Route 66 Centennial Events in 2026
There are literally hundreds, actually thousands, of interesting stops, attractions and events along the eight states that Historic Route 66 traversed.
Different people want to experience different things on Route 66. And that is great! Along Route 66 from Illinois to California, there is a great diversity of festivals and events, from car shows to contests to special events at museums and historical sites.
Here are some popular Route 66 festivals, car shows, parades, exhibitions and other events scheduled in 2026, listed by state and city, from Illinois to California.
Enjoy your road trips in 2026, the Route 66 Centennial Year!
IMPORTANT NOTE
Listed below are festivals and events scheduled during the Route 66 Centennial.
Emphasis is given to those with widespread appeal and popularity, and long-standing events.
Events are always subject to change.
We recommended you contact the responsible event sponsor to
confirm dates, times and other details. For more events visit www.Route66Centennial.org
Some events have not yet posted their 2026 dates, and are "to be announced" - TBA. |
National Events |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off
Springfield, Missouri has been selected as the Official Host City of the Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off, which will anchor locations across Route 66, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
This event will present a New Year’s Eve Times Square-like atmosphere and include a major concert with A-List entertainment, car shows, food, parades, and more. It will be centered at the Historic Shrine Mosque downtown.
This celebration marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66's official naming, which occurred on April 30, 1926, when a telegram was sent from Springfield requesting the road be named Route 66.
Five official satellite cities have been named to share in the kick-off:
- Joliet, Illinois
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Amarillo, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Santa Monica, California
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
The Main Street of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan
The caravan is designed to bring people together across 2,448 miles of the most famous road in the world. It will cover the entire distance, leaving from California and traveling to Illinois on the Mother Road! It is being organized by the organized by the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership.
This caravan is not meant to replace the more comprehensive Motor Tours that State Associations organize annually. Think of it as a long parade that gives each community a moment of their own during the Centennial and know that they are part of the great 'linear village' of Route 66!
A core caravan of ten to twelve cars will be making the journey across the Mother Road, passing through many towns along Historic Route 66. This national parade can be joined at any time! A more detailed itinerary will be published closer to the event.
More Info: www.Route66Caravan.com website
Dates: June 5 - 24, 2026 |
The Drive Home VII: Route 66 - A Century of Adventure
America's Automotive Trust, the Detroit Auto Show, and The National Route 66 Centennial Commissioni are proud to announce The Drive Home VII: Route 66 - A Century of Adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country drive celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66.
This commemorative event will begin on January 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, California, and span the full length of Route 66, arriving nine days later in Chicago, Illinois on January 12. The vehicles will then be on display at the world-class Detroit Auto Show beginning on January 14.
More Info: Website
Dates: January 3 - 12, 2026 |
The Route 66 Centennial Great Race
The Route 66 Centennial Great Race is a 9-day vintage car rally from Illinois to California, using Route 66 as the backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Approximately 130 cars ranging in year model from 1911 to 1974 will compete. It will be the most unique event on Route 66 in 2026.
The race will stop in 17 different cities along Route 66 for promotional engagement, allowing spectators to intermingle with the drivers and teams in each community. The open format generates a very up-close experience for our spectators and race teams. In addition, the Great Race will travel through dozens of other small towns along Route 66 during the event.
More Info: Website
Dates: June 20-28, 2026 |
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Illinois |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet has been selected as one of five official "Satellite" locations across Route 66 for the Centennial Kick-Off, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
The celebration will take place at the historic 1858 Old Joliet Prison Site. The property is now an economic development engine and community gathering space, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors since the project's inception.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Springfield, Illinois
The cars, the music, the fun and nostalgia that Route 66 has brought to generations will return this year to downtown Springfield. Hundreds of cool cars and thousands of spectators will roll into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown for a weekend of family fun in the sun and non-stop live music and entertainment! Come celebrate the golden age of Route 66 … the cars, the music, the food, the friends ... all brought together along Illinois’ Route 66.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Dates: September 25-27, 2026 |
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway: Conference & Celebration
Springfield, Illinois - Route 66 Motorheads
This Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration is scheduled to include a conference, gala awards luncheon, and a grand celebration. Those invited to attend are Route 66 enthusiasts, roadies, Byway members, and non-members, to join in a full day of education, recognition, and celebration.
It will be an opportunity to meet with industry leaders, Route 66 advocates, and community members to explore the rich history and promising future of Illinois Route 66. Sessions will feature updates, resources, and insights to celebrate and preserve the Mother Road.
Also planned is a grand celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary, featuring live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, special guests, classic cars and networking opportunities.
More Info: Website
Date: November 11, 2026 |
Missouri |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has been selected as one of five official "Satellite" locations across Route 66 for the Centennial Kick-Off, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
The local festivities will celebrate a century of the Mother Road, with concerts, car displays, a 6.6-mile bike ride, documentary screenings, presentations, and family activities.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
Route 66 100th Anniversary Festival
St. Louis, Missouri
Celebrate a century of traveling on the Mother Road and join us at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park for a week of events exploring everything from the stunning natural scenery and quirky roadside attractions in both winding rural towns and big cities, to the challenges and inequities faced by some travelers.
Enjoy concerts, car displays, a 6.6-mile bike ride, documentary screenings, presentations and family activities, including a chance to design your own cardboard car for a drive-in movie night!
More Info: Website
Dates: April 30 - May 5, 2026 |
Oklahoma |
Route 66 Road Fest
Tulsa, Oklahoma
SageNet Center at Expo Square
The Road Fest is a one-of-a-kind celebration giving you the chance to take your own journey through the history, attractions, characters, and fun of one of America’s most enduring treasures.
It’s also a great opportunity to experience the Route itself. Make a weekend of it, and hit the road to explore some of the 400-plus miles of Route 66 that run through Oklahoma.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Dates: June 27-28, 2026 |
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Texas |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo has been selected as one of five official "Satellite" locations across Route 66 for the Centennial Kick-Off, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
The iconic 6th Street will feature archived photos, recordings, and Route 66 memorabilia during its kick-off event by day. At night, festivities will explore the evolution of Route 66 and Amarillo's role in shaping American travel. The city is also planning the installation of a commemorative monument in Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
Texas Route 66 Festival
Amarillo, Texas
Gear up for the Texas Route 66 Festival, in the Centennial Year, June 4-13, 2026! Dive into ten thrilling days of classic car shows, exclusive bus tours, a cattle drive & parade, live music, and so much more along the iconic Texas stretch.
Don't miss the spectacular grand finale on June 13 in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District.
See you there for the adventure of a lifetime! All roads lead to the centennial in 2026!
More Info: Website
Dates: June 4-13, 2026 |
New Mexico |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The city has been selected as one of five official "Satellite" locations across Route 66 for the Centennial Kick-Off, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
Albuquerque's celebrations will feature music events downtown at the historic KiMo theatre, incorporating the nearby crossroads at 4th and Central, where the original and then final Route 66 crossed. The city will also feature an art-fueled road trip, which will have four stops within a two-block radius of the KiMo.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
Arizona |
Ash Fork Heritage on Route 66 Day
Ash Fork, Arizona
A community celebration blending the town’s pioneer roots with the centennial of Route 66 featuring a parade, classic car show, chili cookoff, craft fair, pony rides, games, and more!
Date: May 16, 2026 |
Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Flagstaff, Arizona
This event will be a day-long experience, and a free, family event which includes nostalgic reenactments, classic car show, streetscape chalk art, and a festival.
More Info: Website
Date: June 6, 2026 |
Kingman Route 66 Fest
Kingman, Arizona
A 2-day festival with live music, Route 66 displays, a pinup contest, vendors, live art displays, and so much more!
More Info: Website
Dates: October 16-17, 2026 |
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Seligman Centennial Celebration
Seligman, Arizona
Join the community of Seligman as they unveil their new monument signs in town for the Route 66 Centennial. Stick around for a great big day-long party!
Date: April 30, 2026 |
Historic Route 66 Fun Run
Seligman, Arizona
More than 800 vehicles carrying thousands of friends will be joining the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona for a weekend of adventure! Historic Route 66 Fun Run participants from across the globe will meet in Seligman to travel a 140-mile stretch of Route 66 with events planned in nearly every community along the way. The procession will conclude in Topock/Golden Shores with an awesome community BBQ to cap off the weekend.
The annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run traces its roots to early 1987 when a small group of people led by Angel Delgadillo embarked on an ambitious journey to champion the rebirth of Route 66 and formed the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Over the years, the continued success of the annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run has become an important fundraiser that has allowed the Association to aggressively pursue its mission for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Mother Road. In many ways, it embodies all that we love of Route 66 - family, community, cars, and Americana. The Association will always stay true to those things that made the first Fun Run work - creating a relaxing, fun packed weekend of camaraderie, cars and the celebration of an American icon ... Historic Route 66.
More Info: Website
Date: May 1-3, 2026 |
Williams Car Show
Williams, Arizona
Come be a part of the 2-day Car Show held on Historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams! 500 vehicles will be on display.
More Info: Website
Dates: June 5-6, 2026 |
Standin on the Corner Festival
Winslow, Arizona
Two days of live music, great food, and great drinks! Come Stand on the Corner in 2026!
More Info: Website
Dates: September 25-26, 2026 |
California |
Roy's Route 66 Cruisin' Car Show
Amboy, California
Celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary of Route 66 at this exciting car show in Amboy, California, at Roy's Motel & Cafe!
More Info: Facebook
Date: March 7, 2026 |
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration
Santa Monica, California
This California city has been selected as one of five official "Satellite" locations across Route 66 for the Centennial Kick-Off, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial.
Santa Monica will host its kick-off ceremony at Mel's Diner on Lincoln Boulevard, featuring live performances by California musicians. The highway officially concluded at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard, near the Pacific Ocean. This final stretch of Route 66 represented the culmination of countless journeys across the United States, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined an era.
More Info: Website and Facebook
Date: April 30, 2026 |
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Route 66 Centennial Website
This website presents a wide variety of Official Route 66 Centennial Programs, Events, Projects, and Activities recommended by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Springfield, Missouri has been selected as the Official Host City of the Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off, which will anchor locations across Route 66, providing an unprecendented special event to commence the Route 66 Centennial scheduled for April 30, 2026.
Visit the Route 66 Centennial website for more events!
and Route 66 Centennial on Facebook
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