The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture announced on May 18 the launch of the Route 66 Remixed Tour in partnership with Tour ABQ, offering a new multimedia experience that celebrates the centennial of Route 66 through art, culture, and storytelling.
The initiative aims to highlight both the historic significance and contemporary creativity along Albuquerque’s stretch of the Mother Road. The tour is designed to give residents and visitors a deeper appreciation for local history while showcasing how artists are reimagining Route 66 for its 100th anniversary.
Riders will travel aboard an open-air trolley from Old Town along Central Avenue, exploring landmarks and hearing stories about key sites on a two-hour journey. The first tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from 2-4 p.m., with tickets available at prices ranging from $30 to $45. “Route 66 Remixed celebrates Albuquerque’s history while showcasing the creativity and innovation of our city today,” said Arts & Culture Director Dr. Shelle Sanchez. “This tour lets people experience a concentration of Remixed stops in an authentically Albuquerque way with Tour ABQ.” Passengers can expect visual displays, narration, and augmented reality features highlighting murals and sculptures throughout the city.
Tour ABQ Co-Founder Mike Silva said, “We are honored to partner with the City of Albuquerque to show off an attraction that has drawn visitors to us from around the world for a century, historic Route 66. We look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary and sharing the Mother Road with passengers on the Route 66 Remixed Tour all season long.” Co-Founder Jesse Herron added: “We started this company in 2009 with the goal to show off Albuquerque. We wanted to be the guys that provided a front row seat to locals and visitors alike to all that makes our city such an amazing and beautiful place.”
The route covers notable areas such as Singing Arrow open space and Nine Mile Hill across an eighteen-mile corridor transformed into what organizers call an “open gallery.” According to theater’s history page, venues like KiMo Theatre have served as longstanding cultural landmarks fostering community gatherings over decades; its blend of Pueblo Deco architecture also represents Albuquerque’s unique heritage.According to official council history, city governance supports initiatives like these by focusing on cultural preservation across nine geographic districts shaped by developments such as railroads.According to city’s timeline.
Route 66 Remixed is identified as Albuquerque’s signature project for this year’s centennial celebration—a collaboration involving Meow Wolf, Refract Studio, Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico Tourism Department, Blake’s Lotaburger, community partners, and local artists.
