ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Visitors and locals have been getting their kicks on Route 66 for 100 years and the City of Albuquerque is gearing up to celebrate that.

Route 66 turns 100 next year but the celebration is starting a little early. The City’s Department of Arts and Culture has big plans for its 18-mile stretch of Route 66. From redevelopment projects to corridor improvements to art projects, like an immersive installation in collaboration with Santa Fe-based Meow Wolf and Refract, there are special events planned to bring the iconic route to life.

“Some of them will be new murals, and other surprises along the way. And augmented reality stops that will really encourage people to explore all 18 miles of route through our city,” said Shelle Sanchez, the director of the City’s arts and culture department.

The centennial celebration will also come with the launch of a website, comparing what Route 66 used to look like to what it looks like now. They will also build a sign park. There, visitors can learn about the history and importance of the road.

“Our city really grew up around Central Avenue, Route 66, and so there’s also a lot of other things that will be having their birthdays along this time. The Kimo is almost 100-years old, the Special Collections Public Library, which is right on central, just turned 100,” Sanchez said. “It’s a really important marker in our history because so many things that we know about our community really grew where they are because of Route 66.”

Most of the celebrations will kick off this summer.