From town to trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air and experience a summer to remember.
VOTE! Best of Ruidoso 2024 People's Choice Awards
June 1 - 30, 2024
Celebrate the places that make our community special by casting your vote for the best shops, attractions, and eateries Ruidoso has to offer.
UNDER A MOUNTAIN SKY
SUMMER 2024
Come enjoy our FREE 2024 Summer Concert Series—where music meets family fun in the heart of Ruidoso at Wingfield Park.
EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF RUIDOSO DOWNS HORSE RACING
Feel the excitement and witness unforgettable moments at Ruidoso Downs Race Track this summer!
VISIT MIDTOWN
Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, wineries, brewpubs and cafes.
EXPERIENCE RUIDOSO’S INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE
Wildlife and Ruidoso go hand in hand. Opportunities for spotting wildlife are among the top reasons to visit Ruidoso.
IDEAS & INSPIRATION
Trip ideas and information for your next Ruidoso vacation
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm to provide locally made products at Country Club Park (100 Country Club Drive) in Midtown Ruidoso.
Experience Ruidoso's Food Truck Center on Mechem Drive for some of the tastiest bites in town. Dive into 440 Smokehouse BBQ, relish Toss'd Pizza, or savor Flash Jack's burgers and shakes, plus delicious coffee and more! Enjoy indoor seating, arcade games, and a fire pit for s'mores. Whether you're a foodie or seeking fun, there's something for everyone here.
Make your voice heard in the 2024 Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards! This is your chance to spotlight your favorite Ruidoso shops, attractions, restaurants, and more. Voting kicks off here on June 1, 2024, at 12:01 AM and closes on June 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the best of Ruidoso and ensure your top picks receive the recognition they deserve!
Join the Texas Club in Ruidoso for "Texas Club After Hours" every Saturday from June 1 through July. Enjoy live music from special guests, exclusive drink specials, and a new tapas menu. The event runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at 212 Metz Dr., Ruidoso, NM. Bring friends or a partner for a lively, social night out. Check the Texas Club website for the full list of performers and updates.
Ruidoso's live music scene is hotter than ever with venues from free street music in Midtown to annual festivals and year-round entertainment featuring everything from country singers to big-band crooners and edgy newcomers, so be sure to check our event calendar.
Due to the Blue 2 wildfire, Lincoln National Forest is temporarily closed from May 23 to August 23, 2024. This includes all lands, roads, and trails in the White Mountain Wilderness. For safety, access is restricted, with fines for violations. Any changes in the closure status will be posted on the Lincoln National Forest Alerts and Notices page.
Ruidoso is under Level 2 Fire Restrictions due to dry conditions. Campfires, charcoal grills, fireworks, and outdoor smoking are not allowed. Off-road vehicles should avoid dry vegetation. Stay informed, be prepared, and report fires immediately. Enjoy Ruidoso responsibly to help protect our natural beauty. Your cooperation helps protect our environment for everyone.
Test out your skills by throwing an axe around in Ruidoso. Rally up your friends for the latest fun in Midtown: Axe Throwing at the Win Place & Show patio. Guided and family-friendly. Friday - Sunday, Noon to 5 pm, 1 hr/$30. Reserve a lane today >>
The Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department announces opening five new miles of trails on Moon Mountain. These trails are designed for moderate difficulty and are perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders. Enjoy stunning vistas and local wildlife, such as turkeys, deer, and elk. Access is off Gavilan Canyon Road by Warrior Drive. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring snacks, and respect the environment.
We're thrilled to announce that Ruidoso has been named a winner in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for Best Small Town Cultural Scene! This prestigious recognition highlights our town's vibrant cultural heritage. Congratulations, Ruidoso!
Ruidoso's thriving art community takes center stage in a recent feature by the Santa Fe New Mexican. Highlighting the town's rich artistic heritage and diverse talents, the article showcases local artists like Michael Fish, Vicki Conley, and more. Ruidoso offers a unique artistic experience for visitors and residents alike, from captivating murals to intricate quilts. Experience the creativity of Ruidoso today! Read the full story here>>
Don't have a travel partner? No problem. Ruidoso is an ideal destination for travelers exploring alone. Enjoy solitary hiking, mountain biking, or paddling in summer. Ski and snowboard in winter. Ruidoso is a laid-back village with a friendly mountain town vibe, making it easy to socialize and find your way around. Visitors will find plenty of year-round solitary activities.
Discover the remarkable journey of Shelby and Eddie Gutierrez, the founders of Downshift Brewing Company, who turned their daydreams into a thriving Ruidoso business with a deeply rooted connection to the community they love. Not only do they create exceptional beer, but they also champion positive change and community spirit. Learn about their inspiring journey and its impact on Ruidoso's local economy and culture.
Cedar Creek Recreation Area is one of Ruidoso's easiest-to-access trail systems, conveniently located just off Mechem Drive (Hwy 48). With various multi-use (hike, bike, equestrian) trail lengths and difficulties starting in town, a picnic shelter, and three group campsites, Cedar Creek is a great place for the whole family and an outing in Lincoln National Forest.
This 4-day Ruidoso itinerary is perfect for families traveling with kids. We’ve rounded up some of the best Ruidoso family fun everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — will love.
Have some extra time during your Ruidoso vacation? Go to the Ruidoso Public Library. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sanctuary, free WiFi, a place to work, learn, or connect with the local community, visiting the library is a perfect way to enrich your Ruidoso travel experience. Here are a few reasons why the municipal library deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Ruidoso offers a unique experience for watching wildlife with the chance for a responsible wildlife encounter with deer, elk, free-roaming horses, and more. Just remember to keep your distance for your safety and the animals, too—no touching, no feeding, no harassing.
Searching for a great place to grab dessert in Ruidoso? Look no further. Here are some of the top spots to get your fix of sweet treats.
Experience the thrill of horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, home to the world's fastest quarter horses racing every summer weekend. If you visit during the off-season, head to The Racebook for a fun atmosphere with great food, drinks, and simulcast racing from across the U.S. Enjoy live racing from Memorial Day to Labor Day and year-round simulcast events.