Food, Festivals & Fun on Route 66Planning a trip to New Mexico? Save this list of the best food events, festivals, and experiences along Route 66 this spring and summer! Rock and roll with the classic cars on Route 66, twirl into ABQ for the Flamenco Festival, horse around at a rodeo, or take to the sky in a balloon! 🌶️🚗☀️AuthorsSteller
DestinationsNew MexicoItinerary

Albuquerque

Balloon Fiesta Park
ABQ Taco Fest is one of Albuquerque’s biggest summer parties, and this year, it will be held at Balloon Fiesta Park on June 21st. Enjoy mouthwatering tacos and tequila as T.I., Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Ginuwine, Chingy, and the Ying Yang Twins deliver the hottest hits from the 2000s. A ticket to the festival includes access to over 100 premium tequilas at the Cactus Cantina, craft margaritas, ice-cold beer, thrilling lucha libre wrestling matches, stunning lowriders, and towering loaded nachos. 🌮
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New Mexico Flavors Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque
You don't need to wait for a festival to experience the unique flavors of New Mexico. The Albuquerque Old Town Food Tour, led by local guides born and raised in the area, takes you through San Felipe de Neri Church and Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, while you savor delicious dishes and beverages along the way.
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Okay, so technically this is not in summer, but this is worth coming back for in the fall! For over 50 years, people from around the globe have been gathering in Albuquerque each October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—it is the largest and most-photographed ballooning event in the world. Watch as hundreds of balloons ascend from Balloon Fiesta Park, especially during the breathtaking Mass Ascension at dawn. With whimsical shapes and enchanting Balloon Glows, this magical festival is worth a return trip between October 4-12, 2025!
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Rodey Theatre
The Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, the largest and longest-running flamenco festival outside of Spain, will be held from June 20-28, 2025. This vibrant festival features a diverse lineup of international dancers, musicians, and singers, showcasing stunning performances throughout the area, so check the official website for exact locations and times. Many of the shows and events, however, will be held at the Rodey Theatre. Attendees can also participate in workshops and masterclasses tailored for dancers and musicians of all levels. Don't miss this incredible celebration of flamenco culture! 💃
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Central Avenue Southeast
Get ready to party at Route 66 Summerfest, which takes place on July 19, 2025! This free event includes multiple stages featuring local bands, food trucks, and more! This family-friendly event takes over a mile-long stretch on Central Avenue from Girard Boulevard to Washington Street.
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Gallup

Visit Gallup
Ready to rock...and roll? The 2025 New Mexico Route 66 Association Motor Tour will run from May 8-10 and celebrate the rich history and significance of Route 66. The tour features new, shorter routes that allow for more sightseeing and relaxation. After kicking off in Gallup, the second night will be in Grants, and the third will be in Albuquerque, where an awards ceremony will be held at the Route 66 Museum. Join in the fun: classic cars, contemporary vehicles, travel trailers, and motorcycles are all welcome!
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Red Rock Park
Check out the annual rodeo at Red Rock Park Arena, which takes place from June 21-24, 2025. This "Best of the Best" Timed Event Rodeo features eight exciting events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. There will also be a special parent-contestant team roping and ribbon roping competition. On July 11th, Gallup will host the Wildthing Championship Bull Riding here—the top open bull riding competition in the Southwest—featuring two days of intense action followed by an exciting fireworks display! In August, come back for the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. This is a huge event that brings together people from as many as 17 tribes between August 1-10. It includes a famous parade, traditional night performances, Native American art exhibits, a pageant, a rodeo, and lots more. Visit gallupceremonial.com for information.
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Tucumcari

New Mexico Route 66 Museum
Rockin' Route 66, inspired by the history of the iconic highway, takes place on June 28-29, 2025, and will showcase hot rods, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and celebrity builders. During the event, local venues will host music acts in genres like Rockabilly, Ska, and Blues, capturing that 1950s vibe. Explore a market of vintage collectibles and savor local flavors with a Taste of New Mexico. The festival also features sideshow attractions, stunt shows, and guest artists.
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Santa Fe

Santa Fe Railyard
Santa Fe Summer Scene is the largest music concert series in New Mexico. This year, the festival will run from May 31 through August 28, and feature over 50 free concerts and movies at the Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe Railyard, Santa Fe Railyard Park, Reunity Resources Park, and SWAN Park. The concerts will showcase local musicians, renowned national artists, and more. Check the official calendar for a complete lineup on santafe.com.
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New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza
This is one of the best-selling tours in downtown Santa Fe! A guide will take you on a journey of Santa Fe's history and food over about four hours. See landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis, enjoy three food tastings, and a wine tasting. 🍷
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Angel Fire Resort
Balloons Over Angel Fire, held in the summer at Angel Fire Airport (just minutes from Angel Fire Resort), is a bit of a drive from Santa Fe, but worth it. The 3-day festival will be held June 13-15 (Father's Day weekend). It is one of just a few high-mountain hot air balloon events in the United States. You'll be able to watch over 30 hot air balloons rise over the Moreno Valley, go on chairlift rides, join a mountain bike race, and enjoy free music in Frontier Park (Friday night) and the Balloon Glow on Saturday night.
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Rodeo De Santa Fe
Rodeo De Santa Fe has been drawing top cowboys and cowgirls, barrel men and women, specialty acts, and more to Santa Fe every year since 1949—it is one of the top 60 PRCA Rodeos in the United States. This year, the rodeo will be held June 18-21. Competitive events include team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc and bareback, tie down roping, women’s breakaway roping, and bull riding. The family-friendly event also features popular Mutton Bustin’ and youth barrel racing! 🤠
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Santa Fe Plaza
Mark the end of summer at the Santa Fe Fiesta! This festival, which will be held from August 30 to September 7, 2025, has been celebrating Santa Fe's culture and history for more than 300 years! There will be music, dancing, food, and entertainment, as well as several other traditions. Three big art markets happen in Santa Fe every summer as well: the Folk Art Market, the Indian Market, and the Spanish Market. 🔥 The Burning of Zozobra, the 100-year-long tradition, will officially kick off the event on the Friday before Labor Day. The Burning of Zozobra is one of the most popular events in Santa Fe, so be sure to get tickets in advance at burnzozobra.com. And, on August 30th, the Santa Fe Opera will feature the annual Mariachi Extravaganza!
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