UNM to celebrate 137th birthday with Route 66 theme at Lobo Day 2026

The University of New Mexico will celebrate its 137th birthday during Lobo Day 2026 on Friday, Feb. 27, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the SUB Atrium. T-shirts will be available for the first 137 students with a Lobo ID.

Lobo Day commemorates UNM's founding in 1889 and brings together students, faculty and staff for an annual birthday celebration featuring cake, a group photo and campus activities. This year's event will also highlight the centennial of Route 66, which runs through Albuquerque and marks 100 years in 2026.

Route 66 Centennial celebrations in New Mexico will take place throughout 2026, with communities across the state planning events to honor the highway's legacy. In Albuquerque, the Route 66: Roads & Rails Festival is scheduled for April 18-19, at the Albuquerque Rail Yards, featuring classic cars, live music and family activities.

Incorporating the centennial theme into Lobo Day connects UNM's legacy with the broader cultural and historical impact of Route 66 on Albuquerque and the state.

Lobo Day is organized by ASUNM Lobo Spirit and the UNM Student Activities Center. The event is free and open to the public, and participants are encouraged to wear cherry red, UNM's signature color.

More information is available at loboday.unm.edu and route66centennial.org.