
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun night out, Win, Place and Show bar promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music and dancing. Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Don't miss your chance to step back in time and experience the Old West as it comes alive at "Lincoln After Dark.” Witness history after hours, where the legends of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War await to share their stories with those brave enough to listen. Enjoy an evening of adventure, history, and intrigue in the heart of New Mexico's most legendary town. Buy Tickets >>
Chris Baker is back at Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap on March 29, 2025, from 6-9 PM. This Las Cruces native is a singer-songwriter of the best variety. With covers and originals enhanced by his signature loops, his shows are always a can't miss!
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.