Ruidoso hosts many exciting annual events... everything from the Art Loop to historical reenactments at Fort Stanton LIVE! For even more events, check out our events calendar for more things to do throughout the year, in addition to our festivals page.

JANUARY

We do not currently have any annual events in January, but there are always things to do in Ruidoso. Check our events calendar for events this January.

FEBRUARY

Vines in the Pines

February 16-18, 2024 -- The Village of Ruidoso welcomes Vines in the Pines! The Village is excited to announce the newest festival to come to Ruidoso. Take your time and enjoy wine by the glass while you shop through over 30 of our local vendors. These vendors feature handmade goodies such as gourmet chocolate and candies, handmade crafts, and specialty items showcased.

MARCH

Last Month of the Season at Ski Apache

Ski Apache is southern New Mexico's premier ski resort. Enjoy over 750 acres of terrain and more than 50 runs for every skill level. The mountain is a perfect place for kids and adults to learn to ski. The mountain also boasts Apache Bowl and other more advanced runs for seasoned skiers and snowboarders. For the last month of the season don't forget to head up the mountain to create your end of season tracks. Other especially relevant events being held include Apache Quest, Big Mountain Challenge, Apache Star Races, Pond Skimming & Beach Bod Contest and the Shamrock Relay.

Annual Bunny Run & Egg Hunt

March 30, 2024 -- Celebrate Easter with a family friendly event at Cedar Creek, including a 5K trail race and community egg hunt.

APRIL

MAY

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally

May 16-19, 2024 -- Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center come enjoy the shaded pines of the Sacramento mountains. The AspenCash Motorcycle Rally is a can't-miss event for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track Season

Memorial Day - Labor Day Every Year -- Enjoy the Race Track from Memorial Day through Labor Day! The Ruidoso Downs weekly racing schedule is Friday through Monday with a 1 pm first post time. Learn more about this event!

JUNE

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June - October -- Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Great High Mountain Bed Race and Green Chile Cookoff

June 1, 2024 -- Catch the parade, beginning at Center St. & Wingfield at 9 AM, as it travels through Midtown. Then watch as the teams race their beds back through Midtown and up Center Street to Wingfield Park. At 10 AM, following the race, there will be activities at the park! All proceeds benefit the High Mountain Youth Project.

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo

June 14-16, 2024 -- Artists from across the country will be in the village for 3 days of tattoos, contests, live entertainment, and more. Come and get your next tattoo in Ruidoso this June!

JULY

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June - October -- Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Star Spangled Celebration

2024 TBA-- Inn of the Mountain Gods presents the biggest and longest fireworks display in New Mexico! Bring the whole family out for a day of live entertainment, concessions and fun kids activities, including jumping balloons.

Smokey Bear Stampede

2024 TBA-- Eight rodeos in four days! The nation’s largest open rodeo weekend includes four nightly rodeos, two-day ranch rodeo, youth ranch rodeo, kid’s rough stock rodeo, cook-off, kids events, and more.

Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo

2024 TBA -- Attend this annual event to witness the coming of age ceremony of Mescalero Apache maidens. There will be ceremonial dances, a rodeo, and also arts and crafts. Food vendors will also be present as part of the festivities held at the Mescalero Apache reservation.

Lincoln County Art Loop Studio Tour

July 5-7, 2024 -- Art Loop began as a creative venture amongst artists and continues to be one of the most successful studio tours in New Mexico. Visit over 20 Lincoln County artists' studios during the annual Art Loop and meet over 30 artists. Watch them demonstrate their craft and discuss their creative process. Our hope is that your inner artist will come alive as you enjoy the finest art Lincoln County has to offer and let us give you a little glimpse into what makes us tick as artists.

Ruidoso Marathon

July 19-20, 2024 -- Ruidoso's Annual Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run is held each summer. Attracting visitors and locals alike, marathon weekend invites runners to experience the beautiful Grindstone Lake area and run through the tall pines.

Fort Stanton Live!

July 13, 2024 -- An annual event that brings costumed re-enactors from the Civil War and Indian Wars era to Fort Stanton for demonstrations, presentations, a concert and a military ball. In addition, this event also brings authors, historians, photographers, artists, and a variety of historical vendors to share their crafts and handiwork. Local food vendors will also be on hand at the Fort.

AUGUST

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June - October -- Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Alto Artists Studios Tour

August 2-4, 2024 -- The Alto Artists’ Studio Tour has been a summer tradition since 2003 and is excited to again welcome visitors this year. The public is invited to participate in free, self-guided tours to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community.

Old Lincoln Days

August 2-4, 2024-- Enjoy a weekend of folk pageants with re-enactors portraying Billy the Kid’s last escape and the notorious Lincoln County War. Spend a day at Lincoln Historic Site for great food, live music, shopping and a parade. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children 6-12, with 5 and under free. This event is held yearly during the first weekend in August.

Brewdoso Craft Beer & Wine Festival

August 17, 2024 -- Local sips, live music, and a whole lot of fun! Brewdoso returns this summer with entertainment and excitement. Rain or shine, it's sure to be a good time!

SEPTEMBER

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June - October -- Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

All American Gun and Western Collectible Show

2024 TBA -- As part of the All American Festival, the Gun and Western Collectible show is one of a series of events and festivities surrounding the $2 million All American Futurity. This show has 180 tables of everything that relates to guns as well as hunting equipment, knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, and spurs. There are also western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and so much more. As well as buying items you may also trade with vendors or sell your guns or collectibles in exchange. This show is not just a “man's” show; as a result, women can find jewelry, western collectibles, and décor for the home.

Annual Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally

2024 TBA -- The Annual Golden Aspen Rally will feature tons of great events, live music, food, and fun in the beautiful mountains surrounding Ruidoso. Hosted at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with something for every motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy, it's a weekend bike lovers won’t want to miss!

Ride Ruidoso Week

2024 TBA -- The benefit event for motorcyclists is held at Wingfield Park. Come enjoy live music, food, exciting contests and giveaways, and of course, plenty of bikes.

OCTOBER

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June - October -- Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

All American CowboyFest (formerly the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium)

2024 TBA -- Take part in the four-day festival celebrating country and western music, cowboy culture, and more at the reinvented All American CowboyFest (formerly the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium). Enjoy live music, western swing dancing, and a rough stock pro rodeo on the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack! In addition, there will be western artists and craftsmen, cowboy competitions, a kids barnyard petting zoo, and horse demonstrations that all ages will enjoy. Finally, while you're here, don’t miss the World Champion Chuckwagon Competition, featured on the Food Network’s All American Festivals and Cowboy Challenge!

Wild West Fest

2024 TBA -- This annual mountain bike race is held at the Grindstone Lake Trail System. The 12-hour trail is about 11.6 miles in length, however a 6-hour ride is offered of about 7 miles if you aren't quite ready for the full ride!

NOVEMBER

Christmas Jubilee

2024 TBA -- Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Christmas jubilee! 80 local merchants make it a one-stop shop for all your gifts. Bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy storytelling while you shop until you drop!

DECEMBER

Festival of Lights Parade and After Party

2024 TBA -- Beautifully lit and fantastically festive, the Festival of Lights - Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 pm in Midtown. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. So, bring out the family for an evening of twinkling lights, hot chocolate, and togetherness in the Winter Wonderland of Ruidoso.