The Southwest region of the United States is known for its lush native culture and the art it births. From Native American pottery and jewelry to beautiful sunset paintings, the region is home to many talented artists. Every year, the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce hosts the Ruidoso Art Fest at the convention center. Local artists, as well as those from surrounding states, bring their wares to display and sell to private collectors or soon-to-be collectors.

The Ruidoso Art Fest is a juried show, not all applicants are selected to participate. Here you will see stunning works of glass, wood, acrylic, sculpture, and much more. A silent auction will be held near the front entrance to benefit a local charity.

The art festival will run from July 25 through July 27. Friday the doors will open at noon and close at 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. A one day entry fee costs $5.00 for adults and $1 for kids ages 6-16. Children under age 3 are free. A 2 day pass will cost $8; a 3 day pass will cost only $12.

For more information or for a list of artists, please visit the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce website.The Convention Center is located at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, just off Mechem Drive near the post office.

2009 UPDATE: Calendar of Events in Ruidoso click here

If you have been working on a summer escape to Ruidoso that includes camping, you have probably discovered that the Lincoln National Forest has been closed until we receive some precipitation to relieve the dry conditions in our area. Currently, within the village limits of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, no outdoor open flame of any kind is allowed, including cigarette smoking and gas grills. For a more comprehensive look of what the fire restrictions are in town and within the rest of the county, please take a look at the list of the Lincoln County fire restrictions. Don’t let the fire danger prevent a trip to our beautiful area. There are still so many wonderful things to do here, and I’ve included a list below to help guide you in the right direction.

Not only will the racing season begin at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, but Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to jump-start your summer activities. I’m including just a few of our community calendar events in this article, but with a little ingenuity on your part, you and your family can still find plenty to do in this neck of the woods.

Horse-racing Season: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino opens May 23 and runs through Labor Day. The racetrack is home to the world’s richest Quarter Horse race, the All American Futurity. To start things off, Country Music artist Marty Stuart will be performing live at the racetrack on May 24. For times and information, visit the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack website.

Dinner Shows: The Flying J Ranch will open its doors for the season at 6:00 PM the evening of May 23 and will be open nightly (except Sundays) until September 3. From September 3 to October 14 the Flying J Ranch will be open on Saturdays only.

Mountain Annie’s is open year round. Performances can vary from 50′s rock and roll to classic and contemporary to western cowboy music. On most nights the doors open at 6:00 PM, dinner is served at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 8:00. Shows and times are subject to change, so please visit their website or call 575-257-7982.

Arts & Crafts Shows: The 3rd annual Mescalero Arts & Crafts Show will be held at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, NM. Beautiful handmade items will be on display throughout Memorial Day Weekend. Fri 12-6 PM, Sat& Sun 10AM-6PM, and Mon 8 AM-2PM.

Art In the Pines Art Gallery is reopening its doors to showcase local artists’ works under one roof. No longer will you have to wander through town to each studio to find your favorite artist’s work. The Old Mill will be a new summer home for artwork this year. Call 575-378-5206 for details.

Ruidoso Noon Lions Crafts, Guns & Collectible Show will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center May 24-25 9AM-6PM Saturday and 9AM-3PM Sunday. There is an admission fee of $5 for adults and kids under the age of 12 get in free.

Outdoor Sports: On May 22, the 12th Annual Cree Meadows Golf Tournament kicks off with a shot-gun start at 12:30 PM. Fees include green fees, golf cart, dinner, and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ruidoso.

If you’re physically fit and like to run, the Mescalero Hotshot Challenge Run takes place on May 24, 2008 in Mescalero. There is a 15k, 10K Team Challenge, and 5K race to choose from. Call 575-464-4291 for the scoop.

There is almost an endless list of things to do in and around Ruidoso. These are just a few of the highlights of our early summer events. Here are additional summer events from the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce. Stay tuned for more. If you are aching, like so many of us, to spend some time camping and hiking in the forest then I suggest you check back with our site in the near future. As soon as the current fire restrictions lift, we will try to be one of the first to let you know. Until then, we hope you find at least one event that piques your interest and brings you to the mountain.

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2009 UPDATE: Calendar of Events in Ruidoso click here