Independence Day in Ruidoso is always packed full of fun and festive activities. Bring your family and friends for a memorable weekend in Lincoln County and find the events you want to attend from our list.

Star Spangled Celebration & 50th Anniversary Drone Show

Inn of the Mountain Gods hosts the biggest fireworks show in New Mexico on Independence Day! Come out for live music, family fun, great food, and an incredible show. Plus, more entertainment will be happening on July 6th in honor of the Inn's 50th Anniversary Celebration and Drone Show. Don't miss a memorable weekend in Mescalero!

All American Tailgate & Drone Show

A high-tech twist on traditional fireworks shows, the All American Tailgate & Drone Show is put on by the Village of Ruidoso and will feature 150 drones flying in a patriotic aerial light show at 9 PM. Come early for a tailgate with your family and friends and catch the free family activities and entertainment starting at 5 PM.

Run White & Blue - 5K Color Run or Walk

Color runs are so much fun! Sign up for this Race Ruidoso Series run, happening at Moon Mountain Recreation Area, and get blasted with chalk during your 5K for a colorful start to Independence Day weekend.

Lincoln County Art Loop

The Art Loop Studio Tour celebrates it's 30th Anniversary this July. A creative venure among Lincoln County artists that begin in 1995, Art Loop has become a beloved annual tradition where our Southern New Mexico artisans showcase their studios and demonstrate their talents to visitors. Get the map on the Art Loop site and take the self-guided tour July 4-6.

The Texas Tenors 15th Anniversary Tour at Spencer Theater

The Spencer Theater offers incredible shows and gourmet pre-performance meals in an incredible venue. You don't want to miss The Texas Tenors in concert July 5th as they perform patriotic favorites and toe-tapping hits in genres ranging from country to pop. Tickets available at spencertheater.com.

Chuckwagon Supper at Flying J Ranch

Experience a taste (literally!) of the Old West at Flying J Ranch. Famous for their chuckwagon suppers, Western swing performances in Alto, NM, this is a Ruidoso summer tradition that's absolutely a must-do the whole family will enjoy. Get there early to explore "Bonita City", take a pony ride, rope cattle, pan for gold, and witness an authentic outlaw gunfight before the show.

Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo

Catch the nation's largest open rodeo weekend in Capitan July 2-5. With seven rodeos in four days, Smokey Bear Stampede brings plenty of riding, roping, and exhilarating moments for spectators. Don't miss the rodeo dance and concerts starting at 9 PM nightly.

Horse Racing & Concert at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Ruidoso Downs Race Track hosts the Zia QH Futurity Trials NMB and Zia QH Derby Trials NMB over Independence Day weekend. To top it off, Robert Earl Keen will be LIVE on Saturday, July 5th for a country concert you don't want to miss.

Listen to Local Live Music

It sounds like summer in the village when our talented local musicians are playing. Catch a live performance at one of our many venues and restaurants, including Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap or Riverside locations, Lost Hiker, K-Bobs, Cree Meadows, Jacks Back Stage, or Bonito Valley Brewing Company, to name a few. See the full lineup of weekend events on Visit Ruidoso's Facebook and Instagram accounts every Friday.

Free "Under a Mountain Sky" Concert

The Under a Mountain Sky concert series runs Friday nights through the summer with performances at Wingfield Park. Van Darien will be live July 4th in the park for this free, family friendly event.

Splash at Wibit Water Park*

Warm summer days call for splashing in the cool water at Grindstone Lake! The Wibit Floating Park is the perfect Fourth of July activity for family and friends. Daily ticket fee is $20 per person. *Due to low water levels, an evaluation is scheduled for mid-June to see if the water park can be opened to the public this summer. Check the status here.

Chase the Thrills with Outdoor Adventures

Get your adrenaline pumping with Rudoso's many outdoor adventures, including ziplining at Ski Apache or at Inn of the Mountain Gods, riding an outdoor mountain coaster or tubing down the slopes at Ruidoso Winter Park, or riding a mountain bike or horse through the mountainous trails in and around Ruidoso. 

Treat Tasting in Midtown

Ice cream and summer go hand in hand. Explore Midtown and taste your way through local bakeries and sweet shops like Buffett's Candies, Sweet Retreat, Sabor, Purple Mountain Taffy Co., Simple Sugars, and more. There's plenty more to explore, so see our full list of restaurants and shops here.

Shop Vendor Markets

Shop local at one of Ruidoso's markets. Find art, craft vendors, and fresh produce at Midtown Market in Country Club Park on Saturday, or explore Enchanted Vine Barn's scenic venue with live music and shopping on Sunday.