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 for fall 2022.
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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’ ideal location puts guests in the middle of exceptional hiking opportunities and some of the best New Mexico fall foliage. 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.
Scenic horseback rides are also offered through Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables. Or if you prefer to explore by bike, Inn of the Mountain Gods offers bike rentals for on-property exploring.
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 takes riders up and down Sierra Blanca Peak, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.
But you can’t take a trip to Ski Apache without enjoying 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. The ski season typically begins in late November. However, we recommend contacting Ski Apache for 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: Sunday, September 4th
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 4th from 3 pm to 10 pm. The event is free for anyone to attend and will include kids activities like a rock climbing wall and jumping balloons, concessions, and a live DJ spinning the hits. The bash ends with a fireworks display over Lake Mescalero!
Downshift Brewing Company Midtown Oktoberfest at Hidden Tap
When: Saturday, September 24th
Where: Downshift Brewing Company
Admission: Early bird for ages 21 and up is $15, early bird for ages 13 to 20 is $5, and kids ages 12 and under are free (ticket pricing will increase after August 22nd)
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. Make sure to get your tickets to this rain or shine event.
Zach Williams at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: Saturday, September 24th
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
Admission: From $35
Get your tickets for country star Zach Williams at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Zach Williams is known for his unique blend of faith-filled songwriting and country and southern rock sound. Get your tickets today!
New Mexico October Events
Ruidoso Aspenfest
When: Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd
Where: Midtown Ruidoso & Wingfield Park in Ruidoso
Admission: TBD
Kick off autumn with food, drinks, and crafts at Ruidoso Aspenfest, the area’s favorite fall celebration.
This two-day event starts with a morning parade through midtown Ruidoso on Saturday, October 1st and leads to local craft vendors, tons of food and drinks, and live music at Wingfield Park for the entire weekend! The weekend will also include a chili cook-off and a car show.
Second ANNUAL INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION
When: Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th
Where: Wingfield Park
Admission: Free
Celebrate the cultures and traditions of indigenous America at the first-ever Indigenous Celebration at Wingfield Park. This one-of-a-kind festival will showcase traditional cuisines like fry bread and posole, dancing, and music of the indigenous peoples of New Mexico. There will also be craft vendors, from jewelry to paintings and traditional native clothing. The festival is free and open to the public.
Wild West Mountain Bike Festival at Grindstone Lake Trails
When: Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th
Where: Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso
Celebrate all things mountain biking and enjoying outdoor fitness at the Wild West Mountain Bike Festival. For two days, the event will host live music, food trucks, vendors, and much more. Mountain bike events include a 6-hour endurance competition, a 40-mile marathon, both on Saturday, and the Enduro Event on Sunday.
Each competition has multiple categories, including solo, duo, and team options. For more information, contact Zia Rides at 505-554-0059.
Chef Robert Irvine at Inn of the Mountain Gods
When: Saturday, October 29th
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
Admission: $125
Visit Inn of the Mountain Gods on Saturday, October 29th at 7 pm for an interactive culinary experience featuring world-famous Chef Robert Irvine. Perfect for an evening night out with a loved one or friends, this culinary event includes an incredible three-course meal prepared by Chef Robert Irvine that guests will get to enjoy. Get your tickets today!
New Mexico November Events
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee
When: Friday, November 11th through Sunday, November 13th
Where: Ruidoso Convention Center
Admission: $5, children under 12 are free
Get a head start to your holiday shopping when you visit the Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Over 80 local vendors will be showcasing crafts, decor, and more during this weekend holiday celebration. There will also be crafts, stories, and visits with Santa for the kiddos on Saturday and Sunday.
Hours for the event are 12 pm to 5 pm on Friday, November 11th, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, November 12th, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, November 13th.
Teo Gonzalez and Rogelio Ramos
When: Saturday, November 26th
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
Admission: From $75
Visit the Inn of the Mountain Gods for a comedy double header featuring two of the most well-known comedians in Mexico! Teo Gonzalez and Rogelio Ramos are bringing their jokes, imitations, and sketches to Mescalero for a one night performance full of laughs. Tickets start at $75. Get your tickets!
See all the New Mexico events happening at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.