Signature Events Information

The Ruidoso area hosts a number of terrific annual events which help make a visit to the Ruidoso area memorable and above all...fun! Listed below, you’ll find some events that are worth planning your vacation around! We invite you to come visit us and discover for yourself why we look forward to these special events each year!

May 15-18, 2008
Spring Aspencash Motorcycle Rally - Every May, Ruidoso welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country to enjoy our gorgeous Spring weather and the miles of great views. Poker Runs and a huge trade show give bikers a chance to get out and enjoy the road!

June TBA, 2008
Mountain of Blues Festival - the Mountain of Blues Festival celebrates the rich sounds of the blues in Ruidoso’s own Event Plaza. Live music, dancing, vendors, food and drink are the order for the day.

July 4 - 7, 2008
Mescalero Apache Ceremonial & Rodeo: Pow-wow, Dance of the Maidens, rodeo (1:30pm daily), traditional Apache dances & July 4th parade at 11am. Info: Tribal Office, 575-464-4494

July 2 - 5, 2008
53rd Smokey Bear Stampede: Capitan, NM. Parade (10am), rodeo, BBQ, fireworks on 4th (7pm) & dancing at fairgrounds! Info: 575-354-2273

July TBA, 2008
Spencer Theater Party & Fireworks: 6:30pm, Alto, NM,. Outdoor concert featuring the Windsor Creek Trio. Tickets $28 which includes free beer and soda. Vendors will be set up featuring hot picnic foods for sale. Fireworks, if any, will begin at nightfall. BYO chair and blanket. Info: Box Office, 888-818-7872 or 575-336-4800

July 25, 26 & 27, 2008
37th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival - The Ruidoso Fine Art Festival, first held in 1971,  is recognized by the Harris Poll as one of the top Juried Fine Art Shows in the United States. Sponsored by the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Ruidoso Art Festival features over 100 award-winning artists displaying work in a variety of mediums. Call 575-257-7395 for more information.

August 1 - 3, 2008
Old Lincoln Days - Lincoln, NM - Street vendors, food, parade and mountain man camp. Don’t miss the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” pageant. 575-653-4025.

August 2 - 3, 2008
Ft. Stanton Live! - History comes to life with Calvary Re-enactments, food vendors, music and more. Ft. Stanton (Hwy 220, 20 miles NE of Ruidoso) from 10 AM to 5 PM. For information call 575-258-1833.

August 30 - 31, 2008
18th annual All-American Gun & Western Collectible Show: Ruidoso Convention Center, 9-5. Everything that relates to guns as well hunting equipment, knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and much, much more. Admission $5 adults, kids 12 & under free. Under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Info: Jackie, 575-257-6171.

September 1, 2008
All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino: Each year, the racing season comes to an end with the running of the World’s richest Quarter Horse race, the Grade I All American Futurity. For information 575-378-4431.

September 17 - 21, 2008
39th Annual Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally: Ruidoso Downs Sports Theater Complex, 3/4 miles east of the racetrack entrance. The motorcycles come back for glorious fall weather and an exceptional trade show, live entertainment and more. For information call 800-452-8045.

October 4 & 5, 2008
Aspenfest Weekend - It’s our annual fall celebration complete with a parade through midtown (Sat, 10am, from the corner of Sudderth & Mechem to 700 block of Sudderth), Arts & Crafts at Schoolhouse Park on Sudderth (Sat 9-5:30, Sun 9-5, admission $1 adults, free to kids under 12), & a Rod Run Car Show at the racetrack (Sat, 8-4, free admission). Bonnie Richardson (Arts & Crafts) 378-4661, Ron Duscha (Car show) 915-598-0621,& Rachel Weber (Parade) 575-257-7395.

October 10, 11 & 12, 2008
19th Annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium:
This annual celebration is held at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and features cowboy poets, musicians, chuckwagon cooks/craftsmen plus This year will feature Johnny Bush & The Bandoleros plus Red Steagall and Lynn Anderson performing a special tribute to Cindy Walker.  For information call the Museum at 575-378-4142.

October 17 & 18, 2008
27th Annual Ruidoso Oktoberfest: Sponsored by Special Events Resource Group and held at the Ruidoso Convention Center, enjoy German food, beers, wine, arts/crafts, dancing, a special Kinderhall & lots of family fun! Info: 257-6171 or 877-877-9322.

November 14 thru 16, 2008
22nd Annual Christmas Jubilee: Sponsored by the Ruidoso Valley Greeters and held annually at the Ruidoso Convention Center, this is the perfect start to the holiday season. Shop ‘til you drop and bring the kids for a visit with Santa. Noon - 6 PM on Friday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 11 AM - 4 PM on Sunday. Adults are $1. Call 336-9665 for information.