With so many entertainment attractions and events—from musical performances and cultural festivals to fun for the whole family—there's never a dull moment in Ruidoso.
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions
HEAD’S UP, SUMMER VISITORS! 2025 Wibit Water Park Opening Delayed Due to Low Water Levels: The Ruidoso Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake will not open as planned due to low water levels. Conditions will be re-evaluated mid-June to determine if the park can be set up later this summer. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as they become available.
Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.
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.
Even with rising travel costs, people are raring to go and eager to splurge on dining out, mementos, nicer accommodations, and longer stays. Chances are you’re feeling it too. We’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons to put Ruidoso in your 2023 summer travel plans.
With 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, a restaurant, and a lounge for parties and events, the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a fun, year-round, family-friendly entertainment destination where everybody gets to play.
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.
Buying used goods is cooler than ever, and Ruidoso retailers are right on-trend. Discover all manner of recycled and repurposed goods at these Ruidoso vintage shops and pre-owned retailers.
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Midtown is more colorful than ever. Grab a selfie in front of Ruidoso’s Instagrammable public murals brought to you by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association.
Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.
Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Entertainment
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Experience Ben Guihan live at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside in Ruidoso, NM, on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. A masterful visual songwriter, Guihan blends folk, western psychedelic Americana, and early California country rock, crafting cinematic verses inspired by the Beat Generation, Greenwich Village folk revival, and surrealist art. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind performance!
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun night out, Win, Place and Show bar promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music and dancing. Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
Experience New Mexico’s newest disc golf course at Alto Lake in this exciting Land of Enchantment State Championship Series tournament. A perfect chance to prepare for the PDGA Tim Selinske US Masters Championships, qualify for the State Championships, and compete in a stunning mountain setting. Join players from across the region and be part of New Mexico’s premier disc golf community!
Experience history in action at Fort Stanton! Enjoy a 10 a.m. flag-raising, 11 a.m. internment camp tour, and a 1 p.m. chapel talk by ranger Christopher Ardent on Celestial Navigation and the Age of Discovery. Learn how early explorers charted the seas with live demos. Admission: $7 adults; free for kids and eligible groups. Buy Tickets >>
Come together for a day filled with outdoor games, face painting, and more at Fort Stanton Historic Site! Participation is completely free, and the fun kicks off promptly at 2:30 PM. Don't miss your chance to hop alongside the Easter Bunny, who will be available for special ticketed photo opportunities. Bring your baskets and join the community for a fantastic day of Easter fun for the whole family. The Bunny Hop is free and open to the public.
Join the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the annual Pastel Paws event on April 12, 2025, from 12–3 PM at the Humane Society Resale Shop. Enjoy free pet photos with Funny Bunny, meet adoptable dogs, and pick up a free pet care activity book for kids. Support the shelter’s mission while having fun with the whole family and your furry friends!
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Join Captain Klas live at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap!
Get ready to dance as Fungi Mungle brings their high-energy mix of funk, disco, and rock to Downshift Riverside on Saturday, April 12, 2025! With their signature ‘70s style, platform shoes, and electrifying stage presence, this legendary band guarantees a night of nonstop fun. Buy Tickets »
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.