RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – JUNE 24, 2021 – Beginning July 3, Ruidoso Downs Race Track will have a series of open-air concerts in the center grandstand every Saturday evening in July following the races. Admission is free and the headliners are set through the end of the month.

“We’re excited to bring back music and fun in a big way after all that we’ve been through in the past year,” said Tim Keithley, marketing director for Ruidoso Downs. “We plan to construct a stage and lights in the center of the grandstand and bring in top country music and tribute bands over the next four weekends to provide a new entertainment venue to locals and tourists.”

On Saturday, July 3, Ruidoso Downs Race Track will welcome the Yarbrough Band from Las Cruces starting at 5:00 PM, followed by Dunn and Brooks from Dallas/Fort Worth starting at 8:00 PM. Dunn and Brooks is considered to be one of the region’s top touring Brooks and Dunn tribute bands.

“We will start the entertainment immediately following the races,” said Keithley. “This will keep many fans in the stands for an after-the-races party, and we also hope to attract music fans that are here looking for a safe and large open-air venue to enjoy music.”

Saturday, July 10, western swing and classic country dance crooner Coby Carter takes the grandstand stage. Carter, 25, was born in Lubbock, Texas and raised in Portales, New Mexico. He has won many awards including “Western Swing Male Vocalist of the Year” and Western “Group of the Year.”

On Saturday, July 17, we have a George Strait tribute band as the headliner. From the trademark Stetson hat all the way down to the creased Wranglers and boots, it’ll be a high-energy show sure to please all George Strait music lovers.

For Kenny Chesney fans out there, mark Saturday, July 24 on the calendar. That is when  Barefoot Nation, a Kenny Chesney tribute band from Dallas, Texas will take the stage to play both current and classic Kenny Chesney songs.

Each show is scheduled to begin with a warm-up band immediately following the races followed by the featured band of the evening at approximately 8:00 PM. There is no admission or cover charge and seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.