Celebrate the Mother Road

Get your kicks at this exciting, family-friendly event slated for July 24-26, 2026. This FREE event on July 25 includes a classic car show, concert, dance music, kids' games, pedal car races, fire dancers, art unveilings, artist meet & greet, and the famed Tunnel of Fire on Route 66. There will also be a balloon mass ascension on July 26. Join the Gallup community to celebrate the Mother Road!! Join us for the Route 66 Centennial celebration in 2026.

Friday, July 24

6:30 p.m. - Burger Burn for Balloonists, Car Enthusiasts & Motorcyclists at 106 W. Route 66


Saturday, July 25

6:30 a.m. - Balloon Mass Ascension from Red Rock Park. In the event of easterly winds, balloons will ascend from Fox Run Municipal Golf Course. (flights are weather permitting)

8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. - Car show registration on Coal Avenue

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - TBA

1 p.m. - Classic Car Show Awards on Coal Avenue

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Classic Car show on Coal Avenue

3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - TBA

3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Artist Demonstrations at Multicultural Center, 201 E. Route 66

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Circus Boot Camp by Odd Lab at Historic Courthouse Square

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Cellicion Traditional Dancers at Multicultural Center, 201 E. Route 66

5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Circus Show by Odd Lab at Historic Courthouse Square

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Stilt Walker and Balloons by Odd Lab at Historic Courthouse Square

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Levitt Amp Concert at Historic Courthouse Square

8:40 p.m. - Tunnel of Fire on Historic Route 66

8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Fire Show by Odd Lab at Historic Courthouse Square

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Dance Music by Black Pearl Band at Historic Courthouse Square

All Day: Food Trucks, Kids’ Games, Pedal Car Races and Vendors

Sunday, July 26

6:30 a.m. - Balloon mass ascension from Red Rock Park. In the event of easterly winds, balloons will ascend from Fox Run Municipal Golf Course. (flights are weather permitting)