As spring ends and summer arrives, the American Southwest will buzz with warm-weather activities, festivals, and excitement. And June is a great month to visit New Mexico, especially if you enjoy outdoor adventure and want to avoid the more extreme heat and bigger crowds that arrive a bit later during summertime’s peak.
In the Ruidoso, New Mexico area — home to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino — the weather in June is typically warm during the day and cool at night, making it an ideal time for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. We’ve rounded up the 15 top things to do in New Mexico in June—from concerts and summer festivals to outdoor activities, educational museums, and historic attractions—in towns including Ruidoso, Mescalero, and Alamogordo.
ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
GINUWINE AND FAT JOE LIVE AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
When: June 20, 2025
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso
Get ready for an unforgettable night of R&B and hip-hop as iconic artists Ginuwine and Fat Joe take the stage at the Inn of the Mountain Gods! This outdoor concert promises to deliver a high-energy performance featuring Ginuwine’s smooth vocals and Fat Joe’s chart-topping hits.
Doors open at 4 p.m., with the show set to kick off at 8 p.m.
KATT WILLIAMS LIVE AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
When: June 21, 2025
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso
After the Ginuwine and Fat Joe show, the on-stage excitement at Inn of the Mountain Gods doesn’t stop, continuing the next night for a star-studded weekend at the resort. Don’t miss out as comedy icon Katt Williams brings his signature wit, fearless humor, and sharp insights to the outdoor stage at Inn of the Mountain Gods — and is sure to get the crowd howling with laughter.
Doors open at 4 p.m., with the jokes set to start at 8 p.m.
FLATLAND CAVALRY LIVE AT RUIDOSO DOWNS RACE TRACK
When: June 28, 2025
Where: Ruidoso Downs Race Track Event Center, Ruidoso
Known for its “easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” sound, Texas-based Flatland Cavalry has been captivating fans with heartfelt storytelling and electrifying performances for over a decade. The country and Americana band boasts six #1 Texas Country Radio hits, over 500 million streams, and collaborations with legends like Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson.
Doors open for the Ruidoso Downs concert at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
SUNSET STROLLS AT WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
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, the attraction is one of our favorite places to visit in southern New Mexico. Among other fun features, the park:
- Contains the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field
- Encompasses 275 square miles of desert
- Is home to a broad variety of desert plants and animals
During June, park visitors can enjoy ranger-guided Sunset Strolls, which offer hiking opportunities during a cooler time of the day and provide 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 — New Mexico’s premier summertime destination — is the place for you! 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.
The Sierra Blanca Trail and Crest Trail are each more than two miles long and take hikers 1,900 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.
HORSEBACK TOURS 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 outing with Grindstone Stables. Riders will enjoy views of Grindstone Lake and Sierra Blanca during a horseback tour.
Grindstone Stables tours are great, reasonably priced family activities. But you’ll want to book ahead — spots fill fast. Tours last one hour, and the staff will match you with a horse according to your riding experience. Guests with special needs can also be accommodated.
Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods guests won’t have to travel far to enjoy horseback riding in 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 GOLF AT INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
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 offers some of the best views of any golf course in New Mexico. This course features beautiful fast-breaking greens and an island fairway with plenty of challenges — but provides a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The course’s rates vary based on 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
ZIPLINING ABOVE INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS
Where: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
Contact: 575-464-7957
Located at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Get the finest views of the Inn of the Mountain Gods with a soaring adventure on the Apache Eagle Ziprider, one of the best things to do in New Mexico in June (or any other time) for thrill-seekers. Measuring 2,668 feet in length and reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, the attraction is definitely one of the most thrilling experiences in southern New Mexico.
Need a companion during your high-altitude adventure? Riders can enjoy the experience with a friend, thanks to optional side-by-side ziplines. And for 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: 3.3 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 up to six players can participate in stunning VR experiences. Gem mining is also available in the summer. Ask about a discount ticket package to extend your fun!
51ST ANNUAL GUS MACKER BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
When: June 7 – 8, 2025
Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods
Looking for family-friendly competition? The Gus Macker Tournament at Inn of the Mountain Gods is the original three-on-three basketball festival for basketball players who love the game.
The tournament also includes a slam-dunk contest with a $1,000 cash prize for the winner! The event will be packed with family fun such as live local music, Native American arts and crafts, jumping balloons, and more.
FESTIVALS & MARKETS
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN MARKET
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June – October 2025
Where: Country Club Park, 100 Country Club Drive, Ruidoso
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 3.9 miles
One glance at the produce and other goods on hand, and you’ll be glad you visited the Ruidoso Midtown Market. At this open-air market, visitors will find locally grown fruits and vegetables, art, baked goods, wine, and more.
You’ll also find everything from handmade crafts to favorite local foods. Get your food and gifts in one spot on your New Mexico getaway at the Ruidoso Midtown Market. The market opens for the season on June 7, 2025.
7TH ANNUAL GREAT HIGH MOUNTAIN BED RACE
When: June 7, 2025
Where: Wingfield Park, Ruidoso
Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the 7th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race — a uniquely entertaining event featuring a costumed bed parade at 9 a.m., bed races at 9:30 a.m., and food, fun, and games in Wingfield Park throughout the day. This lively, family-friendly fundraiser supports the High Mountain Youth Project.
RUIDOSO TATTOO EXPO
When: June 13–15, 2025
Where: Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso
Experience the vibrant world of tattoo artistry at the 4th Annual Ruidoso Tattoo Expo. This dynamic event brings together talented tattoo artists from across the country, offering attendees the opportunity to get inked, explore diverse tattoo styles, and witness live tattooing sessions.
Beyond the ink, the expo also features live music performances, engaging contests, unique vendor booths, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a tattoo enthusiast or simply curious, this three-day event promises a memorable experience celebrating the art and culture of tattoos.
EDUCATIONAL & HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
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.
See a real “moon rock.” 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: 10.8 miles
This immersive 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 the fun starts every evening (except Sundays) at 5:30 p.m. and continues with live shows, music, and food. Tickets are $41 per person, $21 per child ages 4 through 12, and they’re free for kids ages 3 and under. See our full list of things to do in New Mexico with kids!
Looking for more things to do in New Mexico in June? See the top activities at Inn of the Mountain Gods and at nearby attractions. And when you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate June getaway in New Mexico, book your early summer stay at Inn of the Mountain Gods.