Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights Ruidoso’s vibrant arts, music, and community spirit. Officially announced on April 9, 2025, Ruidoso topped the list of cultural destinations, showcasing its unique blend of creativity and community pride. Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for more details.

New short-term rental rules in Ruidoso aim to boost safety and community well-being. Updates include permit fees ($300), annual inspections (compliance reinspections $50), occupancy limits (2 adults per sleeping unit), and stricter fire safety. Stay informed and compliant!

The feature film Dead Letters, starring Emmy-winner Margo Martindale, has wrapped filming in Ruidoso and Las Cruces Directed by David Drake, the film follows a long-haul truck driver confronting her past as her daughter’s murderer faces parole. The production, employing over 100 local New Mexicans, highlights Ruidoso’s cinematic appeal and the state’s film-friendly incentives.

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department has released the final floodplain map, providing essential information for property owners on rebuilding, permitting, and future construction standards. The map shows areas affected by floodplain and floodway regulations. Residents are encouraged to review the map and FAQs to understand potential impacts. For more information, call 575- 258-6999.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum and Ruidoso Public Library are launching the Time Turner History Book Club in May 2025! Led by museum curator Stephanie Long, the club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 12:30 pm at the Ruidoso Library. Explore historical books, share insights, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Light refreshments provided. Visit the library website for more details!

The Village of Ruidoso is adding 99.1 FM to KRUI 1490 AM – The Mountain, expanding local radio reach and clarity. The FM signal is set to launch by April 1, 2025, boosting access to news, safety updates, and new shows. Listeners can tune in live or replay programs on demand at 1490Krui.com, strengthening regional connection and engagement.

The XTERRA World Championship returns to U.S. soil with a multi-year home in Ruidoso, NM, hosting the elite off-road triathlon in 2026, 2027, and 2028. A preview weekend August 15–17, 2025, will feature races, family fun, and festivities. Ruidoso’s alpine terrain and warm hospitality promise a world-class adventure experience.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is forming a new Friends of the Museum group to raise funds and awareness. Volunteers are needed to serve as board members and officers. A focus group meeting will be held Friday, April 25 at 10 AM at the Ruidoso Public Library. Interested? Email friendsofthewingfield2024@gmail.com or call 575-257-5559 to get involved.

Starting March 17, the Ruidoso Forestry Department will launch two major fire prevention efforts. A 30-acre thinning project on Grindstone Lake’s south end and a 71-acre fuel break along Moon Mountain’s west side are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. These initiatives will use only mechanical treatments to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, with no prescribed burns planned.

Due to dry conditions, Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective March 10, 2025. Campfires and charcoal grills are limited to developed campsites or picnic areas with agency-built fire rings. Dispersed campfires are prohibited, and smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings. Chainsaw use remains permitted.

The Village of Ruidoso will move to Level II fire restrictions on March 10, 2025, to reduce wildfire risk during severe drought. Certain outdoor activities and equipment use will be limited or prohibited to protect public safety. Residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with the full guidelines and exercise caution until conditions improve.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum presents “Postcards of Ruidoso: Selections from the Collection of John Davys McCoy,” on display from March 1 to August 23, 2025. Featuring postcards from the 1920s to 1980s, the exhibit showcases Ruidoso’s past, including historic hotels, horse racing, and early skiing. This collection offers a nostalgic glimpse into the village’s history and growth over the decades.

On February 23, 2025, the Ruidoso Police Department responded to a bomb threat at Parts Unknown, a Midtown store. Officers evacuated the area and temporarily closed Sudderth Dr. between Country Club Dr. and Center St. After a thorough investigation, no credible threat was found, and the area reopened at 5:49 PM. With FBI assistance, detectives traced the call to Europe. This was the second bomb threat at the store, the first occurring in September 2023.

The Village of Ruidoso honored its top team members for Q4 2024. The Finance Department was named Department of the Quarter for outstanding financial management. Individual awards went to Richard Butler (Public Works), Christy Coker (Administration), Amanda Castillo (Community Services), and Simon Haase (Public Safety). Mayor Lynn Crawford praised their dedication and positive impact on the community.

February 10, 2025 – Effective immediately, Lincoln National Forest has raised its fire danger rating from “moderate” to “high” due to low moisture levels and forecasted dry conditions. Fires can now start and spread easily, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Visitors are urged to follow fire safety guidelines and ensure campfires are fully extinguished.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum invites families to Hands-on History Family Day on Saturday, March 1, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This free event offers interactive activities, including retro games, handwriting practice, crafts, a historic photo booth, and museum exploration. Located at 2813 Sudderth Drive, the museum showcases Ruidoso’s rich history. 

The Lincoln National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Sacramento Ranger District beginning Jan. 31, through Feb. 14, 2025, depending on weather and ground conditions.

For updates and information, please visit the Lincoln National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln, the Lincoln National Forest Facebook page and https://nmfireinfo.com/

Ruidoso shines as the ultimate Christmas movie destination in Santa’s Cousin, directed by Ross Marks. This heartwarming holiday film captures the town’s festive spirit, from its wild horses to the beloved Festival of Lights Parade. Though much was filmed in Las Cruces, Ruidoso remains central to the story. With local inspiration and community support, Santa’s Cousin highlights Ruidoso’s charm as a must-visit holiday destination.

The workforce housing project at 603 Mechem Drive is progressing, with modular units onsite and utility installation on track for February. The Village is coordinating transport to minimize disruptions, though brief interruptions may occur. Landscaping bids are open, with work starting in February, weather permitting. To join the waitlist, contact Berkshire Hathaway at 575-257-4011. For project info, call Michael Martinez at 575-258-4343 ext. 1006.

Filmed in and around Ruidoso, Santa’s Cousin (Dec. 2024) is a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy that follows Santa’s cousin on a mission to save the town’s beloved Christmas Jubilee—finding love and rediscovering the holiday spirit along the way. Starring Jonathan Stoddard, Alexandra Harris, and Eric Roberts, the film beautifully showcases Ruidoso’s cherished holiday traditions.