Ruidoso in 2016: Adventure Awaits!
Snugly nested in the Sacramento Mountains at the southern tip of the Rockies, Ruidoso enjoys a full range of seasons throughout the year. Ruidoso in 2016 promises to be full of events and activities for everyone.
The winter brings snow and a host of chilly-weather activities. Spring ushers in sunny, bright days, colorful flowers, and a rebirth of greenery everywhere you look. Summer provides warm afternoons and, for many, it is the time to open up your windows and leave them open for months. Autumn hosts cooler temperatures and brilliant foliage, painting the mountains as the aspens and other foliage erupt in fiery colors.
Each season is unique and, respectively, there are different activities and attractions to take advantage of throughout the year. But who doesn’t already know about the great skiing in winter, or betting on horse races in the summer?
Here we will highlight a handful of lesser known area activities that may pique your interest in Ruidoso in 2016. These might not always make the front page but they are none the less great traditions and activities enjoyed every year by locals and visitors alike.
Annual Smokey Bear Days
May 6-7, 2016
Most people know Billy the Kid spent much of his life in Lincoln County. Some people may even know that Neil Patrick Harris hails from Ruidoso. Perhaps the most revered local celebrity, however, is none other than Smokey Bear, the beloved and iconic American symbol of fire prevention and first conservation.
Hosted in nearby Capitan just a short drive from Ruidoso, last year’s Smokey Bear Days celebration included a parade, arts and crafts vendors, live music, dancing, chainsaw carving, and a firefighter challenge. Check their website for more details.
Wind Rider Music Festival
dates TBD
Last year marked many “firsts” in Ruidoso. One of the more exciting new events was the inaugural Wind Rider Music Festival at Ski Apache. Featuring headliners such as international sensation Matisyahu and California’s funk-a-riffic Slightly Stoopid, the concert drew crowds of music lovers to enjoy two days of reggae, camping, yoga, gondola rides, water slides, and a festive carnival-like vibe.
Dates have not yet been set for 2016 but organizers have confirmed the concert will happen again (last year’s festival was held June 20-21). Expect a similar time frame and get ready for summertime tunes and fun under the sun at 11,000 feet. Check the Wind Rider Music Festival website for more details.
The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium
October 7-9, 2016
You don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to enjoy this event, held at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and now in its 26th year. People come from all over the country to enjoy live music, western arts and crafts, cowboy competitions, horse demonstrations, swing dancing, storytelling, a kids rodeo, and much more. Tickets do sell out, so plan ahead for this popular event. Oh, and a word of advice? Don’t miss the chuckwagon cook-off! Details forthcoming on the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium website.
Festival of Lights
mid-November through January
Ruidoso is transformed into a very special place indeed during the holidays. Downtown is adorned with brilliant decorations and lights, and horse-drawn sleighs can be spotted carrying rosy-cheeked kids and adults alike through Upper Canyon, amid thousands of twinkling lights.
Two events in particular should not be missed by those lucky enough to be in Ruidoso during the Festival of Lights. Shop to your heart’s content and take a photo with Santa at the annual Christmas Jubilee, held in mid-November at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Visit the Christmas Jubilee website for specific dates and details.
For many Ruidoso locals and visitors, one of the year’s best kept secrets is the annual Festival of Lights Parade. The village pulls out all the stops with this one, with a festive parade through the heart of downtown. Organizations throughout the area participate by preparing creative floats to celebrate the holiday season. Expect twinkling lights, hot chocolate, children diving for candy thrown from paraders, and family fun for everyone. Just make sure you get there early because prime curb-side parade viewing spots go quickly! Call (877) 784-3676 for dates and details.
Don’t miss out on Ruidoso in 2016! Start making plans today.
-Leroy Smith