Ruidoso News | Things to Do

Visiting Ruidoso During the Pandemic

Breck Lindsey 03/24/2021

**Updated April 7, 2021** New Mexico counties adopted a modified red-to-turquoise tiered system to address COVID-19 under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's latest response plan. Lincoln County is now under Turquoise Level restrictions.

Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing Season Opens Memorial Day Weekend

Breck Lindsey 03/19/2021

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – March 19, 2021 – Ruidoso Downs Race Track kicks off its summer racing season over Memorial Day Weekend when live racing begins on Friday, May 28. The 2021 season spans 15 weeks for a total of 47 days…

Billy the Kid Casino Reopening March 22nd

Breck Lindsey 03/12/2021

Let the games begin! Billy the Kid Casino at Ruidoso Downs is officially reopening their doors to the public this month on Monday, March 22nd. After a year of being closed due to state mandates and the pandemic, the casino will again…

NM State Parks Again Welcoming Visitors

Breck Lindsey 03/09/2021

Pictured above: Bottomless Lakes State Park from the New Mexico State Parks website After a long year of back and forth, New Mexico state parks are again open to visitors, leaving outdoor enthusiasts sighing in relief. Camping is by reservation only and…

50 Years of the Ruidoso Art Festival

Breck Lindsey 02/11/2021

Escape to the mountains for a getaway filled with art and inspiration this summer. *Scheduled for July 30 – August 1, the 2021 Ruidoso Art Festival will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Every year the event draws more than 5,000…

Prepare for a Winter Vacation in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 01/14/2021

Ruidoso has an excellent lineup of winter activities for everyone to enjoy. Since it plays host to a variety of winter temps, ranging from mild and sunny to cold and snowy, it’s important to plan ahead. The weather can vary between town…

Ruidoso Included as One of New Mexico’s Best Places to Visit

Breck Lindsey 01/04/2021

We know Ruidoso has a lot of wonderful restaurants, shops, and activities to offer guests year round, but it’s always great to be recognized for it! In December, Thrillist, a website dedicated to the best food, drink, travel, and entertainment news, posted…

Drive-Thru Light Show

Breck Lindsey 12/14/2020

Ruidoso Parks & Rec is spreading holiday cheer with a COVID-safe laser and light show for Lincoln County residents! Hosted at White Mountain Recreational Complex, this drive-thru display will be held on Friday and Saturday, December 18th and 19th. Reservations are required…

New Mexico’s Updated COVID-19 Tiered System

admin 12/01/2020

From the Village of Ruidoso Tourism Department: On Monday, Nov. 30, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a tiered “Red to Green” county-by-county response to COVID-19. This new tiered system goes into effect on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and will be updated every other…

Ski Apache Opening Delayed

Breck Lindsey 11/20/2020

COVID-19 preparations have delayed the opening of Ski Apache, a winter favorite for visitors and locals alike located in the Sierra Blanca near Ruidoso. Typically scheduled to open on Thanksgiving, this year the ski basin is preparing to open on December 17,…

Ruidoso Events

May 1
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Watch the 147th running of the 2021 Kentucky Derby in the All American Turf Club…
May 20
CANCELED • Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally Come join us for our 25th Annual Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally Ruidoso Convention Center! You'll…
May 28
Memorial Day Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Memorial Day weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track features the top two-and-three-year-old quarter horses in…
May 28
Opening Day at Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso Downs Race Track kicks off its summer racing season over Memorial Day Weekend when…
May 28
Live Horse Racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Come in person or watch online. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through…