Ruidoso Stories

Iconic New Mexico: State Symbols We Think You Need to Know

Breck Lindsey 07/27/2026

The Land of Enchantment is known for for its culture, scenery, jewelry, and of course, famous faces throughout history. When it comes down to what makes New Mexico iconic, we have a few state symbols that come to mind – especially when…

4th of July Weekend 2026

Breck Lindsey 06/13/2026

Celebrate Independence Day in Ruidoso! For 4th of July weekend, local businesses and eateries are going all out with exciting event lineups to keep visitors busy all weekend long. We’re seeing more events listed every day, so we’ll keep adding to the…

Lincoln National Forest Issues Temporary Cedar Creek & Perk Canyon Area Closures Through September 2026

Breck Lindsey 06/04/2026

Announcement from the U.S. Forest Service Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear Ranger District and Village of Ruidoso Emergency Management June 3, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for portions of the Smokey Bear Ranger…

7 Insider Tips for Summer in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 06/01/2026

Looking to make the most of your Ruidoso vacation this summer? We’ve got 7 insider tips for a summer in Ruidoso to help you savor the moment and enjoy life like a local. Tip #1: Plan for Parking at Grindstone Lake Summer…

What’s New in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 05/26/2026

What’s new in Ruidoso in 2026? Plenty! A lot has happened since last time you were here. Let’s catch you up on everything you won’t want to miss in the village. NATURAL GROCERS – RUIDOSO’S NEWEST GROCERY STORE Ruidoso’s newest grocery store,…

Flash Flood Safety Information

Breck Lindsey 05/01/2026

During the summer monsoon season, rain can be a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, after 2024’s South Fork and Salt Fires, the burn scars have made our rainy season particularly difficult with flash flooding in certain areas of the village. Luckily, most of the…

All the Christmas & New Year’s Week Activities in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 12/05/2025

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner! Don’t miss your chance to experience the holiday magic in Ruidoso. With so many activities going on, your only problem will be deciding what to do! Explore outdoors, go light sight seeing,…

Enjoy a Cozy Christmas in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 11/19/2025

Each holiday season, the Village of Ruidoso creates a magical winter wonderland to make Christmas in Ruidoso extra special! From sleigh rides to ice skating, and light sight-seeing to holiday shopping, our little village offers a multitude of activities for all ages…

22 Exciting Ideas for Family Fun in Ruidoso

Breck Lindsey 06/30/2025

Your kids will be over the moon about a day where your answer is always “yes!” Here are some cheap, free, and downright fun ideas for a “yes day” in Ruidoso your kids won’t ever forget. Bonus: Make it a game and…

Wild Ruidoso: Our Favorite Wildlife Pictures

Breck Lindsey 06/03/2025

Our favorite locals are the ones with fur, four legs, and feathers! Keep scrolling to enjoy some of the best photos we’ve received over the years from talented photographers and vacationers. We appreciate their contributions and are delighted to share these wonderful…

Shop Mechem

Breck Lindsey 02/17/2025

Shop like a local and find unique gifts on Mechem Drive! Sure, Sudderth’s Midtown area is a popular place to shop, but there’s so much more just around the corner! You already know there are good eats on Mechem, AND there’s also…

Bonito Lake Now Reopened

Breck Lindsey 09/01/2024

With much anticipation, Bonito Lake officially reopened for fishing only on Friday, August 30th. The City of Alamogordo announced the lake’s opening through their official channels on social media and their website last week, reminding visitors that the properties along the Rio…

Ruidoso Downs Racing Moved to Albuquerque for Remainder of Season

Breck Lindsey 07/24/2024

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – Monday, July 22, 2024 Plans are continuing to be made for Ruidoso Downs Race Track’s 2024 season to move to the Downs of Albuquerque starting this Friday, July 26. Racing will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday with…

Welcome Back to Ruidoso!

Breck Lindsey 07/08/2024

It’s time… Ruidoso is ready to welcome visitors again! After the devastating South Fork and Salt Fires, it’s taken a few weeks to get some normalcy back, but we’re happy to report the village is on the mend. Our retailers, restaurants, and…

South Fork & Salt Fire Information

Breck Lindsey 06/18/2024

6/25 UPDATE: Evacuation orders were lifted for local residents on Monday, June 24th. Tourists and second homeowners have been asked to delay their return to Ruidoso until further notice. Event cancellations are reflected here. Monetary donations are appreciated and can be made…

Ruidoso Events

Jul 30
Live Music & Axe Throwing at Win Place & Show Catch live performances every Thursday-Sunday at Win, Place, & Show, both inside and on the…
Jul 30
Open Mic Night w/ Cody Jones @ Downshift Hidden Tap Join us for Open Mic Night, hosted by Cody Jones. Participation is encouraged but not…
Jul 31
Dave Millsap & Chris Baker @ Downshift Riverside Join us for a night of live music at Downshift Brewing Company! Dave Millsap •…
Jul 31
Winemaker for a Day: Exclusive Blending Experience Friday July 31st 5 PM Enchanted Vine 492 Fort Stanton Rd, Alto, NM 88312 Step…
Jul 31
FREE Concerts: Cool Summer Nights Music Series @ Wingfield Park Cool Summer Nights launches in Ruidoso for summer 2026 with a full season of FREE…