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Springfield, Missouri—the Birthplace of Route 66—kicks off the 2026 Route 66 Centennial with a high-energy concert celebrating 100 years of America’s most famous highway. The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert takes place at Great Southern Bank Arena on the campus of Missouri State University.
Event Details
685 S John Q. Hammons Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65807
Doors open: 4:15 p.m.
Pre-show: 5:15 p.m.
Tickets: On sale now
Hosted by acclaimed actor and MSU alumnus John Goodman and Springfield City Councilmember Callie Carroll, the evening sets the tone for a nationwide celebration. Goodman, known for roles in Roseanne, The Big Lebowski, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, remains closely connected to Missouri State University, where he earned his BFA in 1975 and continues to support theatre students and campus initiatives.
A Lineup Built for the Open Road
Headlining the concert is Little Big Town, joined by an all-star lineup that reflects the grit, soul, and storytelling spirit of Route 66:
- Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts
- Gretchen Wilson
- Chris Janson
- Ozark Mountain Daredevils
- The Haygoods
Pre-show entertainment features Bentenya, a renowned chindon music troupe from Nagoya, Japan. Known for colorful costumes and lively street performances, Bentenya blends traditional Japanese folk music with J-Pop and anime songs and has performed around the world.
More Than a Concert
As the official launch of the National Route 66 Centennial, this event honors the history, culture, and communities that have shaped the Mother Road since its birth in Springfield in 1926. It’s a night of hometown pride, big-stage music, and open-road energy—marking the start of a yearlong celebration stretching from Missouri to the Pacific.
