Located in the scenic Sierra Blanca mountain range, Ruidoso, New Mexico, offers more than just stunning natural beauty. It’s also a vibrant hub for live music, with venues ranging from intimate bars to outdoor amphitheaters. 

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to catch live music in the area and things to do in Ruidoso ensuring you have an unforgettable musical experience during your visit. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, blues, or jazz, you’ll find something to suit your musical tastes in and around Ruidoso.

When you have had your fill, sit back and relax in the best Ruidoso Cabins New Mexico has to offer. We will highlight the perfect Cabins for Rent in Ruidoso ensuring your stay is a memorable one. 

Win Place & Show Bar

Located within the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, Win Place & Show Bar offers a unique setting for live music enthusiasts. This lively venue features a full bar, a spacious dance floor, and a rotating lineup of talented musicians and bands. 

At Win Place & Show Bar, the drinks are just as memorable as the music. The bar offers an extensive selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, including specialty drinks crafted by skilled bartenders. At Win Place & Show Bar, you can always count on friendly and attentive service from the bar’s dedicated staff.

From local favorites to touring acts, you’ll find a range of musical genres showcased here. Whether you’re cheering on the ponies or simply looking for a fun night out, Win Place & Show Bar is the place to be for live music in Ruidoso.

All ages are welcome during the day, which means your kiddies get to join in on the fun. 

Quarters

For a cozy and intimate live music experience, look no further than Quarters. This charming venue hosts local musicians and singer-songwriters in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. 

Grab a seat at the bar, order a craft cocktail or a cold beer, and enjoy the sounds of an acoustic guitar or soulful vocals. With its warm ambiance and talented performers, Quarters is the perfect spot for a low-key night of live music in Ruidoso.

And if you’re feeling hungry, enjoy some of the delicious food Quarters has to offer!

Downshift Brewing Company

Combine your love of craft beer with live music at Downshift Brewing Company. This popular brewery not only serves up delicious brews but also features live music performances on select evenings. 

Sip on a pint of their signature IPA or seasonal ale while tapping your feet to the rhythm of the music. With its laid-back vibe and talented lineup of musicians, Downshift Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for beer lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

With some delicious meals like pizza, and sweet potato waffle fries, among others, and some fine beer to enjoy, along with live music, Downshift is one place you have to visit. These events provide guests with the opportunity to socialize, relax, and enjoy the radiant energy of the brewery while savoring delicious beers and creating lasting memories with friends and fellow beer enthusiasts.

Downshift is open on Mondays to Wednesdays 1 PM-9 PM, Thursdays 1 PM-10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM-10 PM, and Sundays 11 AM-9 PM.

Note that the kitchen closes an hour before the bar closes. 

Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Ruidoso and head to Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden for an evening of live music under the stars. This venue boasts heated outdoor tables for the outdoorsy effect. Sit back and relax with a fine glass of wine as you listen to local bands and solo artists performing a mix of original songs and cover tunes. 

Make new friends and indulge in a cigar or three if you prefer. Fire pits are one of the best features here, enabling you to have a fine evening with friends, even when it may be a bit chilly outside. 

The garden’s rotating tap list features a variety of craft beers spanning different styles and flavor profiles, catering to beer enthusiasts of all tastes and preferences. Additionally, wine lovers can choose from a diverse assortment of reds, whites, and rosés leaving you with a variety of options to choose from. 

If you are a dog lover, you will be excited to learn that your pet does not have to sit at home, as dogs are welcome at Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden! Grab your furry friend and head out to this cozy place for an unforgettable experience. 

With its scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden offers a truly magical setting for live music in Ruidoso.

Flying J Ranch

Experience the spirit of the Old West at Flying J Ranch, where live music and cowboy culture come together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. This historic ranch hosts weekly chuckwagon dinners followed by a Western music and comedy show. 

Enjoy Western Music with fantastic fiddling, banjo plucking, guitar picking, world-champion yodeling, and amazing harmonizing designed to take you way back. The Western Music Show is something you have to experience while staying at one of our rentals in Ruidoso.

If you are wondering what a chuckwagon dinner is, it entails Tender Brisket, BBQ Grilled Chicken, Cowboy Beans, Baked Potato, Chunky Apple Sauce, Flaky Biscuits (a Flying J favorite!), Homestyle Spiced Cake, Coffee, Tea, and Lemonade. The brisket, chicken, beans, potatoes, and applesauce are all gluten-free.

Gather around the campfire for a musical journey through the songs of the American West. With its authentic cowboy ambiance and talented performers, Flying J Ranch offers a unique and memorable live music experience near Ruidoso.

Before departing the Flying J Ranch, be sure to stop by the ranch’s gift shop to browse a unique selection of Western-themed souvenirs, gifts, and memorabilia. From cowboy hats and boots to handmade jewelry and artwork, the gift shop offers a wide range of items to commemorate your visit to the ranch and bring a piece of the Old West home with you.

Where to Stay

After a night of dancing and live music, retreat to the comfort of Mountain Air Cabins for a peaceful night’s sleep. Nestled in the mountains just outside of Ruidoso, these cozy Ruidoso Cabin Rentals offer all the comforts of home amidst a natural setting. 

Book your stay at Mountain Air Cabins and enjoy comfortable accommodations surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra Blanca mountains. With easy access to the area’s top live music venues and outdoor attractions, Mountain Air Cabins is the perfect choice for your Ruidoso getaway. Reserve your Ruidoso rental cabin with us today and start planning your musical adventure in New Mexico. Book today to secure your stay!