Pat Green (pictured), Flatland Cavalry, Robert Earl Keen, Casey Donahew, The Delk Band and The Bellamy Brothers will be performing at Ruidoso Downs this summer for the track's 2025 Concert Series.

© courtesy Pat Green

RUIDOSO, NM–MARCH 14, 2025–Tickets are now on sale at raceruidoso.com for the 2025 Ruidoso Downs Race Track Concert Series.

Pat Green, one of the most popular entertainers in the history of Ruidoso Downs, returns for a special preseason engagement on Saturday, May 3. His concert will be part of the first $25,000 Kansas City Barbecue Society “Master Series BBQ Cook-Off” to be held May 2-3, 2025.

Green will be joined by Eric Willis and Brian Mars on an open-air stage erected in the parking lot. The public will be invited to a mixer on Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM to sample desserts, side dishes, and tacos. On Saturday, teams will compete in brisket, chicken, pork, and rib categories.

Racing fans will be able to view the Kentucky Derby simulcast from Churchill Downs on Saturday afternoon and shop at various local vendors. Barbecue will be served to the public by K-Bob’s Steakhouse, and there will also be bourbon tastings.

This upcoming concert marks the fourth appearance by Pat Green at Ruidoso Downs over the years, having last appeared two years ago.

On Saturday, June 28, Flatland Cavalry will perform in the pavilion for Texas Tech’s “Red Raider Weekend.” It marks the second appearance by the West Texas-based group that continues to draw large crowds throughout the country.

Tickets will be available for purchase through the Ruidoso Downs box office and the Texas Tech Alumni Association (TTAA). The TTAA has special seating available for the concert for the band with deep Texas Tech roots. A bourbon festival will also be held that weekend, along with trials for the Rainbow Futurity, Derby, and Oaks races.

On Saturday, July 5, Ruidoso Downs will welcome legendary Texas artist Robert Earl Keen (a member of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame) to a special Independence Day weekend concert.

Keen is known for his “Party Never Ends” style of music and has been recognized as one of the “Top 20 Global Concert Tours.” This concert will be his first appearance at Ruidoso Downs.

On Saturday, July 26, Ruidoso Downs welcomes Casey Donahew, one of the most popular artists to play at the race track in recent years. The concert will be part of a margarita festival in the pavilion.

One of New Mexico’s most enduring swing bands, The Delk Band, has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 16, after a cancellation last summer. The 10-piece band will light up the stage with classic dance favorites from Bob Wills to George Strait.

Ruidoso Downs will also welcome The Bellamy Brothers for a show to be held immediately following the running of the All-American Futurity on Monday, September 1. The concert will be free with a paid ticket to the horse races that day.

Ticket pricing for the shows includes VIP seating and general admission options. A complete list of ticket prices and availability is on the Ruidoso Downs website.

The best way to purchase tickets is through the race track’s website. The Ruidoso Downs box office will also handle season and single-day ticket sales. It is scheduled to open on Tuesday, April 1.

Ruidoso Downs management would like to thank season ticket holders for their patience as progress continues in restoring the racing facility following the fires and floods that damaged it in 2024.

Live horse racing is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 23, and run through Monday, September 1. Races will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There will be special Monday racing on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Ruidoso Downs stakes schedule (along with the announcement of festivals and other season promotions) will be made in the coming weeks.

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