Après-ski adventures and after-dark fun
By Ellen Miller-Goins
When the lifts shut down and the snowy peaks fade into starlight, Northern New Mexico wakes up in a different way. From karaoke and comedy to cocktails and concerts, winter evenings in Taos and the surrounding villages keep the energy going.
Karaoke, trivia and comedy
Karaoke fans will feel right at home here. The Alley Cantina, just off Taos Plaza, is one of the town’s oldest buildings and liveliest bars. On Thursdays, “The Wizard” hosts karaoke, adding to the Alley’s weekly lineup of live music, shuffleboard, and pool. For a different scene, DALEEE at KTAOS Solar Center in El Prado serves up karaoke on Tuesdays, paired with margarita specials in a laid-back, ski-town atmosphere. And every Friday night, Mirabal Café & Millicent’s Lounge gives visitors another chance to sing the classics.
Trivia lovers can match wits over drinks at the Rolling Still Lounge on Wednesdays. The locally distilled cocktails are as creative as the quiz categories, so grab a team and arrive early to snag a seat. DALEEE also keeps Wednesdays lively with its own free trivia contests, making midweek nights in Taos anything but quiet.
If laughter is your goal, check out TaosComedy, the nonprofit comedy collective that’s been growing since 2022. Hosted by veteran comic Chad Riden, the group runs “Burger Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic” every Wednesday at The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House. Anyone can sign up to try their original jokes on stage, and touring headliners — often women, and Native comedians — bring professional punchlines to close out the shows. It’s a welcome way to balance the serenity of the slopes with some belly laughs.
Music is the heart of the scene
Music is the heartbeat of nightlife here, and no two venues are alike. The Alley Cantina offers live bands every night, with a strong emphasis on blues and rock that keeps the dance floor full. Opposite the Plaza light, the Historic Taos Inn’s Adobe Bar lives up to its nickname “the living room of Taos,” thanks to its cozy kiva fireplaces, craft cocktails, and nightly performances. Just north of town, DALEEE at KTAOS Solar Center pairs mountain views with a diverse concert calendar. Locals and visitors alike gather for everything from bluegrass to funk, often before heading back into the snow. Wine lovers gravitate to Barra Vino or Parcht, with their well-curated pour lists. Thursday open mic nights at Barra Vino showcase both seasoned musicians and first-time performers.
For those who want room to move, the Sagebrush Inn has long been known as Taos’ biggest dance floor. This historic inn-turned-music hub hosts live music seven nights a week — from country to rock to Taos originals — in a lively cantina atmosphere where locals and travelers mix, eat, drink, and dance.
Tomorrow & Tomorrow (TnT), a sourdough café by day, now opens late Thursday-Saturday nights offering a dinner menu, natural wine, craft ciders and Belgian beers, and regular performances by DJs and singer-songwriters from the local scene and beyond. Meanwhile, Mary’s Place at Taos Lifestyle has quickly proven it’s more than just a stage — it’s a community gathering spot with a stellar sound system, a donation-based ticket model, and a vibe that feels welcoming whether you’re there for a national act or a local favorite. Grammy winners like Robert Mirabal have already graced its stage, and the mix of sit-down seating, dance floor, and even craft beer pop-ups makes it a must-stop for music lovers.
Taos Ski Valley & Arroyo Seco
Après-ski has its own flavor in the higher elevations. At The Lounge by Rolling Still Distillery in Taos Ski Valley, you can sip small-batch cocktails in a stylish space where locals mix with visitors. Even trivia nights and small acoustic sets make this a popular spot for post-ski relaxation.
Nearby, the Taos Ale House in Alpine Village serves hearty pub food—burgers, pizza, wings — along with craft beer and cocktails. Its deck, perched along the Hondo River, is perfect for sunny afternoons, while the lively bar scene keeps things buzzing after dark.
Just down the road, Arroyo Seco’s intimate cafés and bars cater to those looking for a quieter evening. This artsy village offers small-scale performances and gatherings that often come together by word-of-mouth. For travelers who like a little serendipity, Seco nights can be magical.
Red River
Red River has long been tied to music. Its most celebrated winter event is the Red River Songwriters’ Festival (Jan. 22-24, 2026), staged at Texas Red’s Lost Love Saloon and the Motherlode Saloon. Outside the festival, the Motherlode remains a late-night favorite with live music and karaoke nights. texasredssteakhouse.com
The Bull O’ the Woods Saloon, a rustic mainstay since 1939, is one of Red River’s most iconic watering holes. With its massive stone fireplace, pool tables, and sprawling bar, it’s a favorite après-ski stop for both locals and visitors. Live music fills the space on holidays and weekends, and the atmosphere is equal parts rowdy and welcoming. bullothewoods.com
For a more modern take, the Red River Brewing Company offers craft beers brewed on-site, from crisp lagers to robust stouts. The spacious taproom and patio (enclosed and heated in winter) provide a lively setting for families and groups to gather after skiing. Just down Main Street, the Red River Distillery pours locally crafted spirits.
For slope-side fun, the Lift House Bar & Grill is ideally located at the base of the Triple Chair. On Saturday evenings, it doubles as the best vantage point for the ski area’s weekly torchlight parade and rail jam.
Wine lovers have two excellent options as well. Sheehan Winery, with its New Mexico–grown varietals, offers a warm indoor tasting room experience ideal for après-ski. And Noisy Water Winery, known for its approachable blends and playful labels, is equally inviting for groups who want to sample something new while exploring Main Street.
Angel Fire
At Angel Fire Resort, après-ski begins at the Village Haus, where live music, dancing, and big-screen sports make it the place to be after a day on the slopes. For something more refined, En Fuego offers martinis and fine wines in a stylish mountain setting, often with singer-songwriters providing a relaxed soundtrack.
New to the scene, Elevated Pour has quickly become Angel Fire’s chic gathering place. Housed in a handsome log building alongside the Angel Fire Visitor Center, this wine and cocktail bar offers a carefully curated menu of wines, cocktails, and small plates.
Local favorite Zeb’s Restaurant and Bar keeps the lights on late, serving hearty food and cold drinks until 2 a.m. on weekends. And on night-ski evenings, the Sunset Grille provides dinner and drinks around fire pits, with sweeping views of the illuminated Exhibition run.
Eagle Nest
Though smaller than its neighbors, Eagle Nest offers cozy places to unwind after a day in the mountains. The Laguna Vista Saloon, inside a historic lodge dating back to the 1890s, is a favorite stop for locals and visitors. With its wood-paneled bar, pool tables, and weekend live music, it captures the authentic Old West vibe of this lakeside village.
Another must-visit is The Lucky Shoe Bar & Grille. This lively spot blends a casual, down-to-earth atmosphere with a menu of pub eats, local beers, and occasional live music or open mic nights. It’s a perfect place to duck in after a drive around the valley or to close out your evening with local flavor.
Eagle Nest may be quieter than Taos or Red River, but its saloons and small-town hospitality make it a worthy stop on the Enchanted Circle nightlife circuit.