Ruidoso Stories

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…

4th of July Weekend 2025

Breck Lindsey 07/02/2025

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…

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…

2024 Holiday Events

Breck Lindsey 12/20/2024

With so much holiday magic happening in the village, it can be hard to keep track. Visit Ruidoso is here to help! Enjoy our consolidated list of Christmas and New Year’s festivities, events, and happenings while you’re visiting Ruidoso. Don’t forget to…

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…

Labor Day Weekend 2024

Breck Lindsey 08/29/2024

Send off summer with a weekend of live music, shopping, and rodeo! There’s simply so much to do in and around the village this weekend… The only problem you’ll have is deciding what to attend! See our full calendar of events to…

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…

Memorial Day Weekend Events

Breck Lindsey 05/23/2024

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season in Ruidoso! There’s plenty of fun to be found – both in the freedom of the outdoors and put on by local restaurants and retailers – so here’s your guide to what’s going on…

Ruidoso Events

May 29
Live Music & Axe Throwing at Win Place & Show Catch live performances every Thursday-Sunday at Win, Place, & Show, both inside and on the…
May 30
Great High Mountain Bed Race Catch the Parade through Midtown beginning at 9:00 am Saturday morning. Then watch as the teams…
May 30
Circus Mutt @ Downshift Hidden Tap Originally formed in 2010, in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC, Circus Mutt draws…
May 30
Alex Dunn @ Downshift Riverside Alex Dunn is a modern Americana troubadour, offering his own blend of country-tinged folk music…
May 30
Frankie Ballard FRANKIE BALLARD LIVE AT JACKS BACKSTAGE Saturday, May 30 | Ruidoso, New Mexico Summer starts…