The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, Identity, and Place in Albuquerque
June 6–January 3, 2027
“What is a road without people traveling on it?” asks Alicia Romero, head curator at Albuquerque Museum. The question serves as the guiding principle for the exhibition The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, Identity, and Place in Albuquerque, which collects more than 400 pieces ranging from historic photographs to contemporary sculpture. “What are we talking about if not the people who made it what it is?” Romero adds. Among her favorites are images by Santa Fe–based photographer David Scheinbaum, who captured hip-hop stars like Erykah Badu performing at the Sunshine Theater, in Albuquerque. “The intention is to take an honest look at the history of Route 66,” she says. Don’t miss: Santero Luis Tapia’s wood-carved dashboard, which captures downtown Albuquerque through the windshield. “It brings in this Hispano and Nuevo Mexicano tradition of cruising,” Romero explains. “My goal is to really highlight the people of the road.”
66 Artists on 66
June 6–August 8
This pop-up souvenir shop and art show in one takes over Art123 Gallery on the historic route. “We wanted to make sure Gallup is included in the centennial celebrations in an authentic way,” says Rose Eason, executive director of gallupARTS. The shop features hand-painted postcards, mugs, tees, quilts sized to fit RV couches, 1950s- and ’60s-style kachinas, and more. “We want to give folks traveling a taste of the local culture,” she adds, “and at the same time, give artists a chance to get exposure during what should be a busier than normal tourist season.” Don’t miss: The gallery extends its hours from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays during 66 Artists on 66.
The Great Race
June 24–25
More than 130 vintage cars, all made before 1974, make an overnight stop at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park around 4 p.m. on June 24. The Great Race sees the vehicles and their two-person teams compete in a nine-day speed endurance rally from Springfield, Illinois, to Pasadena, California. The cars will be on view in Albuquerque and 16 other cities, including a 9:45 a.m. stop that same day at the Tucumcari Convention Center and an 11:30 a.m. stop on June 25 at the Gallup Cultural Center. “Route 66 is the backdrop of the 2026 race,” says Houston Gibson, events and experience manager. Don’t miss: When the cars make the overnight stop in Albuquerque, visitors can view them and speak with the teams from all over the world. “You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this,” Gibson explains. “It’s a rolling automotive museum.”
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