As spring ends and summer arrives, New Mexico will buzz with warm-weather activities, festivals, and excitement. From outdoor concerts to summer festivals and outdoor attractions in towns like Ruidoso, Mescalero, and Alamogordo, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in New Mexico in June:
ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
DOSO DIRTBAGS LIVE AT LOST HIKER BREWING COMPANY
When: June 15, 2024
Where: Lost Hiker Brewing Company, Ruidoso NM
Pack in with the locals at Lost Hiker Brewing Company for a classic Doso Dirtbags show featuring rock, folk, punk, and original creations. Celebrate the start of summer, end of school, and their newest release! The brewery opens at 2 pm, with the Dirtbags set to take the stage at 5.
CHRIS YOUNG LIVE AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
When: June 21, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Country music star Chris Young is bringing his chart-topping hits to the outdoor stage at Inn of the Mountain Gods! This outdoor concert is your chance to hear hits like “Tomorrow” and “Gettin’ You Home” live in a stunning setting at this casino resort. Doors are at 4 pm, Chris Young is set to take the stage at 8 pm.
CHUY LIZÁRRAGA LIVE AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
When: June 22, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Enjoy the exciting sounds of banda performer Chuy Lizárraga LIVE this summer at Inn of the Mountain Gods. This international legend will perform hits like “La Peinada (La Peinadita),” “Partido En Dos,” “Se Me Sigue Notando,” and other classics. Bring your dancing shoes!
MOKSI AT LOST HIKER BREWING COMPANY
When: June 29, 2024
Where: Lost Hiker Brewing Company
This Ruidoso-based married couple (formerly known as Delaney and Valorie) brings an acoustic folk/soul vibe to Lost Hiker Brewing Company. Moksi will take the stage at 5 pm – get there early to enjoy the brewery!
OUTDOOR RECREATION
SUNSET STROLLS AT WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Where: 19955 Highway 70 West, Alamogordo
Contact: 575-479-6124
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 51.4 miles
The glistening, wave-like sand dunes of White Sands National Park are a stunning sight to behold. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to visit in southern New Mexico. The park is the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field, encompassing 275-square miles of desert and is home to a variety of desert plants and animals.During June, visitors can enjoy a ranger-guided Sunset Stroll at the park. The Sunset Stroll gives visitors a hiking opportunity during a cooler time of the day and provides outstanding views of the rolling dunes with a sunset backdrop. During the warmer months, we recommend packing plenty of water for a White Sands National Park trip and abiding by the White Sands National Park safety guidelines.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT SKI APACHE RUIDOSO
Where: 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto
Contact: 575-464-3600
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 21.5 miles
Looking for outdoor thrills? Ski Apache is the place for you! Ski Apache is New Mexico’s premier summertime destination. Located in the Sierra Blanca mountains of Alto, New Mexico, Ski Apache offers biking and hiking trails, bike rentals, gondola rides, and one of the world’s longest zipline tours, the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour!
Ski Apache is home to three hiking trails that will suit hikers of most ages. The Lookout Trail hike takes just 10-15 minutes before you reach a viewing area featuring 360-degree views of Ski Apache.
Sierra Blanca Trail and Crest Trail are each more than 2 miles long and take hikers 1900 feet in elevation for magnificent alpine views.Find more details and how to plan your adventure here. Learn more about our lodging near Ski Apache. Want to hike in New Mexico? See our list of the finest Mescalero and Ruidoso hiking trails.
TAKE A HORSEBACK TOUR AT GRINDSTONE LAKE
Where: 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.3 miles
Sit in the saddle and ride with knowledgeable wranglers for a fun ride with Grindstone Stables. Riders will enjoy views of Grindstone Lake and Sierra Blanca during a horseback tour. Grindstone Stables tours are great family activities and reasonably priced. Book ahead — spots fill fast. They’ll match you with a horse according to your riding experience. Tours are one hour, and the staff can accommodate special needs. Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods guests won’t have to travel far to enjoy the alpine air thanks to the Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables. Located on site, Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables offers group rides throughout the day.
CHAMPIONSHIP NEW MEXICO GOLF WITH LOW RATES
Where: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
Contact: 575-464-7945
Located at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Designed by famous golf-course architect Ted Robinson, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort Championship Golf Course has the best views of any golf course in New Mexico. This course features beautiful fast-breaking greens and an island fairway that offers plenty of challenges but a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. Golf rates consider the day of the week, time of day, weather, and golfer demand for dynamic custom rates catered to each player.Book in advance to get the best deal!
FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN
ZIPLINE ABOVE INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
Where: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
Contact: 1-800-545-9011
Located at Inn of the Mountain GodsGet the finest views of the Inn of the Mountain Gods with a soaring adventure on the Apache Eagle Ziprider. Measuring 2,668 feet in length and reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, the Apache Eagle Ziprider is one of the most thrilling experiences in southern New Mexico. And most importantly, riders can enjoy the experience with a friend thanks to optional side-by-side ziplines. For even more thrills, visit the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour at Ski Apache.
DAY OF PLAY AT PILLOW’S FUNTRACKERS
Where: 101 Carrizo Canyon Road, Ruidoso
Contact: (575) 257-3275
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.4 miles
June is an ideal time for go-karts, mini-golf, and bumper boats. Pillow’s Funtrackers has all that, plus a maze and arcade games, too. It’s all the elements you need for family fun, most of it outdoors. Check out the Arkadia Virtual Reality Arena, where six players can participate in stunning VR experiences.Gem mining is open in the summer. Ask about a discount ticket package to extend your fun!
50TH ANNUAL GUS MACKER TOURNAMENT
When: June 1 – 2, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Looking for family-friendly competition? The Gus Macker Tournament at Inn of the Mountain Gods is the original 3-on-3 basketball festival for basketball players who love the game. The tournament includes a slam-dunk contest and a 3-point contest with prizes totaling $1,500!The event will be packed with family fun such as live local music, Native American arts and crafts, jumping balloons, and more.
FESTIVALS & MARKETS
WINGFIELD PARK GROWERS MARKET
When: Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, June – October 2024
Where: Wingfield Park, 300 Center Street, Ruidoso
Contact: (575) 257-5030
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.6 miles
One glance at the produce and other goods on hand, and you’ll be glad you visited the Wingfield Park Growers Market. At this open-air market travelers will find local-grown fruits and vegetables, art, baked goods, wine, and more. You’ll also find everything from raw wool to roving and yarn to finished fiber products. Get your food and gifts in one spot on your New Mexico getaway at the Wingfield Park Growers Market. The Wingfield Park Growers Market opens for the season on June 8 2024.
BOURBON FEST
When: June 22, 2024
Where: Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
Head to Ruidoso Downs for a night of indulgence featuring bourbon samples, savory BBQ delights, specialty mixed drinks, live music, and more at Bourbon Fest!
2024 Bourbon Fest performers are William Clark Green and Cory Morrow, taking the stage at 7 pm and 8:30 pm respectively.
EDUCATIONAL & HISTORICAL
A DAY AT THE NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF SPACE HISTORY
Where: 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo
Contact: (575) 437-2840
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 44.4 miles
Let your enthusiasm for space exploration lead you to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. The museum is home to the Space Hall of Fame and interesting artifacts and exhibits of space exploration. Check out the view of the Tularosa Basin, the site of many experiments for space exploration technology. And visit the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium for fascinating programs.
CHUCKWAGON SUPPERS AND WESTERN SHOWS AT FLYING J RANCH
Where: 1028 Highway 28 North, Alto
Contact: 575-336-4330
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 10.7 miles
This immersive old-west experience puts visitors into the heart of an old-west village, complete with delicious chuckwagon suppers, western shows with world champion yodeling, gold panning, pony rides, and much more. The Flying J Ranch Ruidoso is recognized as one of the top attractions in New Mexico, and it’s easy to see why.During June, all of the fun starts every evening (except Sundays) at 5:30 pm and continues with live shows, music, and food. Tickets are $41 per person, $21 per child ages 4 through 12, and are free for kids ages 3 and under. See our full list of things to do in New Mexico with kids!
Looking for more ways to fill your trip itinerary? See the top things to do at Inn of the Mountain Gods and nearby attractions.