As Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, communities along the Mother Road are gearing up for a year of celebrations. From festivals and car shows to parades and special exhibits, events will take place across all eight states to honor the history and legacy of America’s most famous highway. Whether you're a longtime Route 66 traveler or experiencing it for the first time, the centennial is the perfect time to hit the road and be part of history. Check out the events happening throughout the year and start planning your Route 66 adventure!
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 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 ...
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.
To mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway will host a full-day Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration at Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield. The event is designed for Route 66 enthusiasts, “roadies,” community partners, and both Byway members and non-members, with programming that blends education, recognition, and entertainment. ...
The Route 66 Centennial date will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026—100 years after the road was officially established as part of the U.S. Highway System. Stay tuned for special events being held across The Mother Road.
Get ready for the ultimate challenge at the Route 66 UltraRun in 2026! This 140-mile race will take runners on a scenic journey from Seligman to Topock66 along historic Route 66, with the stunning Colorado River as the backdrop. A maximum of 100 runners will be supported by their dedicated crews, with a 60-hour cutoff ...
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