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Illinois Route 66 Event

Route 66 Centennial

Illinois Route 66

25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

September 25 - September 27

Event Website

The 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival returns to historic downtown Springfield, Illinois for the Route 66 Centennial from September 27-29, 2026. This three-day celebration of classic cars, live music, and Route 66 nostalgia welcomes car enthusiasts and visitors from around the world. Admission is free for spectators, making it a must-visit event for families and fans of the Mother Road.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with the Route 66 City Nights Cruise, where up to 2,000 classic cars will roll into downtown Springfield in a spectacular parade. Saturday brings even more excitement with the Burnout Competition, where drivers push their cars to the limit in a cloud of smoke and tire marks. Throughout the festival, enjoy live music, explore downtown Springfield’s shops and restaurants, and take part in special activities like the Miss Route 66 Festival Pin-Up Contest, hosted by Springfield Vintage.

Visitors can also capture a unique State Capitol Photo Op, staging their cars in front of the majestic Illinois State Capitol. The Downtown Springfield Farmers Market will be open on Saturday, offering fresh produce and artisan goods. Those looking to dive deeper into Route 66 history can pick up a Route 66 Explorer Passport and visit the Living Legends of Route 66 throughout Springfield. For car owners, the event features CASI-certified judging, with top honors awarded to standout vehicles.

Details

Venue

  • Downtown Springfield, Illinois
  • #1 Old State Capitol Plaza
    Springfield, IL 62701 United States     + Google Map
Disclaimer: Route 66 Road Map is not affiliated with these events or the event organizers. The events listed on this page are hosted by external organizations and are subject to change. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, event dates, times, locations, itineraries, and other details may be modified or canceled by the event organizers. We recommend verifying all event information directly with the official event organizers before making travel plans.