As summer comes to a close, New Mexico in the fall brings cooler weather, gold autumn hues, and events and festivals for all ages. Visitors will discover plenty of family-friendly activities, events, and attractions this fall near Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in majestic Mescalero, New Mexico.
Check out our top choices for New Mexico things to do and events in fall 2024.
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New Mexico Things to Do for Fall
A Golf Weekend at Inn of the Mountain Gods
As the weather begins to cool, the course becomes less crowded, thus making the perfect time for a relaxing day out on the green with family and friends. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course features beautiful greens and picturesque fairways that will only get better as the leaves begin to change color.
Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods’ dynamic pricing puts you in total control to get the best tee times that meet your needs.Discover why Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course is voted as one of the most stunning golf courses in New Mexico!
Scenic Fall Foliage Hikes
The Inn of the Mountain Gods’ favorable location puts guests in the middle of exceptional hiking opportunities. As the leaves begin to change color and the air begins to cool, exploring the nearby natural wonders becomes a must.
From Lincoln National Forest to Sierra Blanca at nearby Ski Apache, there’s an outdoor adventure for all to enjoy near our New Mexico resort casino. Just remember to have your camera ready! Find out where the best Mescalero and Ruidoso hiking trails are located.
Phenomenal Fishing at Lake Mescalero
From dawn till dusk, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino offers everything for an unforgettable day on Lake Mescalero.
Located just outside Inn of the Mountain Gods, Lake Mescalero is stocked annually with nearly 20,000 trout and is open to fishing year-round. Anglers can rent fishing rods, purchase bait, and purchase a fishing permit at the boathouse, located on-site.
Create new family memories this fall when you get the perfect catch! Learn more about fishing at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.
Hit the Slopes at Ski Apache
Ski Apache offers a little of everything, from hiking, biking, and zip-lining (and much more!).
There are three hiking trails at Ski Apache, each providing more incredible views than the last. Mountain bike rentals and biking gear are also offered for exploring the area.
If you don’t mind nature viewing with a side of thrills, book a ride on the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour. The ziptour reaches over 8,900 feet in length, rises above 11,000 feet, and reaches speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
Or if you want to enjoy the views at a leisurely pace, take a scenic gondola ride. Gondola rides take riders up and down Sierra Blanca Peak, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.
A trip to Ski Apache isn’t complete without some time on the slopes! Ski Apache offers slopes and obstacles for all experience levels, from wide beginner slopes to tough bump runs and a terrain park with jumps, tubes, and rails.
New Mexico’s ski season typically begins in late November. Head straight to the source at Ski Apache for the most up-to-date information.
There are tons of other family-friendly activities and attractions around our New Mexico resort casino; the toughest part is deciding what to choose this fall!
New Mexico September Events
End of Summer Bash at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: September 1, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
Admission: Free
Fireworks over Lake Mescalero, kids activities, and a live DJ! Oh, my! Inn of the Mountain Gods is ending summer on a high note with their End of Summer Bash on Sunday, September 1st from noon to 9 pm. The event is free for anyone to attend and will include activities for the whole family, including activities specially crafted for younger guests. New in 2024, a dazzling drone show sets the stage at dusk before the bash ends with a fireworks display over Lake Mescalero!
Downshift Brewing Company Midtown Oktoberfest at Hidden Tap
When: September 28, 2024
Where: Downshift Brewing Company
Admission: Early bird 21+ is $15, early bird ages 13 to 20 (and Designated Drivers) $10, and kids ages 12 and under are free – ticket prices will increase as the event approaches
Enjoy a slice of Munich in Midtown Ruidoso during Oktoberfest at Downshift Brewing Company. The day will be filled with polka music and other live acts, an Oktoberfest best dressed contest, a stein hoisting contest, a chicken dance contest, and plenty of brews on tap! Plus, there will be plenty of fun and games for the entire family. Two lucky attendees will be crowned the King and Queen of Oktoberfest. Don’t miss your chance to attend this fall event in Ruidoso!
Brews, Blues, & BBQ Beerfest at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: September 21, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
Admission: $25, includes 10 4-ounce pours and a commemorative glass
Join the fun at Inn of the Mountain Gods for the 2024 Brews, Blues, and BBQ Beerfest! Promising a day of cold brews, cool tunes, and smoking-hot barbecue, this festival of flavors features over 200 beers paired with the Southwest’s best barbecue. Enjoy the changing leaves and cooling weather with a delicious plate of BBQ and your favorite brew!
Ruidoso Kite Festival
When: September 21 and 22, 2024
Where: White Mountain Sports Complex
Welcome the fall season at the annual Ruidoso Kite Festival. Hosted at the White Mountain Sports Complex in Ruidoso, this family-friendly outdoor festival includes food, drinks, and demonstrations by professional kite flyers. Plus, you can build, design, and fly your very own kite! This fall event in Ruidoso is from 10 am to 4 pm both days. The Ruidoso Kite Festival is free to attend.
New Mexico October Events
Aspenfest Parade and Festival
When: October 5, 2024
Where: Midtown Ruidoso & Wingfield Park in Ruidoso
Kick off autumn with food, drinks, and crafts at Ruidoso Aspenfest, one of the best free fall events in Ruidoso.
This fall celebration starts with a morning parade through midtown Ruidoso at 10 am, and leads to a festival with local craft vendors, tons of food and drinks, and live music that lasts until around dusk.
Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park
When: October 16, 2024
Where: White Sands National Park, about an hour from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Witness the otherworldly beauty of White Sands National Park at night with this moonlight hike, a fun and unique thing to do in New Mexico this fall. The moon will be almost 100% full, illuminating this incredible landscape in an ethereal glow that totally transforms it from the scene you see in the daytime. Get your tickets early – don’t miss out!
Can’t make it to October’s Moonlight Hike? This is a monthly event at the park from March through November – check out the schedule here.
Chinese Acrobats of Hebei at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: October 25, 2024
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Admission: Starting at $35
Enjoy the exciting experience of a show from the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei at Inn of the Mountain Gods this fall! World-class acrobatic performers strike the perfect balance between old world tradition and vibrant modern costumes and tricks, putting on an awe-inspiring show. Tickets to this fall show begin at $35.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
When: October 25 and 26, 2024
Where: Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside
Admission: General admission $30, prop bags $20
Don’t miss out on your chance to see Oso Productions’ performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show this fall. This unique fall event features a live shadow cast performing while the movie plays on the big screen, interacting with the audience in true Rocky Horror fashion. Your prop bag will include a squirt gun, newspaper, confetti popper, toilet paper, 3 playing cards, and more – interested parties can look up the functions for each of these items in advance, or let the cast guide you!
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
When: October 30, 2024
Where: Midtown Ruidoso
Enjoy a day of family-friendly fun at this fall event for the whole family in Ruidoso. The Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll offers a costume contest for kids 17 and younger, pumpkin carving, a pumpkin roll contest, coffin race, candy, and so much more.
New Mexico November Events
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
When: November 8, 9, and 10, 2024
Where: Ruidoso Convention Center
Admission: $5, children under 12 and active military are free
Get a head start on your holiday shopping when you visit the Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center. 75 local vendors will showcase crafts, decor, and more during this weekend holiday celebration perfect for spending time with the family while you accomplish some holiday shopping.
Hours for this fall event are noon to 5 pm on Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday.
Lincoln’s 9th Annual Dia de Muertos Festival
When: November 2, 2024
Where: Lincoln, NM
Admission: Free
This fall festival near Ruidoso offers live music, vendors with handcrafted wares, food vendors and trucks, face painters, and more. Bonito Valley Brewing will get in on the fun with a food truck in their lot, the perfect complement to their delicious brews. As there is little to no cell service in this area, most of the vendors will be cash only – plan accordingly and have a great time!
Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park
When: November 16, 2024
Where: White Sands National Park, about an hour from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Witness the otherworldly beauty of White Sands National Park at night with this moonlight hike, a fun and unique thing to do in New Mexico this fall. The moon will be almost 100% full, illuminating this incredible landscape in an ethereal glow that totally transforms it from the scene you see in the daytime. Get your tickets early – don’t miss out!
Can’t make it to November’s Moonlight Hike? While November is the final event of the year, this monthly event starts up again in March – check out the schedule here.
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
When: November 30, 2024
Where: White Mountain Recreation Complex
Admission: $20 registration fee
Lace up your running shoes for Ruidoso’s annual Turkey Trot this November! This late fall event lets families and friends get their bodies moving after a few days of delicious Thanksgiving meals. This run-walk on the Links Trail supports the Lincoln Food Bank, and is the final event of the 2024 Run Ruidoso season.
See all the New Mexico events happening at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fall in New Mexico
What is New Mexico like in the fall?
New Mexico travelers will enjoy cool to mild weather, slight rain, and the potential for snow during an autumn getaway.
According to WeatherSpark, average highs in Mescalero range from 72 degrees in September to 64 degrees in October and 53 degrees in November. Average lows range from 51 degrees in September to 42 degrees in October and 33 degrees in November.
Does New Mexico get snow?
During the fall, it’s not uncommon to experience snowfall. Typically, Mescalero, New Mexico may see up to 0.3 inches of snowfall in October and up to 1 inch of snowfall in November.
As for rainfall, September is typically one of the rainiest months of the year with an average monthly rainfall of up to 1.5 inches. However, November is one of the least rainy months out of the year with an average monthly rainfall of up to 0.5 inches.
Does New Mexico have fall colors?
According to the USDA Forest Service, New Mexico’s Lincoln National Forest peaks with fall colors from mid to late October to early November.
Discover our favorite spots for New Mexico fall foliage.