There are plenty of annual festivals in Ruidoso, NM. All of these festivals are characterized by celebratory fun. There is something for everyone, here, from live music to holiday cheer. Be sure and check out the events calendar and Ruidoso's many other annual events, too!

MAY

Smokey Bear Days

May- Cancelled 2018- Smokey Bear Days started in 2004 to celebrate Smokey’s 60th birthday, Smokey Bear Days has become an annual 2-day event held the first Friday and Saturday of May. The Smokey Bear Days’ mission is to promote the fire prevention message and educate visitors to the Capitan area about the dangers of unwanted, human-caused wildfires.  

JUNE

2nd Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race and Green Chile Cookoff

June 2, 2018- Catch the Parade beginning at the corner of Sudderth Drive and Eagle Drive as it travels through Midtown. Then watch as the teams race their beds back through Midtown and up Center Street to Wingfield Park.  Following the race there will be activities at the park!

First Annual Brewdoso

June 23-24, 2018- Experience New Mexico Craft at its finest at the First Annual Brewdoso. Featuring New Mexico Breweries and Wineries from around the Land of Enchantment. This event will be a first of its kind of event in Ruidoso, that will focus on the authentic craft culture of  New Mexico. The cool mountains offer the best place to enjoy New Mexico’s finest Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Fun!

JULY

Ruidoso Art Festival

July 27-29, 2018 -  Over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists will be set up at the Ruidoso Convention Center showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more! The annual festival will be held July 27 (Noon-6), 28 (10-6) and 29 (11-5).

AUGUST

City Bank Green Chile, Wine and Beer Festival

August 3-5, 2018- Come and enjoy the first annual Green Chile, Wine, and Beer festival at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. Enjoy New Mexico crafted beer and wine in the mountains of Southern New Mexico. Hatch Green Chile roasting, Green Chile Stews, and local vendors will all be on hand during this special event. Live music Friday and Saturday inside the tent immediately following the daily races.

OCTOBER

Aspenfest

October 6, 2018- Rod Run and Car Show, Arts and Crafts Fair, Parade! Aspenfest kicks off with a parade through Midtown Ruidoso, followed by an art and crafts fair, a rod run and car show and the New Mexico State Open Chili Cook-Off.  

36th Annual Ruidoso Oktoberfest

October 19-20, 2018-  Based on the German Oktoberfest, Ruidoso celebrates with great food, beer, music, arts and crafts and a kinderhall. In addition, “Dressing for the occasion” is encouraged! Tickets: Adults $10.00 for One Day or $18.00 for Two Days. Young Adults 13 - 18 $6.00 for One Day $10.00 for Two Days. Children under 12 FREE

DECEMBER

Parade of Lights

TBA 2018-  Beautifully lit and fantastically festive, the Festival of Lights-Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 pm from the corner of Sudderth/Mechem, through downtown to the Chamber of Commerce. 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.