Annual Events

There are plenty of annual events in Ruidoso, NM, all of which 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 for more local events!

January

Wingfield Park Ice Skating

Thanksgiving Weekend through January

Ruidoso’s new favorite winter activity returns for the season! Ice Skating at Wingfield Park is open from the weekend after Thanksgiving until mid-January. Visit the Ruidoso Parks & Rec website for ticket information and open hours.

February

Vines in the Pines

February 14-16, 2026

Take your time and enjoy wine by the glass at Vines in the Pines 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.

HighRollers Tattoo Expo

February 27 – March 1, 2026

Artists from across the country will be in the village for 3 days of tattoos, contests, live entertainment, and more at the HighRollers Tattoo Expo. Come and get your next tattoo in Ruidoso!

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.

Walk the links 5k Run/walk

March 14, 2026

Participate in this family-friendly annual event benefiting the Lincoln County Food Bank. This event completes one lap around the Links Walking Trail. This event is part of the Run Ruidoso race series.

April

Annual Bunny Run & Egg Hunt

April 4, 2026

Celebrate Easter with a family friendly event at Cedar Creek, including a 5K trail race and community egg hunt. Over 6,000 eggs, prize eggs, and family-friendly fun await. Arrive early — the hunt begins sharp at 10:00 AM. Open to the public.

Annual JOhn Ashcraft memorial trail run

April 25, 2026

The Annual John Ashcraft Memorial Family Trail Run takes place at Grindstone Lake. Choose a scenic 5K trail run or a 1 Mile family run starting from the Upper Parking Lot. Open to all ages and abilities. This event is part of the Run Ruidoso race series.

May

Smokey Bear Days

May 1-2, 2026

Started in 2004 to celebrate Smokey’s 60th birthday, Smokey Bear Days became an annual 2-day event held in May. Their mission is to promote the fire prevention message and educate visitors to the Capitan area about the dangers of unwanted, human-caused wildfires.

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally

TBA

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.

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire

May 16-18, 2026

Hear ye, hear ye, the Ren Faire will be in Ruidoso for the 2nd annual event this May with music, costumes, crafts, and traditional fare. Find tickets and information at Lincoln Forest Ren Faire.

Great High Mountain Bed Race

May 30, 2026

Catch the parade, beginning at Center St. & Wingfield at 10 AM, 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 including food, vendors, and games at the park until 2 PM with awards announced at Noon! All proceeds benefit the High Mountain Youth Project.

June

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June – October

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo & Car Show

June 19-21, 2026

Artists from across the country will be in the village for 3 days of tattoos, contests, live entertainment, and more at the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo. Come and get your next tattoo in Ruidoso.

Brewdoso Craft Beer & Wine Festival

June 20, 2026

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!

July

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June – October

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Star-Spangled Celebration Fireworks Show

July 4, 2026

The biggest fireworks show in New Mexico is coming back to Mescalero this summer. Enjoy family fun, live music, great food, jumping balloons, and more at Inn of the Mountain Gods on Independence Day.

Smokey Bear Stampede

July 1-4, 2026

Capitan hosts eight rodeos in four days! Smokey Bear Stampede is the nation’s largest open rodeo weekend and 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

TBA 2026

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 3-5, 2026

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.

Run, White & BLue 5k Color Run/walk

July 4, 2026

Celebrate Independence Day with the Run White & Blue 5K. Part of the Run Ruidoso race series, this festive street race starts at 10:00 AM from Wingfield Park and winds through Wingfield, Carrizo Canyon, and Grindstone. All ages welcome. Color, community, and a cause—don’t miss it!

IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso

July 11-12, 2026

Elite athletes will showcase their skills in Ruidoso for the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathalon. The event will feature a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile road bike ride, and 13.1-mile run from world-class athletes from across the globe.

Fort Stanton Live!

July 11, 2026

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.

Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival

July 24-26, 2026

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!

August

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June – October

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Alto Artists Studio Tour

August 7-9, 2026

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 7-8, 2026

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. Old Lincoln Days is held yearly during the first weekend in August.

Grindstone Trail Runs

August 22, 2026

Race through the beautiful scenery around Grindstone Lake during the Grindstone Trail Runs. Choose from a 13.8-mile Half Marathon Heavy, 8.5-mile, 4-mile, or Kids’ Dash. This family-friendly event supports All-Season Adaptive Sports and celebrates Ruidoso’s trails and community.

September

All American Gun and Southwest living Show Expo

September 5-6, 2026

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, home goods, apparel, and so much more. Buy, sell, and trade.

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June – October

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Ruidoso RUNFEST

September 18-19, 2026

Ruidoso RunFest brings runners and visitors together for a festive weekend in downtown Ruidoso. Events include a Friday night 5K and Kids 1K, plus Saturday’s marathon, half marathon, and road 47K/50K, with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden at Wingfield Park.

Motor mountain weekend

TBA 2026

Motors come to the mountains in September for Motor Mountain Weekend! Whether you’re an old pro or a new enthusiast, you’re invited to kick up the dirt and explore Ruidoso’s trails, enter your ride in the car show, or cruise on your bike. Cool cars, motorcycles, and off-roaders welcome!

Oktoberfest

TBA 2026

Prost! Raise your stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest and come out for a big party put on by Downshift Brewing Co. This annual event features beer, German food, and lots of fun for the whole family. Entertainment will be live all day on the Riverside stage, as well as festival contests.

October

Midtown Market

Held Saturdays from June – October

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market.

Aspenfest

October 3, 2026

Aspenfest kicks off fall in Ruidoso 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. Enjoy a glass of local craft beer, wine, or spirits while you stroll and shop with local vendors.

XTERRA world championship

October 8-11, 2026

XTERRA World Championship will celebrate 30 years of adventure in Ruidoso in 2026! Get ready for an action-packed weekend of incredible athletic feats, family-friendly activities and off-road racing, giving athletes and outdoor enthusiasts an unforgettable experience in the Land of Enchantment.

New mexico 4x4 rally

TBA 2026

This weekend of off-road excitement is great for adventure seekers, car enthusiasts, and the whole family. A community event at the Ruidoso Convention Center, the 4×4 Rally features a car show, trail challenges, entertainment, and more.

r2-Doso Comic Con

October 17-18, 2026

Come for the nostalgia, stay for the fun at R2-Doso Comic Con! Comics, costumes, gaming, and pop culture will be at the forefront of this exciting weekend event. Fellow fans, we’ll see you at the Ruidoso Convention Center!

Midtown Pumpkin Roll & Trick or Treating

October 28, 2026

Time to show off those costumes for Halloween in Ruidoso! Bring the whole family to Midtown for a pumpkin roll competition down the middle of town and trick or treating.

November

A Christmas Affair

TBA 2026

Get that Christmas shopping done early at A Christmas Affair! Shop from a wide selection of local vendors at this festive and fun event.

Christmas Jubilee

TBA 2026

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!

Ruidoso Turkey Trot

November 28, 2026

Race to the finish at the Ruidoso Turkey Trot! Held by Ruidoso Parks and Rec the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Tree Lighting & Path of Lights

November 29, 2025

Inn of the Mountain Gods celebrates the season with their annual tree lighting and Path of Lights display. This free, family-friendly event features seasonal delights, including hot chocolate, cookies, shopping, and photos with Santa, as well as music and fun. The Path of Lights is free and open nightly through December 31.

December

Wingfield Park Ice Skating

Thanksgiving Weekend through January

Ruidoso’s new favorite winter activity returns for the season! Ice Skating at Wingfield Park is open from the weekend after Thanksgiving until mid-January. Visit the Ruidoso Parks & Rec website for ticket information and open hours.

Flying J Ranch's White Mountain Christmas

Select dates from November 27 through December 31, 2026

Get ready for Flying J’s sensational Christmas extravaganza, featuring a delicious ranch-style feast topped off with an unforgettable Christmas show. Plus, don’t miss the pre-show fun with shopping, an appearance by Santa, winter hay rides, and a magical holiday light display in the Western Village. Get tickets and view show dates on their website.

Christmas in the Park

December 3, 2026

Celebrate the season at Wingfield Park with lights, Santa, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and much, much more.

Festival of Lights Parade and After Party

December 5, 2026

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.