Summer Trip Ideas

We’ve compiled our summer vacation ideas—all our top attractions, best food, cultural happenings, most memorable activities – and popular summer events are worth traveling for. Meet the locals, find the best deals from our partners, and learn how to get here, get around, and find accommodations.

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Tee off in Ruidoso
Tee off in Ruidoso

Cool temperatures. Unbelievable scenery. This is the Ruidoso golf experience. With four spectacular Ruidoso area golf courses, each course is situated against breathtaking backdrops with its own personality and landscape. Discover which one is best for you.

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Slow Travel in Ruidoso
Slow Travel in Ruidoso

Do less—experience more. Slow travel in Ruidoso isn’t only on-trend for 2025 but also a nostalgic tribute to the generations who traveled to our mountain village to kick back in the cool pines and savor a local lifestyle. Explore Ruidoso at your own pace and on your own terms with these ideas for a slower and more meaningful relationship with Ruidoso.

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Ruidoso Coffeehouses Not To Miss
Ruidoso Coffeehouses Not To Miss

While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up. 

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Cozy Ruidoso Breakfast Places
Cozy Ruidoso Breakfast Places

From patios to fireplaces and cozy corners to curl up and chat, here are some delicious Ruidoso breakfast spots for the most important meal of the day.

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Win Place and Show Axe Throwing
Win Place and Show Axe Throwing

Test out your skills by throwing an axe around in Ruidoso. Rally up your friends for the latest fun in Midtown: Axe Throwing at the Win Place & Show patio. Guided and family-friendly. Friday - Sunday, Noon to 5 pm, 1 hr/$30. Reserve a lane today >>

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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.

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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

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Thrills Await on the Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso!
Thrills Await on the Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso!

Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!

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Midtown Market (Seasonal, June - October)
Midtown Market (Seasonal, June - October)

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm to provide locally made products at Country Club Park (100 Country Club Drive) in Midtown Ruidoso.

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Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing [2024 LIVE RACING RELOCATED TO THE DOWNS IN ABQ]
Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing [2024 LIVE RACING RELOCATED TO THE DOWNS IN ABQ]

Experience the thrill of horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, home to the world's fastest quarter horses racing every summer weekend. If you visit during the off-season, head to The Racebook for a fun atmosphere with great food, drinks, and simulcast racing from across the U.S. Enjoy live racing from Memorial Day to Labor Day and year-round simulcast events.

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Summer Activities at Ski Apache
Summer Activities at Ski Apache

Ski Apache is known for its beautiful warm weather skiing and snowboarding as the nation’s southern-most continually operating resort, but there is plenty of summer excitement too. Here is what travelers can look forward to this summer.

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How to Camp and Recreate Safely During Wildfire Season
How to Camp and Recreate Safely During Wildfire Season

Do your part to keep Ruidoso safe by keeping these wildfire prevention tips in mind before you leave home as well as on the trail to make for an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience in Ruidoso.

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DON'T MISS THESE POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS

Featured
Ceekay Jones and Tyler Jones live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Feb 26
Ceekay Jones and Tyler Jones live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Experience an unforgettable evening of live music at Downshift Brewing Company as Downshift Brewing Company Riverside presents a lineup featuring Ruidoso's own Tyler Jones followed by the nationally touring Urban Folk sensation, Ceekay Jones! Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical experience!

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally 2025 at Ruidoso Convention Center [CANCELED]
May 15
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally 2025 at Ruidoso Convention Center [CANCELED]

The event hosts have informed us that the 2025 AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at the Ruidoso Convention Center has been canceled. For more details or questions, please contact the hosting organization directly at motorcyclerally.com/contact-us.

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 16
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 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.

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center
Jun 13
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

Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run
Jul 18
Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run

Join us for the 6th Annual Ruidoso Marathon Weekend! Featuring the Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky’s Deli 5K Bun Run, Kids 1K Mini Bun Run, and the State-Forty-Seven Road 47K/50K—New Mexico’s only road 50K. Race through Ruidoso’s scenic, high-elevation terrain. Elevate your running with this challenging race event, the fourth of six Run Ruidoso 2025 series races. Register online today!

54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 25
54th 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.

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

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.