something for everyone

Special Events

Ruidoso parks offer a variety of venues to host special events from picnics to concerts, weddings to birthday parties, family reunions and corporate events. In addition, we have great venues for sporting tournaments, including soccer fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and softball/baseball fields.

Boating Rules

Non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats) are allowed at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake. Boating is not permitted at Bonito Lake.

A boating permit is required and can be purchased through Ruidoso Parks & Rec at 575-257-5030 or online (Permits & Passes): https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog

Annual Boat Pass: $20

One-Day Boat Pass: $5

All New Mexico Paddlecraft operators (kayaks, canoes, rafts) are highly encouraged to take the Free NASBLA-Approved online paddlesports safety course. As in most states, paddle craft account for less than 5% of vessels involved in boat accidents, but operator inexperience and failure to wear a life jacket contribute to a much larger share of total fatalities.

The course can be found at: www.BOATERexam.com/paddling/. 

Questions? Please contact 575-257-5030.

Event Permits & Applications

Use this section to access required permits, applications, and supporting documents for planning events in the Village of Ruidoso.

  • Planning a public event in Ruidoso may require an approved Special Event Permit. This includes organized events held on public property, as well as events that impact traffic, include vendors, amplified sound, or require Village services.

    Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date. Approval is not guaranteed.

  • Events that include food vendors or mobile food vehicles must comply with Village and state safety requirements.

    Food trucks are required to complete a pre-inspection prior to participating in permitted events.

  • Events utilizing a stage provided by the Village of Ruidoso must complete a Stage Rental Agreement prior to the event.

    Stage availability is limited and subject to approval.