Route 66 Centennial, 1926-2026
Visit New Mexico’s vibrant MainStreet districts to experience history, culture, and everything local during the Route 66 Centennial!
Jump to: About | NM MainStreet Passport | Events | Links | Social Graphics
About the Districts: East | Central | West
Route 66 MainStreet Districts
New Mexico MainStreet districts along Route 66 have a diverse and authentic story to share with visitors during the Route 66 Centennial. Each district is led by an organized group of volunteers who are working to renew the heart of their community. With projects and activities that focus on economic growth, business enrichment, celebrating arts and culture, building awareness through events and promotions, and establishing strong partnerships, each district is working to create a place where people and commerce thrive.
We invite you to come see for yourself the beauty of New Mexico’s MainStreet communities.
NM MainStreet (NMMS) Centennial Passport
The NMMS Route 66 Centennial Passport program is a fun way to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 as part of your adventure along the Mother Road. Pick up your NM MainStreet Route 66 Centennial rack card and sticker at participating businesses — collect stickers from all ten districts for a keepsake of this historic celebration. The program will run January-December 2026, during the Rt 66 Centennial.
East
Tucumcari MainStreet
Famous for its neon lights, iconic motels, and rich cultural heritage, Tucumcari is where the spirit of Route 66 comes alive.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
- Motel Safari
- Blue Swallow Motel
- TeePee Curios
- Roadrunner Lodge
- Del’s Restaurant
- Jackalope Coffee Haus
- La Cita Restaurant
- Odeon Theatre
- Railroad Depot & Train Museum
- Depot 100th Anniversary Celebration
- Fired Up Street Festival – September 12, 2026
- Down at the Depot Music & Makers Markets – Last Fridays monthly
Santa Rosa MainStreet
Known for its lakes and deep Route 66 roots, Santa Rosa is pulling out all the stops for the Route 66 Centennial.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
- Silver Moon Cafe and Gift Shop-Since 1959!
- Rt. 66 Auto Museum
- Mr. Bee’s Coffee and Teas
- La Villa Burger & Boba & Gift Shop
Community highlights:
- The Pecos Theatre
- Joseph’s Bar & Grill
- Silver Moon Café
- Mr. Bee’s Coffee
- The Comet Restaurant II
- Ilfeld Warehouse
- Old Lake City Diner
- Roadrunner Marathon – June 22, 2026
- City of Lakes Triathlon – August 10, 2026
- 4th of July & Memorial Day celebrations
- Bands at the Gazebo – Summer nights
- Pecos Sunflower Festival
MainStreet de Las Vegas
Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in one of the few New Mexico towns along the original 1926 Route.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
- Dedication of a new Route 66 Marker in Romeroville
- Trolley rides that connect past to present
- Centennial Screening at Fort Union Drive-In, one of the last operating drive-ins in the Southwest
Central
Downtown ABQ MainStreet Arts & Cultural District
From public art and creative reuse of historic buildings to food festivals and markets, Downtown ABQ is celebrating Route 66’s 100th with community spirit and urban charm.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
- Lindy’s Diner (possibly the longest running diner on all of RT 66- definitely New Mexico)
- Ex Novo Brewing Company
- Arepas El Pana
Community highlights:
- KiMo Theatre
- ABQ Convention Center
- ABQ Artwalk – Monthly
- Downtown Growers’ Market Saturday: April – November + Monthly Winter Markets: January – March
- FUSION
- The Turquoise Museum
Nob Hill MainStreet
Known for its vintage vibe and historic architecture, Nob Hill is Route 66 cool at its finest.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
Barelas MainStreet
Discover the rich layers of Barelas—Route 66 before the reroute—with deep roots in auto culture, railroads, and Hispanic heritage.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
- Contact Barelas Community Coalition at info@barelas.net or (505) 353-7506
Community highlights:
South Valley MainStreet
Honor the Centennial on the original alignment of Route 66, where El Camino Real, acequia culture, and car clubs collide in a celebration of community.
Bridge Blvd is currently under construction. Please be aware there may be delays due to ongoing construction.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
- South Valley MainStreet office:
Please set up an appointment for a visit or tour by contacting (505) 400-3635 or southvalleymainstreet@gmail.com - El Paisa Taqueria (cash only):
820 Bridge Blvd SW, ABQ, NM 87105, Hours: 9am-10pm - La Familia Farmers Market:
100 Isleta Blvd SW, ABQ, NM 87105. Hours: Friday’s 5-8pm. Seasonal: June-October
Community highlights:
Revitalize San Pedro Partnership
San Pedro spans both the old and new Route 66 alignments, telling a rich story of change—from Microsoft’s first headquarters to long-running diners and the State Fairgrounds.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
West
Gallup MainStreet
As the gateway to the Navajo Nation and Zuni Pueblo, Gallup blends Route 66 legacy with deep cultural roots.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
Grants MainStreet
Celebrate Route 66’s Centennial beneath the Route 66 Arch, and enjoy events and attractions that light up this gateway to the Southwest.
NMMS Passport Businesses:
Community highlights:
- Spokes on 66 Car Show
- Annual 4th of July Parade & Wild West 3-Day Rodeo
- Holiday Light Parade
- West Theatre
- Route 66 Arch
| Important Links |
|---|
| Route 66 Centennial Grant Program Take a look at projects in three MainStreet districts. |
| New Mexico Magazine Features, attractions, plan your trip and more. Watch our roundtable with NM Magazine’s staff! |
| New Mexico Tourism Videos, history, tours and more. Check out News & Updates from the New Mexico Tourism Department! |
| Willie Lambert’s Route 66 Guides Comprehensive guides on Route 66 in New Mexico. Watch our roundtable with Willie and the Historic Santa Fe Foundation! |
| Coffee With Jim Podcast Stories from Route 66. |