Route 66 is home to a variety of events throughout the year, from festivals and car shows to marathons and historic celebrations. As the 2026 centennial approaches, many communities along the route are planning special events to commemorate 100 years of the Mother Road. Whether you're traveling the entire route or just passing through, this calendar highlights events taking place across all eight states to help you plan your road trip.
The Centennial RT66 Balloon Festival returns to Kellyville for a three-day celebration filled with hot air balloons, family fun, and Route 66 Centennial spirit. Held at the Creek County Fairgrounds, this special event features more than a dozen colorful balloons, tethered rides, helicopter tours, kite shows, live music, food trucks, and a bustling vendor market. ...
Celebrate in historic downtown Sapulpa, the Heart of Route 66, at the 37th Annual Route 66 Blowout Car Show & Festival. Enjoy classic car displays, expanded arts and crafts vendors, great food, downtown shopping, and family-friendly fun. This beloved Sapulpa tradition is bigger and better than ever—don’t miss the excitement along the Mother Road!
The Route 66 Tri City Cruise returns in 2026 with an evening of cruising, community, and classic Mother Road fun across Miami, Commerce, and Quapaw. This night ride brings together car enthusiasts, families, and Route 66 fans for a laid-back celebration connecting all three towns along Oklahoma’s stretch of the historic highway. Expect cool cars, ...
The Riverton Automotive Showdown returns in 2026 with a full day of classic cars, community pride, and Route 66 spirit in one of Kansas’ most beloved Mother Road towns. This annual event brings together a wide mix of classic, vintage, custom, and specialty vehicles, creating a lively celebration of automotive history and craftsmanship. More than ...
The 15th Annual All Pontiac Car Show in Pontiac, Illinois is revving up for a double Centennial celebration! In 2026, both Route 66 and the Pontiac automobile brand mark 100 years—and this car show honors them both in one exciting weekend. The main event takes place Sunday, September 20, 2026, with a full lineup of ...
The Route 66 Balloon Festival returns to Arcadia for a special five-day celebration, September 23–27, 2026. This expanded Centennial-year edition brings family-friendly fun to Parkhurst Ranch with more than a dozen hot air balloons, kite shows, helicopter rides, tethered balloon rides, an art walk, live music, food trucks, and a bustling vendor market. Officially recognized ...
Join us for the Standin’ on the Corner Festival in Winslow, Arizona! This 2-day event is packed with entertainment, food, and fun for everyone. Enjoy live music, a beer garden, dancing, a horseshoe tournament, and a live auction. With food trucks, vendors, and a great raffle, there’s something for the whole family. Don’t miss one ...
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 ...
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is collaborating with the Tee Pee Drive-In for an official Centennial Car Show and a special 20th-anniversary screening of Cars! Stay tuned for more details.
Celebrate the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary with Cycle 66, a premier urban-and-rural cycling experience that showcases miles of historic Route 66 and the scenic beauty surrounding Edmond. With distances for every skill level—including 1-, 18-, 33-, 66-, and 100-mile routes—Cycle 66 invites both casual riders and dedicated cyclists to take part in this unforgettable Centennial-year ...
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary at the Kingman I ♥ 66 Fest, a free, family-friendly festival held in beautiful Lewis Kingman Park. This two-day event is one of Arizona’s signature Route 66 Centennial celebrations, spotlighting the history, culture, and spirit of America’s Main Street. Festival-goers can enjoy a full ...
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is teaming up with the Round Barn to host a lively music and arts festival, featuring the Otto Funk Fiddle Contest! More details coming soon.
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