Ruidoso Travel Essentials

To help you plan your Ruidoso vacation, browse these travel essentials, including weather information, upcoming and annual events, packing and driving advice, military savings, and much more. 

Weather Forecast

Upcoming Events

Featured
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
May 16
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center

Beat the heat and find yourself riding the shaded pines of the Sacramento mountains for 4-days of riding, food and music. Learn more at MotorcycleRally.com

Nick Brumley, Presley Haile, and Race Ricketts Live at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap
May 16
Nick Brumley, Presley Haile, and Race Ricketts Live at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap

Join Downshift Brewing Co's Hidden Tap on June 16, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening with Nick Brumley, Presley Haile, and Race Ricketts. Experience a night of soulful music and storytelling by these talented Central Texas singer-songwriters.

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 17
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park

Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children's activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the day. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.

70th Annual Hondo Fiesta: Fiesta del Valle and Enchilada Dinner
May 18
70th Annual Hondo Fiesta: Fiesta del Valle and Enchilada Dinner

Join the celebration of the 70th anniversary of this Hondo Valley tradition. Enjoy an evening filled with outstanding performances from preschool to 12th grade, featuring dancers in colorful costumes performing Spanish, Mexican, and New Mexican dances from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Don't miss out on the enchilada dinner at the school from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Doso Dirtbags Live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
May 18
Doso Dirtbags Live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Get ready to rock at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside, where Doso Dirtbags Live at 7:00 PM. Their unique blend of mountain country, punk, blues, and Irish music guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park
May 22
Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park

Don't miss this chance to witness the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park under the captivating glow of the moon during your Ruidoso vacation! Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable nocturnal adventure.

Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 24
Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend with the top two-and-three-year-old quarter horses in the world competing in the Ruidoso Futurity/Derby Trials and the $45K John Andreini Memorial Stakes. Book your tickets today!

Hannah Owens LIVE at Wingfield Park
May 24
Hannah Owens LIVE at Wingfield Park

"Under a Mountain Sky" is a FREE summer outdoor music series sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso. Join us at Wingfield Park on May 24 from 6-8 PM for live music by Hannah Owens. Bring your friends and family for a delightful evening. Don't miss out! Immerse yourself in music and community under the wide open skies of Ruidoso!

Red Light Cameras with Megafauna at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
May 24
Red Light Cameras with Megafauna at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Join Downshift Brewing Company for an exhilarating live performance by Red Light Cameras! As seen on Bands of Enchantment (Season 2, Episode 2), Red Light Cameras is a dynamic rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for their infectious pop hooks and energetic stage presence. Mark your calendars and join Downshift Brewing Company for a memorable evening of live music and entertainment.

Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake
May 25
Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake

Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, opens for the summer season on May 25, 2024. The floating, inflatable platform is perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Come out for the day or purchase a season pass with swimming, boating, fishing, disc golf, and more available at Grindstone Lake, in the heart of Ruidoso.

Helpful Information

Featured
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time

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.

Safe High-Altitude Adventures: Precautions for Enjoyable Exploration
Safe High-Altitude Adventures: Precautions for Enjoyable Exploration

At an impressive elevation of 6,920 feet above sea level, a trip to Ruidoso promises an unforgettable adventure amid stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural attractions. Preparing for the high-altitude environment and taking necessary precautions can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. So pack your bags, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and get ready to explore all that Ruidoso has to offer!

How to dress for winter in Ruidoso
How to dress for winter in Ruidoso

Tips on how to dress and gear up for your Ruidoso winter vacation. Think warm layers, a hat and gloves, waterproof jackets, cozy pullovers, wool socks and more. 

What To Know About the Legal Use of Recreational Cannabis in New Mexico
What To Know About the Legal Use of Recreational Cannabis in New Mexico

What to know about the legalization of marijuana and the legal use of recreational cannabis in New Mexico for adults 21+ effective Friday, April 1, 2022. Where to find a Ruidoso cannabis dispensary.

What's In A Name?
What's In A Name?

Discover how Ruidoso got its name and how to pronounce it like a local.

What to do if you get sick during your Ruidoso vacation
What to do if you get sick during your Ruidoso vacation

It’s the last thing you expected to happen during your vacation, but now that you’re sick—what to do? Ruidoso visitors have a choice between an urgent care clinic and the emergency room. If you plan to use your medical insurance, visiting the wrong one could result in a claim denial by your provider. Here’s what you need to know should you find yourself ill or injured in Ruidoso.

How to Camp and Recreate Safely During Wildfire Season
How to Camp and Recreate Safely During Wildfire Season

Do your part to keep Ruidoso safe by keeping these wildfire prevention tips in mind before you leave home as well as on the trail to make for an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience in Ruidoso.

Driving Directions to Ruidoso from Regional Airports
Driving Directions to Ruidoso from Regional Airports

How to get to Ruidoso? Driving directions to Ruidoso, NM, from Albuquerque, El Paso, and Roswell airports.

Ruidoso Winter Driving Tips
Ruidoso Winter Driving Tips

Stay safe during your Ruidoso winter vacation with these winter driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Camping Tips for Ruidoso: What to know before you go
Camping Tips for Ruidoso: What to know before you go

Whether you're roughing it in a tent, car camping, or traveling in an RV, there are many ways to make sure that your camping experience is fun and safe. Consider the following basic tips.