NESTLED AT THE BASE of the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Ruidoso has long been a haven for outdoor lovers. But recently, its reputation for adventure has reached new heights with the addition of XTERRA’s off-road triathlon, August 15–17, and the XTERRA World Championship, which debuts in August 2026. “The community’s enthusiasm really made it easy for our team to choose Ruidoso,” says Steve Andrus, Americas tour manager at XTERRA. What started as a triathlon in 1996 has grown to become a full series of events in stunning locations around the world that test extreme athletes in swimming, trail running, and mountain biking. Competitors in Ruidoso can choose from a full distance triathlon (1.5K swim, 27K bike, and 10K run), sprint distance triathlon (750-meter swim, 14K bike, 6K run), 10K run, and kids sprint. “The mountain backdrop is serene, the trails around Grindstone Lake are world-class, and the lake allows the distance we need,” Andrus says.
Jump in. “We want to focus on inclusivity,” Andrus says, noting that the half-distance sprint triathlon and 10K community run offer ways for athletes of various skill levels to compete.
Festival feel. XTERRA is more than a race. “It’s the experience,” Andrus explains. The event includes a welcome party at Downshift Brewing Co. on Thursday, a Midtown shop hop Friday through Sunday, and live music from Dallas Burrow at Wingfield Park on Friday.
Ready, set, go! After being held in Trentino, Italy, the World Championship comes to Ruidoso next year with nearly 1,000 athletes competing for $100,000 in prizes. “A party after the [Saturday] race will kick off the celebration,” Andrus says, and features local Americana singer Phil Hamilton.
Participants can pick a duck and race in wet or dry heats.
Photograph courtesy of Deming Duck Race.
GREAT AMERICAN DUCK RACE
August 22–25
For 46 years, the Great American Duck Race has turned Deming into a frenzy of feathered fun. From August 22 to 25, attendees can shop artisan vendors at the Duck Mart, enjoy rides and games at a carnival, join in a tortilla toss, catch live musical performances, and see which ducks cross the finish line first.
The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial comes to Red Rock Park.
Photograph courtesy of the City of Gallup.
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
August 1–10
Happening since 1922, this gathering includes traditional Native dances, a rodeo, an artisan market, a juried exhibition, a pageant, parades, and more.
Monte Verde Lake Regatta, Angel Fire
August 9
Kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards race on the lake in Angel Fire during the fifth annual regatta.
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta
August 22
Colorful balloons launch from the beach and float over Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Totah Festival, Farmington
August 29–31
A rug auction, powwow, live music, and a juried art market enliven downtown Farmington during this annual bash.
Burning of Zozobra, Santa Fe
August 29
At this 101-year-old celebration of renewal, chant “Burn him!” with a raucous crowd at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe while the 50-foot puppet stuffed with expressions of people’s anxieties, fears, and glooms goes up in flames.
Find works by Skylar Blackbull (Diné) at both the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian Artists’ Market and SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market.
Courtesy of Skylar Blackbull.
