There’s plenty of events in and around the Mescalero Apache Reservation near Ruidoso NM this July, including 4th of July celebrations, arts and crafts exhibitions, free movies, and adrenaline pumping rodeos. If you’re going to be in town this July, check out these family-friendly festivals and events that you won’t want to miss!
Sunday Under the Stars | Inn of the Mountain Gods | Ongoing
Head to Inn of the Mountain Gods every Sunday night at 8 pm for a free movie under the stars! Every Sunday throughout the month of July, Inn of the Mountain Gods will showcase a family-friendly movie out on the lawn; just remember to bring your own blanket or lawn chair!
Movies for July include:
- Monsters Inc. – July 7th
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – July 14th
- The Grinch – July 21st
- The Goonies – July 28th
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free to attend. Learn more about Sunday Under the Stars.
Wine Down Wednesdays | Apache Tee | Ongoing
Every Wednesday at 6 pm through September, Apache Tee restaurant at Inn of the Mountain Gods hosts live music, delicious appetizers, and wine throughout the night. Hungry? Apache Tee offers fabulous meal options including barbecue-style sandwiches and yummy side dishes for lunch and dinner and boasts gorgeous views of the on-site golf course. Learn more about Apache Tee here.
Star-Spangled Celebration | Inn of the Mountain Gods | July 4th, 3 pm
This Independence Day celebration takes place right on the Inn of the Mountain Gods property. All of the excitement begins at 3 pm with face painting, rock climbing, obstacle course slides, jumping balloons, and more! All of the fun culminates to the “biggest and longest fireworks show in New Mexico.” Dozens of pyrotechnics will light up the New Mexico sky above Lake Mescalero, capping this 4th of July celebration. This family-friendly event is free to attend. Wristbands are available for $10 which grants access to jumping balloons and other activities.
Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances & Rodeo | Mescalero Ceremonial Grounds| July 4th – 7th
From July 4th through July 7th, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the many ceremonial dances of the Mescalero Apache. Bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and much more will start each day at 1 pm. Other activities include:
- 40th Annual Mescalero Celebration Parade – July 6th at 10 am
- Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue Challenge Run – July 7th at 8 am; includes a 5k walk and 5k/10k run
Native American arts and crafts, traditional and modern games, and free lunch and dinner will also be available to enjoy. General admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults. Rodeo admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults. Children ages 5 and under are free. For more information, contact (575) 464-4494.
Smokey Bear Stampede | Capitan, New Mexico (near Ruidoso) | July 4th – 7th
The Smokey Bear Stampede is one of the nation’s largest open rodeo weekend, with ranch rodeos, traditional rodeos, and goat roping every day of this four-day event. Each night will also feature a rodeo dance headlined by a DJ or live band from 9 pm to 1 am. The festival will also be brimming with patriotic festivities, including a 4th of July parade starting at 10 am, rodeos every day, a beer garden, and a fireworks extravaganza on July 4th. Rodeo admission is $10 per adult and $6 per child ages 6-12.
Fort Stanton Live! | Fort Stanton, New Mexico | July 13th, 9 am
Fort Stanton Live! is an action-packed 1800s era reenactment that includes demonstrations, concerts, presentations, games for kids, and a military ball at the historic Fort Stanton in New Mexico. Historical vendors, including crafters, and local food vendors will be on hand to enhance the day’s excitement. This year’s activities include:
- Authors, speakers, and tours
- Cavalry, artillery, and infantry demonstrations
- Old time games for kids
- Live entertainment and concessions
- And much, much more!
Admission is $5 per person and free for children under 12. For more details, contact (575) 354-0341.
Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival | Ruidoso Convention Center | July 26th – 28th
The Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival will take over the Ruidoso Convention Center with more than 100 of the countries most talented artists displaying their crafts and artwork. Artistic mediums include:
- Photography
- Paintings
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Jewelry
- And much more!
This year’s festival will also feature wine tastings from New Mexico area wineries. Admission is $1 for children under the age of 10 and $6 for adults. Two- and three-day passes are also available. Times for each day is Friday, July 26th Noon – 6 pm; Saturday, July 27th 10 am – 6 pm; and Sunday, July 29th 11 am – 5 pm. For more information, call (575) 257-7395.