Celebrate the Mother Road
Welcome to Route 66 Rides, Gallup’s signature Route 66 celebration where classic cars, hot air balloons, motorcycles, and community come together on the Mother Road. Designed for enthusiasts and families alike, Route 66 Rides highlights Gallup’s unique place along America’s most iconic highway through immersive, high-energy experiences that unfold right on historic Route 66 and throughout downtown.
The weekend features scenic cruises of classic and custom vehicles, a community car show, and a crowd-favorite Burger Burn that brings together car culture and local flavor. Aviation takes center stage with hot air balloon flights and a Balloon Glow along Route 66, creating unforgettable evening views, while the dramatic Tunnel of Fire delivers one of the most visually striking moments of the event. Each evening continues in downtown Gallup at the Courthouse Square, where live entertainment, a beer garden, and a vibrant artist and food market create a welcoming festival atmosphere.
The event is curated to be easy for out-of-town travelers: find curated hotel recommendations, a suggested Route 66 itinerary, and a downloadable one-page guide to help you plan a seamless weekend. Route 66 Rides also features hands-on experiences for kids, vendor markets spotlighting local artisans, and photo opportunities at historic Route 66 landmarks. Whether you’re a vintage-car collector, a motorcycle rider, or a family seeking a memorable summer weekend, Route 66 Rides offers rich storytelling, accessible trip planning, and opportunities to support local businesses.
View the full schedule for car show and hot air balloon launch times, and check the FAQ for parking and accessibility information. Follow #Route66Rides for updates and community photos. We look forward to welcoming you to Gallup for a weekend of horsepower, horizon, and hometown hospitality.
Short FAQ
Q: What is Route 66 Rides?
A: A multi-day Route 66 celebration featuring car and motorcycle cruises, aviation displays, community shows and family activities in Gallup, NM.
Q: Is the event family-friendly?
A: Yes — there are activities and kid-friendly programming throughout the weekend.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Use the event route map for designated parking & shuttle locations. (Add link to /route66rides/#map)
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Some activities are free; special exhibitions or VIP experiences may require tickets. Check the schedule for details.
View Full Schedule
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 (weather permitting)
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. - Car show registration
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Classic Car show on Coal Avenue
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Circus Boot Camp by Odd Lab
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
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 Silver Country Band & The Black Pearl Band of New Mexico at Historic Courthouse Square
All Day: Food Trucks, Kids’ Games, Pedal Car Races, Vendors & Odd Lab Fire Dancers
Sunday, July 27
• 6:30 a.m. - Balloon mass ascension from Red Rock Park (weather permitting)
Plan Your Route
ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCE & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Can’t-Miss Route 66 Roadside Attractions in Gallup, NM
This page highlights unique roadside art, museums, neon signs, statues and stops all along historic Route 66 — Discover local Route 66 roadside attractions and photo ops!
LODGING WHERE TO STAY
Make your Route 66 Rides weekend complete with convenient, Route 66–located lodging:
Comfort Suites Gallup East Route 66
Comfort Suites Gallup East Route 66 – family friendly accommodations on historic Route 66 celebrating Veterans and Navajo Code Talkers.
El Rancho Hotel Historic Route 66 Experience
Stay at the iconic El Rancho Hotel — Old Hollywood style, classic Route 66 lodging. A Route 66 Gem!
EAT & DRINK ON ROUTE 66
Recharge along the Mother Road with classic and local flavors:
Route 66 Diner — classic American fare and classic green chili burgers.
Route 66 Railway Cafe — breakfast & lunch with a New Mexican flair and railroad theme.
Sandra’s Place — local favorite with Mexican & American classics.
Angela’s Cafe — hearty sandwiches, soups, and Route 66 history interior.
El Rancho Restaurant & 49er Bar
El Rancho Restaurant & 49er Lounge — southwestern dinner after Route 66 Rides.
HISTORY & CULTURE ALONG THE MOTHER ROAD
Gallup is more than a backdrop for Route 66 Rides — it is Route 66 history. As the largest city between Albuquerque and Flagstaff on historic U.S. Highway 66, Gallup offers roadside art, neon signs, public murals, sculptures, and cultural storytelling that bring the Mother Road to life.
George Galanis Multicultural Center — Cultural Heritage & Native Art
Visit the George Galanis Multicultural Center — Discover Native American art, community history, and the Navajo Code Talker story in this historic Route 66-era depot.
This historic 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival theatre is a local cultural gem tied to Gallup’s heritage.
Murals & Public Art — Take a Route 66 mural walking tour, local history in paint.
Gallup downtown murals celebrate Indigenous cultures, mining heritage, and Gallup’s identity as a Route 66 crossroads.
Discover Red Rock Park Museum — Ancestral Puebloan culture: explore ancient cultures of the Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo through engaging exhibits.