Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off Official Host City: Springfield, Missouri

In 1926, a telegram sent from Springfield, Missouri, helped give U.S. Highway 66 its name. One hundred years later—down to the exact time and date—Springfield will officially launch the Route 66 Centennial with a four-day celebration worthy of the Mother Road.

Chosen through a competitive national selection process, Springfield will host the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, setting the tone for a year-long, nationwide tribute to America’s most iconic highway. From nationally televised broadcasts and major concerts to landmark dedications, parades, car shows, cultural exhibits, and community festivals, this once-in-a-century event brings Route 66’s story to life where it all began.

Full Event Timeline

Wednesday, April 29

Centennial festivities begin across the city with early arrivals, community gatherings, and lead-in programming as Springfield prepares to mark the exact centennial moment.

Thursday, April 30: The Official 100-Year Mark

8:00 a.m. (CST)
TODAY Show 3rd Hour — Live from Springfield
NBC’s TODAY broadcasts nationally from the Birthplace of Route 66, bringing the Centennial to audiences across the country.

All Weekend
Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit
Gillioz Theatre Gallery
Photographs, stories, and archival materials highlight 100 years of Route 66 and 250 years of American history.

4:00 p.m. (exactly 100 years to the moment the telegram was sent)
Birthplace Plaza Dedication
Southwest corner of Jefferson Ave. & St. Louis St.
A new sculptural installation, mural, and interpretive kiosk permanently mark the site where Springfield leaders sent the 1926 telegram naming Route 66.

Evening
National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert
Great Southern Bank Arena, Missouri State University
A high-energy arena concert featuring headline performers and special guests officially launches the Centennial in grand style.

Friday, May 1: Parades, Gateways & Illumination

11:00 a.m.
Queen’s Gate 66 Dedication
St. Louis St., just west of Glenstone
A nearly 30-foot illuminated gateway monument welcomes travelers to the Birthplace of Route 66.

6:00 p.m.
Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade
A living timeline of 1926–1985 vehicles rolls down the Mother Road in a once-in-a-century parade.

7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE
Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Lighting Ceremony & Drone Show
Historic C-Street
Classic car rally, live music, and a choreographed lighting of the restored 1902 steel truss bridge followed by a drone show.

7:00 p.m. (ticketed event)
Stars & Stripes on Route 66
Savoy Ballroom
An Americana-themed celebration with food, drinks, and a festive indoor vantage point for the evening’s lighting ceremony.

Saturday, May 2: Community, Cars & Centennial Elegance

8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | FREE
Red, White & Bridge Bash Car Show
Historic Commercial Street
Classic 1926–1985 automobiles line C-Street, creating a living timeline of American travel.

10:00 a.m. | FREE
Rededication of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
Ribbon cutting honoring the fully restored 1902 landmark.

All Day | FREE
Patriotic Streetscape of Food, Music & Community
Historic Commercial Street transforms into a red, white, and blue celebration featuring shops, restaurants, live performers, walking tours, and family activities.

6:00 p.m. (Ticketed)
The National Route 66 Centennial Telegraph Ball
Historic Shrine Mosque
A formal 1926-inspired gala with dinner, live swing music, and a live auction supporting Route 66 preservation.