Albuquerque Throws Biggest Route 66 Centennial Party of the Summer
Route 66 Summerfest Salutes 100 Years of the Mother Road in Nob Hill.
Albuquerque's biggest Route 66 Centennial bash is almost here. Route 66 Summerfest returns for a special centennial edition on Saturday, July 18, from 5 to 10 p.m., transforming Nob Hill into a mile-long 100th birthday party for the Mother Road.
This free community event invites locals and visitors to experience the sights, sounds, flavors, and culture that have defined Route 66 through the decades. From live music and classic cars to local food, shopping, and family activities, Route 66 Summerfest celebrates Albuquerque's iconic stretch of the Mother Road and the people who continue to keep its legacy alive.
"Route 66 Summerfest is the can't-miss centennial party of the summer," said Mayor Tim Keller. "There's no better place to celebrate a century of the Mother Road than along Albuquerque's historic, neon-lit stretch."
Music performances span across four themed stages, each representing a different era of Route 66. Headlining the Main Stage, presented by Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel, is The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience, delivering the smooth sounds of the 1970s and 80s.
Led by three-time Grammy Award nominee Kevin Sucher, the Las Vegas-based band recreates the soft rock era with favorites made famous by Michael McDonald, Olivia Newton-John, Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, Air Supply, and more.
Main Stage presented by Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel (1970s–Today)
- 5:30-6:40 p.m. – The Dezert Penguinz
- 7-8 p.m. – Just Velvet
- 8:30-10 p.m. – The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience
Wellesley Stage (1960s-1980s)
- 5-6:20 p.m. – Drive-in Delinquents
- 6:40-7:50 p.m. – Time Travelers
- 8:10-9:30 p.m. – Big Suitcase
New Mexico Jazz Festival Stage (1940s-1950s)
- 5-7 p.m. – Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra featuring Hillary Smith and other special guests.
- 7:30-9 p.m. – Milton Villarubia’s Los CieneGatos Brass Band
East Stage (1920s-1930s)
- 5-6 p.m. – Flambeaux
- 6:20-7:30 p.m. – Last Call
- 7:50 - 9 p.m. – Burque Jazz Bandits
The celebration extends beyond music with 100 classic and custom cars, each representing local car clubs and a different chapter in Route 66's century-long history. Together they create a rolling tribute to the automobiles and road trips that made the highway an American icon.
Route 66 Summerfest also showcases the flavors of the Mother Road with 14 food trucks serving nostalgic favorites alongside creative Route 66-inspired specialties. Guests can enjoy everything from green chile cheeseburgers and root beer floats to chile relleno egg rolls, Duke City melts, Route 66 donuts, New Mexico mocha with Hatch red chile, and green chile lemonade.
Nob Hill businesses will be joined by 30 artisan vendors featuring handcrafted jewelry, apparel, artwork, soaps, collectibles, and other locally made goods inspired by Route 66, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to support Albuquerque's creative community.
Families can round out the evening with free activities for all ages including face painting, a climbing wall, inflatable games, and more, making Route 66 Summerfest a celebration everyone can enjoy.
Route 66 Summerfest is sponsored by in part by Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel, New Mexico State Tourism Department, and iHeart Radio.
For the most up-to-date information and details, including road closures, Park & Ride, and ABQ Ride routes: https://tinyurl.com/yc4xmekd