There are plenty of annual festivals 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 and Ruidoso's many other annual events, too!

FEBRUARY

HighRollers Tattoo Expo

February 27 - March 2, 2025 -- Artists from across the country will be in the village for 3 days of tattoos, contests, live entertainment, and more. Come and get your next tattoo in Ruidoso!

MAY

Smokey Bear Days

May 2-3, 2025 -- 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.

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire

May 16-18, 2025 -- 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

JUNE

Ruidoso Tattoo Expo

June 13-15, 2025 -- Artists from across the country will be in the village for 3 days of tattoos, contests, live entertainment, and more. Come and get your next tattoo in Ruidoso!

JULY

Zia Festival

July 19-20, 2025 -- As one of Ruidoso Downs Race Track's many exciting summer events, the Zia Festival celebrates the Land of Enchantment by bringing local artists, food, and culture together for a spectacular weekend.

Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival

July 25-27, 2025 -- 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!

Margarita Fest

July 26, 2025 -- Come out to Ruidoso Downs Race Track for a good time at the Margarita festival. Featuring great food, handcrafted margaritas, and a headliner concert by Casey Donahew.

AUGUST

Brewdoso Craft Beer & Wine Festival

August 9, 2025 -- 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!

City Bank Chile The Kid Festival

August 1-3, 2025 -- Enjoy New Mexico craft beer and wine in the mountains of Southern New Mexico. Hatch Green Chile roasting and local vendors will all be on hand during this special event. Enjoy live music Friday and Saturday inside the tent, immediately following the daily races at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

Oktoberfest

September 27, 2025 -- Prost! Raise your glasses to Downshift Brewing Company's Annual Oktoberfest in beautiful Midtown Ruidoso, New Mexico. Beer, German food, and lots of fun for the whole family. Live music all day outside on the big stage and inside Downshift Brewing Company's Riverside location!

OCTOBER

Aspenfest

October 4, 2025 -- 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.

DECEMBER

Festival of Lights

December 6, 2025-- 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.