Route 66 Casino Hotel News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Route 66 Casino Hotel invites the public to join a once-in-a-century celebration honoring the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66 during a special weekend of commemorative events, community gatherings, live entertainment, classic cars, and family-friendly activities taking place Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.
At the heart of the celebration is the Route 66 Centennial Monument Dedication and Time Capsule Ceremony, taking place at 10 a.m., Friday, July 31 at Route 66 Casino Hotel. The ceremony will unveil a permanent monument recognizing the legacy of America’s Mother Road and its impact on the communities it has connected for generations.
As part of this historic occasion, community leaders, special guests, and Centennial honorees will participate in a ceremonial time capsule sealing, preserving stories, artifacts, and memories from today for future generations. The monument is part of a nationwide initiative celebrating Route 66 communities from Chicago to Santa Monica, with each installation reflecting the local history and culture that helped shape the iconic highway.
The ceremony will feature remarks from leadership representatives, along with a special recognition of guests celebrating their 100th birthday during Route 66’s Centennial year. Following the program, attendees will have an opportunity to view the monument, participate in commemorative photos, and celebrate this milestone moment in Route 66 history.
“The Route 66 Centennial is more than a celebration of a highway—it’s a celebration of the people, communities, and stories that have defined the American journey for the last 100 years,” said Route 66 Casino Hotel leadership. “The monument and time capsule will serve as a lasting tribute to that legacy and a gift to future generations.”
The celebration continues Saturday, August 1, with the Route 66 Centennial 5K Run/3K Walk, offering participants a unique way to commemorate the Mother Road. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with the race starting promptly at 7 a.m. Participants can choose between a 5K run or a 3K walk and will follow a course designed to commemorate the spirit of the Mother Road. Water stations will be available throughout the route, and fresh fruit will be provided at the finish line. Commemorative T-shirts will be available while supplies last.
Following the morning run and walk, the Centennial Route 66 Car Show takes place Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2, featuring hundreds of classic, custom, and hot rod vehicles. Open to the public, the two-day event will showcase automotive craftsmanship and Route 66 culture while offering more than 200 awards across 65 judged classes and over $1,500 in cash prizes.
The weekend’s entertainment lineup brings legendary performers to Legends Theater. At 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The O’Jays will perform an evening of timeless hits including “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers,” and “For the Love of Money.” At 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, comedy icon Jay Leno will take the stage with his acclaimed stand-up performance.
More than a celebration, the Centennial weekend reflects the enduring relationship between Route 66 and the Laguna community. For generations, the highway has served as a corridor of travel, commerce, culture, and opportunity, helping to shape the region’s history while connecting people from across the country.
About Route 66 Casino Hotel
Route 66 Casino Hotel, proudly managed by Laguna Development Corporation, offers premier gaming, dining, and entertainment in New Mexico. The property features over 1,060 slot machines, 15 table games, and award-winning restaurants including Buffet 66, Thunder Road Steak House, Stadium 66 Sports Bar, Laguna Burger, and The Snack Bar. Guests can enjoy first-class entertainment at Legends Theater, a state-of-the-art 2,962-seat venue hosting top national acts. The property also features a 154-room hotel, the award-winning Route 66 RV Resort, and a full-service Route 66 Travel Center.
