Route 66 SummerfestCelebrating 100 years of the Mother Road!https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest/route66-summerfesthttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svgRoute 66 SummerfestCelebrating 100 years of the Mother Road!https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest/route66-summerfesthttps://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/images/route-66-summerfest-2026.jpg
Route 66 Summerfest
Celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road!
Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 5-10 p.m. | Nob Hill
Route 66 Summerfest is the premier centennial festivity for Albuquerque! This year’s event will celebrate all the eras of Route 66 along the one-mile stretch in Nob Hill. This party will feature all of your favorites with live music, fresh food and treats, shopping from local artisans, activities for the kids, show cars, and all the flare Nob Hill has to offer. It will be a celebration for the ages you won’t want to miss!
Music Through the Decades
It isn’t a bash without music that will get you up and dancing! This street festival is the perfect way to party like it’s 1926! With four stages of live music, this will make you feel like you are turning up the tunes on a car ride in any era. This year’s headlining act, performing on the Main Stage presented by Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel, is The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience.
Imagine that its 1981. Bikinis are fluorescent, polo collars are popped, and boat shoes are rocked sockless. In the background, your booming sound system is playing the soft-rock sounds of Michael McDonald, Olivia Newton-John, Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, and Air Supply.
The Docksiders are made up of veteran musicians originally from Milwaukee,
Wisconsin and now based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are led by three-time Grammy™ nominee, Kevin Sucher. Their unique tribute act of your favorite soft rock songs of the 70s and 80s – now defined as Yacht Rock – have been entertaining hundreds of thousands of people for years.
Now it is their turn to get Albuquerque dancing on Route 66!
The Mother Road is one of the most iconic highways in United States history. In honor of all 100 years, there will be 100 local cars on display to represent the eras of cars traveling this stretch of road.
Road Trip Snacks
All 14 food trucks will be offering a signature Route 66 themed menu item for the evening. Come hungry to experience the nostalgia as you savor a Green Chile Cheeseburger and a Root Beer Float. In addition to regular menu items, other specialty offerings for the event will include a Duke City Melt, Cheesy Bacon Fires, NM Mocha with Hatch Red Chile, Chile Relleno Egg Rolls, Route 66 Donuts, Green Chile Lemonade, and more!
Stop to Shop
There is no better way to commemorate the centennial of Route 66 then shopping local! Nob Hill is packed with shops and restaurants that will be ready to show you what Albuquerque’s stretch of the Main Street of America has to offer. Stop by The Shops featuring 30 local artisans with their handmade products themed for the occasion. With custom items featuring Route 66, such as soap, pins, stickers, jewelry, and apparel, you will be sure to go home with the perfect party favor.
Games for Kids
Generations of kids have been in the backseat of the family car playing games, whether on a road trip or cruising the 18-miles of Route 66 right here in Albuquerque. Route 66 Summerfest will make sure to entertain the kids with free activities on the street including face painting, a climbing wall, and inflatable games.
Getting There
Route 66 Summerfest is located on Central Ave. between Girard Blvd. and Washington St. Traffic and bus routes in the area will be affected as Central Ave. will be closed.
Park & Ride
Beat the traffic with a free Park & Ride service. Park in the lot on the southwest corner of Lomas Blvd. and University Blvd. Free buses will run from the lot to UNM’s Johnson Field next to Girard Blvd. throughout the event. Last shuttle will be at 10:30 pm.
Parking
Paid parking lots and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Please be sure to follow all parking laws.
Event Information
Route 66 Summerfest is free to the public. While well behaved pets are welcome on leashes, please keep the heat and asphalt in mind and wait until it is cooler to bring them outside. Keep an eye on summer temperatures and stay hydrated in the desert heat. This is a rain or shine event.
Central Ave. will be closed from midnight on Friday, July 17 until 3 am on Sunday, July 19. Bus routes will be affected. Please check ABQ Transit webpages for route changes.
Applications
Applications to participate as a vendor in the 2026 ABQ Summerfest Series are now closed.
The City will be showcasing 100 show cars to represent 100 years of the Mother Road at this year's event. If your Car Club can showcase 10 or more vehicles apply using the link below.
Enjoy the sounds of summer and stay up-to-date on the latest event news.
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