FLAMING PURPLE PAINT JOBS, cherry-red lifted Ford F-150s, butter-yellow 1960s Mustangs, and other shiny souped-up hot rods make it fun to ogle the offerings at the Spokes on 66 Car Show in Grants. Taking over Riverwalk Park on June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the show includes more than 20 categories, six specialty awards, and a heap of family-friendly entertainment. “We will have three live bands, a kids’ construction zone with sand, a remote-control-car course, Hot Wheels races, and nine bounce houses,” says Denise Hanson, executive director at Grants MainStreet. “We love to get kids involved and make them feel like they have a voice in the community.”
Start your engines. Get revved up for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. “The heritage of the Mother Road and the history all ties together here in Grants,” Denise Hanson says. “People loved to road-trip along Route 66, so a car show is a great way to honor that legacy.”
Let it ride. Car culture in New Mexico is as spicy as our chile. “Recently, Española was featured as the lowrider capital of the world,” Hanson says. “When you look at the pockets of car lovers we have in the state, an event like this has a lot to offer.”
Take the wheels. Spokes on 66 features free bike tours to check out the town’s murals, including nearly 20 completed by brothers James and Blake Emory since last summer. “Small business owners got really energized about the project,” Hanson says. “Every mural has a story behind it and a reason the local business chose it.”
Pick-up men Ty Atchison (left) and Dalton Ward (right) secure a bronc.
Photograph courtesy of Summer Logan.
RODEO DE SANTA FE
June 18-21
Put on your boots, grab your hat, and order an ice-cold brew at the Rodeo de Santa Fe, which has showcased rodeo’s finest since 1949. More than 500 of the best cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the country compete June 18–21 in barrel racing, bull riding, trick riding, and mutton busting.
Arrive early for the summer solstice at Chaco Canyon National Historical Park.
Photograph by NMTD.
CavernFest, Carlsbad
June 13-14
A block party takes over the Carlsbad MainStreet District during this free community celebration with food trucks, live music, cornhole tournaments, raffles, and more.
Vino in the Valley, Red River
June 13-15
Seven of New Mexico’s best wineries set up shop in Red River during this summer shindig that includes an artisan market with more than 30 vendors.
Summer Solstice, Chaco Culture National Historical Park
June 20
The Ancestral Puebloan residents of Chaco Canyon were celestially brilliant, anchoring much of their architecture in alignment with solar events like the summer solstice. Experience their knowledge at sunrise on the solstice when the sun shines through a special window at Casa Rinconada. Arrive by 5:15 a.m.—it’s worth it.
Mac & Cheese Festival, Farmington
June 21
Berg Park Pavilion in Farmington hosts this gooey fest filled with delicious versions of everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Experiment at Los Alamos ScienceFest.
Photograph courtesy of Los Alamos ScienceFest.
LOS ALAMOS SCIENCEFEST
June 20-28
The weeklong STEM festival’s highlight, Discovery Day, takes over Ashley Pond and the Fuller Lodge park on June 21 with hands-on science experiments, demonstrations, a beer garden, and live music.
