It’s hard to believe, but 100 years ago this year, one of the first highways in the United States was built. The Mother Road, or Route 66, ran a total of 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, ending in Santa Monica, California.
When you think of Route 66, you may think of nostalgia or Americana. You may start humming “life is a highway.” Or singing “(get your kicks on) Route 66.” Or maybe you even think of low riders, neon signs, and drive-ins. No matter what you picture, Route 66 has had a big impact on our country and the community here in ABQ.
The existing Route today may differ from 100 years ago, but the spirit of Route 66 is alive and well.
While the actual anniversary is November 11, 2026, celebrations are being held all year long to commemorate the centennial of the Mother Road. So from one mother to another, here are some of the fun and family-friendly things to do in ABQ for the Route 66 Centennial.
Fall in Love with Route 66: Family Day at Albuquerque Museum
February 14, 2026 | 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join educators from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (currently closed for renovations) over at the Albuquerque Museum to learn about and celebrate Route 66, an important part of Albuquerque’s history. This event will feature hands-on activities designed for families.
Find more details here.
NM Route 66 “Mother Road” Half Marathon
March 1, 2026
If you are anything like me and have doing a race on your 2026 bingo card, what better race to do than the Route 66 Half Marathon? Don’t be intimidated by the name. This race has many options from a 1-mile walk, a 6.6K-run/walk, a 6.6-mile run, or a half-marathon. So no matter your fitness level or your personal goals, anyone can participate.
Find out more about the race here.
Route 66: Roads & Rails Festival
April 18-19, 2026
This festival is taking place at the ABQ Rail Yards. It is also being put on by a favorite here at ABQ Mom, the Wheels Museum. This free event will have live music, family activities, local food trucks and vendors, as well as talks and exhibits about Route 66. A little something for everyone!
You can read more about it on their website here.
Mustang Enchantment – 100 Years of Route 66
May 16, 2026
I have a car kid. Maybe you also have a car kid, or a car husband, or you yourself are a car enthusiast. Well this free car show is taking place at Winrock Town Center. Come out and check out all sorts of really cool and souped up Mustangs!
More info here.
Route 66 Centennial – The Great Race
June 20-28, 2026 (will be in ABQ June 24)
This event is a literal 9-day race and vintage car rally. During the race, approximately 130 cars ranging in year model from 1911 to 1974 will race from Springfield, Illinois, to Pasadena, California. This is a different kind of race. This competition is based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique, and vintage cars. This event is an endurance rally—not a top-speed race. The whole convoy of 130ish cars will be heading through ABQ on June 24. You should be able to catch them at Balloon Fiesta Park around 4 p.m. If you want to check out some really cool vintage cars, here is your chance.
Find out more about the race here.
Wild West History Association Albuquerque Roundup
July 15-18, 2026
This is the annual meet-up of the Wild West History Association. This is a group of writers, authors, and historians who meet annually. The kick off to this year’s event will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 5 p.m. on July 15th. Visitors will see the Route 66 Centennial Exhibit (more info below) and hear a speech on The Mother Road from special guests. The rest of the events for this Roundup are a mix of speakers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, as well as self-guided tours you can find on their website.
History buffs find out more here.
Route 66 Summerfest
July 18, 2026
This event is hosted by the City of Albuquerque. This free event will be shutting down a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue (which used to be Route 66) in Nob Hill. Check out local music, food, vendors, and car clubs. A perfect summer time family activity, go stroll along Central and enjoy some local small businesses.
More info to come, but check out the official page here.
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Albuquerque Museum – Route 66 Exhibits
Our local history and art museum is having a few exhibits this year to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial. I personally love this museum! I think it is slept on when families think of activities to do around town. Admission is only $5 for adults, $3 for kids. If you happen to go on Sunday, it is free from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as the first Wednesday of every month.
Fred Harvey’s Route 66: April 11 – December 6, 2026
This exhibit is a collection of paper goods collected from Fred Harvey Company’s tourist and hospitality ventures throughout New Mexico. A lot of these pieces pay homage to the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe and the Alvarado Hotel in Albuquerque.
The Other Route 66: June 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027
This is going to be an amazing installation. I plan on making a visit later this year. The exhibit is going to focus on historic objects, photographs, neon signs, music, and more from the 352-mile stretch of highway spanning the state of New Mexico. Particular focus will be placed on the untold stories of the everyday New Mexicans who built, traveled, and lived on or near Route 66. There is an extra focus on Albuquerque’s stretch of the highway.
You can see more about the museum and other exhibits they have here.
A century is a long time. It’s weird to think that 100 years ago, people were traveling the same stretch of road that we sometimes find ourselves cruising down here in Albuquerque. I hope this article has inspired you to spend some time this year leaning into the nostalgia and celebrating 100 years of Route 66.
I look forward to seeing you all at the festivals, races, and car shows happening this year!
Make sure you keep an eye on our Community Calendar; we will add any new events celebrating Route 66 as we hear about them!
