Hello and welcome to my June newsletter, thanks for being here. 2026 marks a significant year in Albuquerque because on November 11, Route 66 turns 100 years old! Known as the Mother Road, the iconic highway stretches 2400+ miles across 8 states and has long symbolized freedom, opportunity, and the spirit of adventure synonymous with the American road trip. Along the way, it has carried families seeking new beginnings, grown local economies, connected communities, and left its mark on American culture.

Few places embody the legacy of Route 66 quite like Albuquerque. Here, Central Avenue stretches 18 miles, the longest continuous urban stretch of the highway in the country. Vintage neon signs and classic motels to beloved local businesses and vibrant neighborhoods, Route 66 remains woven into life within the fabric of our city.

Known for an abundance of artists and creatives, the Albuquerque mural and street art scene is one of the most vibrant in the country. One of the exciting centennial projects happening this year is Route 66 Remixed, a creative re-imagining of Albuquerque’s 18-mile stretch of Central Avenue. Led by the City of Albuquerque in partnership with Meow Wolf and Refract Studio, this innovative art experience aims to transform Route 66 into an immersive, citywide road trip celebrating the people, places, and stories that have shaped the city over the last century.

Along the route, 20 large-scale public art installations are waiting to be discovered including murals, sculptures, and site-specific augmented reality experiences created by 19 artists and a poet. Each stop offers a unique perspective on Albuquerque’s culture, history, and identity. It invites both residents and visitors to experience Route 66 in an entirely new way.

Want to experience Route 66 Remixed without getting behind the wheel? You’re in luck! The ABQ Trolley Co. Route 66 Remixed Tour is offering a unique way to take in the art, history, and stories that make this centennial celebration so special here. Cruise through the heart of the city on this limited date immersive multimedia tour. Take it all in with engaging narration and vibrant visuals showcasing how Albuquerque honors the people, places and pop culture that helped define Route 66, and is re-imagining the historic roadway for new generations.

Whether you’re a lifelong Route 66 fan or simply looking for a fun way to explore the city, this one of a kind trolley tour is sure to give you a fresh perspective on the iconic street. Sit back, relax, and experience the past, present, and future of the Mother Road. REMIXED.

Dates: June 19 | July 3 | July 31 | September 18

One of the most exciting Route 66 centennial events of the summer arrives in Albuquerque on June 24, when the 2026 Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire makes a stop at Balloon Fiesta Park. Beginning at 4pm, this free and family-friendly event gives you the rare opportunity to see more than 120 antique cars from 1913-1974 as they roll into the city as part of one of the world’s premier vintage car rallies. The Great Race is a 9 day, 2300-mile rally that challenges drivers to navigate time and speed calculations across America’s back roads in historic vehicles. Each year follows a different route, and for 2026, racers are tracing legendary Route 66 from Illinois to California in honor of the highway’s 100th birthday. Along the way, Albuquerque will serve as one of 17 official host cities welcoming competitors from around the world.

In addition to viewing the sweet cars up close, you can meet drivers, take photos, enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and soak in the festival atmosphere. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, Route 66 history buff, or simply looking for a fun summer outing, this is a unique chance to take part in a piece of automotive history while celebrating the enduring legacy of Route 66. If you get there early, you could score a bonus! The first 500 attendees will receive a gift from Visit Albuquerque to commemorate the event.

June 24, 2026 | 4-7PM | Balloon Fiesta Park

A cornerstone exhibition of the centennial celebration is The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, Identity, and Place in Albuquerque, on display at the Albuquerque Museum from June 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. This exhibit features 300+ historical artifacts, photos, documents, and personal stories exploring the rich and complex relationship between Route 66 and Albuquerque over the past century. Instead of focusing solely on the nostalgic images of neon signs, classic cars, and roadside attractions, this collection examines the people who lived, worked, traveled, and built communities along the road. Discover stories of migration, commerce, culture, opportunity, and resilience while exploring how Route 66, especially Albuquerque’s Central Ave, shaped the city’s identity.

The exhibition is complemented by special programming, including expert lectures, films, community events and a July 15 talk and book signing with Route 66 historian Michael Wallis, author and the voice of Sheriff in Pixar’s Cars. Through these programs, you will be invited to look beyond the nostalgic Route 66 narrative and consider other perspectives that make up a more complete story.

No Route 66 centennial tour of Albuquerque is complete without a visit to the city’s newly reopened West Central Route 66 Visitor Center. Since April, the center has quickly become a gathering place for community events, special programming, and centennial celebrations throughout the year.

A highlight of the center is Centennial Roots, a photography exhibition on display through October. This powerful collection explores landscape, culture, traditions, and communities that have grown alongside Route 66 in New Mexico over the past 100 years. Through the lenses of NM photographers Gabriella Campos, Jessica Roybal, and Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli, you’ll experience the unique relationship between the highway & our state’s identity.

12300 Central Avenue, Albuquerque, NM

The Albuquerque real estate market continues at a steady pace as we move into the traditionally slower summer months. With inventory still down and pending and closed sales up, it is still a strong market for sellers who are considering selling this year. We are seeing homes go under contract quickly when they are priced right for the current market. Give me a call if you want more information about listing your home, staging, scheduling an estate sale, or if you are starting your search for your dream home. I can help navigate the market to achieve your 2026 real estate goals.

As you can see, Albuquerque’s Route 66 Centennial celebration is about much more than a historic highway. It’s a year-long tribute to the people, businesses, artists, neighborhoods, and communities that have shaped the Mother Road over the last century. And continue to shape its future. Of course this is just a sampling of the many events that are happening across the city in the coming months. If you discover a Route 66 event, performance, or hidden gem that I missed, I’d love to hear about it! Please reach out and share your favorites. Here’s to celebrating 100 years of Route 66 and the unique spirit that makes Albuquerque’s 18 miles of the Mother Road unlike anywhere else in the world.

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