Attractions & Entertainment
 

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

Featured
Free Things To Do This Winter In Ruidoso
Free Things To Do This Winter In Ruidoso

Snuggle in front of a fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Stargaze. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget. 

See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time

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.

On Tap: Ruidoso Brewpubs & Wine Bars
On Tap: Ruidoso Brewpubs & Wine Bars

Quench your thirst for New Mexico craft beers and wines at these local hangouts

Why A Ruidoso Mountain Escape Should Be Your Next Vacation
Why A Ruidoso Mountain Escape Should Be Your Next Vacation

From dazzling night skies to snow-capped peaks and evergreen forests, here are five reasons to make a Ruidoso mountain vacation your next adventure.


Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans
Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans

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.

Eat. Drink. Play. Get your game on at the Ruidoso Bowling Center.
Eat. Drink. Play. Get your game on at the Ruidoso Bowling Center.

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.

Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite
Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

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.

Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes
Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

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. 

Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know
Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know

Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.

Join the Zero Waste Trend: 10 favorite places to second-hand shop in Ruidoso.
Join the Zero Waste Trend: 10 favorite places to second-hand shop in 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.

An Insider’s Guide to Midtown Ruidoso
An Insider’s Guide to Midtown 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, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.

Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso
Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso

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.

Discover Ruidoso's Public Art Murals
Discover Ruidoso's Public Art Murals

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.

Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies
Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies

Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.

Go off-road and explore with Backcountry Attitudes on an OHV adventure tour.
Go off-road and explore with Backcountry Attitudes on an OHV adventure tour.

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.

RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso
RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso

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.

Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions
Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions

To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.

Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache
Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache

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

Featured
4th Annual Festival of Trees Auction
Nov 21
4th Annual Festival of Trees Auction

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.

Dave Millsap and Alex Teller live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Nov 22
Dave Millsap and Alex Teller live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

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!

Are You Smarter Than a Beertender? Brewery Trivia at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap
Nov 22
Are You Smarter Than a Beertender? Brewery Trivia at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap

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!

Meet the Distiller at The Perfect Gift with Algodones Distillery
Nov 23
Meet the Distiller at The Perfect Gift with Algodones Distillery

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!

Colton Amerson at Win Place and Show Bar
Nov 23
Colton Amerson at Win Place and Show Bar

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!

Russell Thompson live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Nov 24
Russell Thompson live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

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

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!

Dave Millsap and Matt Palmer live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Nov 29
Dave Millsap and Matt Palmer live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

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.

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

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:

 
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