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100th Birthday of the Historic Route 66


  • Route 66 Chicago to Los Angeles Especially New Mexico U.S. Route 66 Albuquerque, NM United States (map)

Route 66 Centennial Kickoff is Here!

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with us and millions others —experience iconic landmarks, engaging memories, and community events that honor America’s Mother Road. Join millions across eight states in a heartfelt tribute culminating on November 11th, 2026.

This stretch of highway is so famous it even has it’s own #1 song written by the late great Nat “King” Cole. I’m sure you have the lyrics sung by him or by the countless other famous musicians who have covered these famous cords to this world famous song:
”If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way
Take the highway that's the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to LA
More than two thousand miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66

Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
You'll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don't forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino

Won't you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66

Won't you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66”
Make sure to jam out this song when you take that road trip from Chicago to LA or vice versa either way!
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EMAIL ME YOUR EVENTS HERE HAPPENING HERE IN NEW MEXICO
SEND DETAILS TO: SantaFeVIP@gmail.com
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Speaking of, THERE ARE MANY MANY EVENTS HAPPENING so we will do our best to share all events pertaining to this celebration within our state but will share others interesting events for those traveling and participating. Again please email your events to: santafevip@gmail.com

Here’s a road trip from Los Angeles to the windy city of Chicago!
You're Invited!

Join us for the ultimate road trip celebration—Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, and we're hitting the Mother Road from start to finish! From the sun-drenched shores of Santa Monica to the neon lights of Chicago, this once-in-a-century journey will be packed with nostalgia, quirky roadside stops, vintage diners, classic cars, and unforgettable memories.

When: Summer 2026
Where: Kicking off in Santa Monica, CA and cruising all the way to Chicago, IL
Why: Because Route 66 only turns 100 once—and we’re celebrating every mile!

Grab your shades, fuel up the tank, and get ready to cruise through history.

Let's get a group together so we can take in the sights of this historic route! This is your sign to join the centennial celebration of America’s most iconic highway.

Let’s ride Route 66—100 years strong.
RSVP, pack your bags, and we’ll see you on the road! MORE INFO HERE

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MOTORFEST IN ABQ - APRIL
NM Motorfest 2026 - MORE INFO HERE

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, NM Motorfest returns for its second year as New Mexico’s flagship all-styles motor show, honoring the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, the Mother Road.

This year’s event is hosted in the center infield of the Expo NM Racetrack, creating a rare, immersive setting designed specifically for a large-scale vehicle showcase and festival experience. This is a first for the fairgrounds!

NM Motorfest brings together custom-built vehicles of all styles, including national-level and SEMA builds, serious home-built customs, lifted trucks, imports, tuners, street builds, drift builds, hot rods, Euros, classics, restomods, stance builds, off-road builds, desert and competition track machines, motorcycles, rat rods, drag cars, UTVs, lowriders, show winners, club battle entries, and all vehicle styles.

This is a curated, static display event. Vehicles are staged, engines off, and presented in a controlled environment that keeps the focus on craftsmanship, design, and community.

The experience is supported by a full entertainment and lifestyle program, including:
• Live music by The Rudy Boy Experiment
• DJ performances by DJ Spunjy Hicks and DJ Hump
• A licensed Beer Garden & Cocktail Lounge
• Food trucks and curated vendors
• Awards with structured class judging
• Family-friendly atmosphere with professional operations

NM Motorfest 2026 is produced by New Mexico Motor Events, the state’s leading independent automotive event producer, with community support benefiting Outlaw Desert Racing, a New Mexico-based 501(c)(3) focused on veteran outreach.

Online vehicle registration opens soon!
Vendor and sponsor inquiries can be done at www.newmexicomotorevents.com

For updates, registration announcements follow our feeds.

This is a celebration of automotive culture, history, and the people who build it.
One day. One place. All styles.

Bigger. Louder. Stronger. #WeDoEvents #WeOutHere #NMTrue #AllRides #AllStyles #Community #100Years #Route66 #ExpoNM

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Supertask

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Forks In The Road