Ruidoso, New Mexico Annual Events

Ceremonial & Rodeo Theater Party & Fireworks Old Lincoln Days Western Collectible Show Aspenfest Weekend Christmas Jubilee

Join Ruidoso’s wonderful annual events and festivals that celebrate the traditions and history of this beautiful mountain village - from motorcycle rallies to the world’s richest quarter horse race.

• Spring Aspencash Motorcycle Rally (May). Every May, Ruidoso welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy gorgeous spring weather and miles of enchanting views. Poker Runs and a huge trade show give bikers a chance to get out and enjoy mountain roads.


• Mountain of Blues Festival (June). Held annually in June, Mountain of Blues Festival celebrates the rich sounds of the blues in Ruidoso’s Event Plaza. The all-day music event featuring well-known blues musicians in the beautiful mountains of Ruidoso. Enjoy an incredible line up of hot blues in the cool pines, as well as dancing, vendors, and food and drink for the whole family. Visit www.ruidoso.net/bluesfestival.

Mescalero Apache Ceremonial & Rodeo (July). Celebrate with the Mescalero Apaches. Join the native pow-wow, Dance of the Maidens, a rodeo, traditional Apache dances and a July 4th parade. Tribal Office: 505-464-4494

Smokey Bear Stampede (July). Held during July 4th, the Smokey Bear Stampede in Capitan, NM, features a parade, a rodeo, BBQ, July 4th fireworks and dancing at fairgrounds. For information, call 505-354-2273.  [Top]

Spencer Theater Party & Fireworks (July). Spencer Theater Party & Fireworks hosts various events throughout the year. For more information on various upcoming events, show timings, etc. visit: www.spencertheater.com.

Ruidoso Art Festival (July). The Ruidoso Fine Art Festival, first held in 1971, is recognized as one of the top Juried Fine Art Shows in the United States. The Ruidoso Art Festival features over 100 award-winning artists displaying work in a variety of mediums. Call 505-257-7395 for more information.  [Top]

Old Lincoln Days (August). This annual festival in historic Lincoln features street vendors, great food, a fun parade, and a mountain man camp. Don’t miss the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” pageant. Call 505-653-4025.

All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino (September). Each year, the racing season comes to an end with the running of the $2 million All American Futurity, the world's richest quarter horse race, every Labor Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino. For information, call 505-378-4431.  [Top]

Annual All-American Gun & Western Collectible Show (September). A 16-year Ruidoso tradition, the All American Gun and Western Collectible Show, held in the first part of September, is part of the All American Festival. Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center, the Show features guns, hunting equipment, knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, and coins. Visit www.trekwest.com/gunshow.

Annual Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally (September). The Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally attracts 35,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to Ruidoso each September. Ride the high roads through the shaded pines of the beautiful Sacramento Mountains in the Southern Rockies, where the sky meets the horizon. You’ll find your own spiritual awakening when riding the sky in Ruidoso. This unforgettable cycle jam features a motorcycle parade, the AMA National Road Riding Convention and Trade Show, live entertainment and exciting field events. Visit www.motorcyclerally.com.  [Top]

Aspenfest Weekend (October). This annual October celebration features a fun themed parade through midtown Ruidoso, arts & crafts at Schoolhouse Park, and a chili cook-off at Rainbow Lakes Cabins & RV Resort.

Annual Ruidoso Oktoberfest (October). Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Oktoberfest features German food, beer, wine, arts and crafts, dancing, a special Kinderhall and family fun. Call 257-6171 or 877-877-9322.

Annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium (October). The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium, the nation’s premier cowboy gathering is one of the Top 100 Events in North America. Sponsored by the Hubbard Museum of the American West, this annual October celebration at Ruidoso Downs Race Track features cowboy poets, musicians, chuck wagon cooks, craftsmen, and a live concert. Call the Museum at 505-378-4142.  [Top]

Christmas Jubilee (November). Held annually at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Christmas Jubilee is the perfect start to the holiday season. Shop and bring the kids for a visit with Santa. Adults are $1. Call 336-9665.

Festival of Lights (December). Thanksgiving through Christmas, the Village of Ruidoso sparkles with holiday lights during the annual Festival of Lights. Ruidoso puts on the best show in New Mexico with this village-wide celebration including shopping, an annual tree lighting celebration, horse drawn sleigh rides, caroling, a fine art show, theater performances, and an electric light parade through midtown - the largest holiday parade in the Southwest and a delightful holiday experience.  [Top]