Get ready to cruise with pride on the Mother Road! The Rainbow Roadrunners invite you to join us for a historic weekend getaway as we head to Gallup, New Mexico, for the monumental 100th Anniversary Route 66 Weekend Celebration.

Running from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026, this weekend is a celebration of 100 years of America’s most iconic highway. Whether you are bringing a vintage showstopper, a modern favorite, or just your love for the open road, all are welcome to join the fun. Expect beautiful New Mexico scenery, nostalgic Route 66 atmosphere, and a weekend of good cars, good people, and great memories.

Event Details & Lodging

• Dates: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26, 2026
• Location: Gallup, New Mexico
• Hotels: for simplicity, we're not using a host hotel nor a hotel block but many are staying at El Rancho Hotel**. Accommodations need to be reserved on your own. We've included a few chains below for convenience. 
  • **El Rancho Hotel The Charm of Yesterday... Convenience of Tomorrow (Est. 1937) 1000 E. HWY 66, Gallup, NM 87301 Phone: (505) 863-9311.  Small discount available by calling the hotel directly and mentioning the Rainbow Roadrunners. 
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott 1105 W Lincoln AVE, Gallup, NM 87301.
  • Hilton Garden Inn 1530 W Maloney AVE, Gallup, NM 87301

Weekend Highlights: What to Expect

• The Cars: A spectacular showcase featuring classic cars from 1926 and up. Participate in organized vintage car cruises along historic Route 66, show off your ride or admire the collection of other enthusiasts!

• The Social Scene: Connect with fellow automotive enthusiasts and friends! The weekend is packed with social events, mixers, evening cocktails, a group dinner, and live music. It’s the perfect setting for community, camaraderie, and building friendship that lasts a lifetime.

• The Sightseeing: Experience the unique spirit of the Southwest. We will explore Gallup and its vibrant local attractions, take a dedicated cruise out to the breathtaking El Morro National Monument, and wrap up our days taking in iconic desert sunsets and classic vintage neon displays.

Official Event Itinerary: Route 66 Roadtrip

FRIDAY, JULY 24

• 12:30 p.m. – Kickoff Garage Tour & Lunch Enjoy a private garage tour and lunch hosted by the Rainbow Roadrunners at the home of Tom Rigirozzi & Roy Dunlap in Albuquerque.

• 2:00 p.m. – Caravan Departs for Gallup We depart Albuquerque together to travel down historic Route 66 / I-40 toward Gallup, New Mexico, for the Route 66 Rides celebration.

• 4:30 p.m. – Host Hotel Check-In Arrive and check in at the Historic El Rancho Hotel (1000 E. HWY 66, Gallup, NM).

• 6:30 p.m. – Friday Night Burger Burn Join balloonists, fellow car enthusiasts, and motorcyclists for a community "Burger Burn" at the Gallup Route 66 Visitors Center (106 W. Route 66).

SATURDAY, JULY 25

• 6:30 a.m. – Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension Watch the balloons take flight from spectacular Red Rock Park (weather permitting).

• 8:00 a.m. – Group Breakfast Fuel up for the day at the El Rancho Hotel Silver Screen Dining Room.

• 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Car Show Registration Get your vehicle registered and ready for display.

• 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Classic Car Show on Coal Avenue The main event! Show off your ride and view classic cars from 1926 and up along historic Coal Avenue.

• 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Circus Boot Camp An entertaining performance and interactive experience by Odd Lab.

• 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Car Show Awards Ceremony Find out who takes home the trophies at the Historic Courthouse Square.

• 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Route 66 Evening Neon Cruise Line up for a vintage car cruise down Route 66 to show off those classic lines under the evening neon.

• 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Fire Dancers Performance A thrilling fire performance by Odd Lab at the Historic Courthouse Square.

• 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Live Music & Dance Wrap up the night with live dance music by the Silver Country Band and The Black Pearl Band of New Mexico at the Historic Courthouse Square.

• All-Day Attractions: Food trucks, vendors, kids' games, and pedal car races will be active around the downtown square throughout the day.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

• 8:00 a.m. – Farewell Breakfast Meet up at the El Rancho Hotel Silver Screen Dining Room.

• 9:00 a.m. – Hotel Checkout & Scenic Cruise Departure Check out of the hotel as we depart for a scenic cruise down NM Hwy 53 toward El Morro National Monument.

• 11:00 a.m. – Arrival at El Morro National Monument Explore the historic inscriptions and stunning bluff trails.

• 12:30 p.m. – Departure for Grants, NM We head out from El Morro toward Grants via NM Hwy 53.

• 1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Photo Op Stop for lunch at The Junkyard on 66 Brewery in Grants, followed by a group photo op at the iconic Grants Route 66 Archway.

• 2:30 p.m. – Final Stretch to Albuquerque Depart Grants via Route 66 / I-40 to head home.

• 4:30 p.m. – Approximate Arrival Caravan arrives back in Albuquerque.

Important Planning Tips for Attendees

• Weather & Gear: July temperatures in Gallup can be quite warm, but the area can also experience sudden winds or summer thunderstorms. We highly recommend packing windbreakers, hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen.

• Seating: Bringing portable lawn/folding chairs is highly recommended for comfort during the car show and evening square events.

• Hydration: Please remember to bring plenty of water to stay well-hydrated throughout the weekend.

• Navigation & Communication: Maps and a dedicated email/text message group will be provided so all attendees and coordinators can stay in touch. Please note that cellular service near El Morro National Monument may be limited, so be sure to download offline maps to be prepared, or have an Atlas.  

• A Mixed Group: We are excited to welcome members of the New Mexico Cadillac LaSalle Club, and mebbers of Great Autos to this event as well, making this a fantastic, diverse gathering of local car enthusiasts!