30 Ways to Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial

The Mother Road deserves the mother load of all celebrations, which is why we’re honored to be named the Official Publishing Partner of the Route 66 Centennial. We’ll be celebrating 100 years of road trip magic on America’s most iconic road in 2026. 

The Route 66 Centennial is important to road-tripping culture in many ways thanks to its economic and historic significance. That’s why we’re excited to be working with the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership in advancing their mission of promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development for the route in 2026 and beyond.

In the coming months, you can expect plenty of Route 66 content honoring locals and travelers, plus trip planning tips and up-to-date details on events happening across the eight states the route traverses. For now, we’ve outlined planned celebrations so you can start planning your once-in-a-lifetime road trip today.

Note: All dates are for 2026 unless otherwise noted.

Route 66 Centennial Events: Across States

The Drive Home VII: Route 66 A Century of Adventure: An annual pilgrimage of classic cars traveling from California to Chicago and ending at the Detroit Auto Show. The 2026 event is scheduled to kick off on January 2.

"Main Street of America" Route 66 Caravan: This organized caravan runs from California to Illinois, and travelers can join at any point along the way. More details coming soon.

Route 66 Bike Week: Held annually at the end of April, the 2026 motorcycle rolling rally will take place from April 20 to 26. Riders can join anywhere along the route, with main rally meetups in Arizona.

The Route 66 Centennial Great Race: A 9-day vintage car rally from Illinois to California is scheduled for June 2026. Nearly 130 vintage cars will make the trip, offering plenty for spectators to enjoy.

The Main Street of America Road Show: View the documentary film, “The Main Street of America” produced and directed by John Paget, at one of 26 drive-ins and historic theaters along Route 66. Screenings begin in September 2026.

Route 66 Centennial Events: Illinois

Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration: On April 30, Joliet will host kickoff events at the historic 1858 Old Joliet Prison site.

25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival: Join the fun at this annual festival held in Springfield from September 25 to 27, with a special tribute to the Centennial. 

Route 66 Centennial Events: Missouri

Centennial Kickoff Event: Springfield, Missouri was selected to be the host city for the kickoff celebrations on April 30. There will be a globally livestreamed concert featuring a major singer with cut-ins from other Route 66 cities.

Route 66 100th Anniversary Festival and Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration: Also part of the April 30 national kickoff, St. Louis will host events, including a 6.6-mile bike ride. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park will feature additional activities through May 5.

Route 66 Centennial Immersive Experience Project: Springfield will house one of three immersive dome theaters showcasing a special Route 66 film produced by Vortex Immersion—more details to come.

Route 66 Centennial Events: Oklahoma

Route 66 Road Fest: Hosted by roadside assistance service AAA, Road Fest is a celebration of the history, attractions, and people of Route 66. The event will take place on June 27 and 28 in Tulsa, the Capital of Route 66. 

Centennial Car Show and ‘Cars’ Film Screening: On September 26, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association is partnering with the Tee Pee Drive-In for an official Centennial Car Show and a 20th Anniversary Screening of the movie Cars.

Cycle 66: This annual bicycling tour combines urban and rural biking on a stretch of Route 66. Beginning and ending in Edmond, there are four distinct routes (plus a criterium race) for all experience levels. Riders raise money for community causes, including the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The race date is October 6.

Route 66 Centennial Events: Texas

Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration: As part of the national kickoff celebrations on April 30, Amarillo will host special events on its iconic 6th Street.

Texas Route 66 Festival: The 10-day-long celebration begins on June 4 and ends on June 13 in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District. Plans include classic car shows, bus tours, a cattle drive, parade, live music, and more.

Route 66 Centennial Events: New Mexico

Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration: As part of the national kickoff celebrations on April 30, Albuquerque is hosting special events at the historic KiMo theatre and surrounding downtown area.

Route 66 Centennial Immersive Experience Project: Albuquerque will house one of the three immersive dome experiences along Route 66. The theaters will feature a special Route 66 film produced by Vortex Immersion—more details to come.

Route 66 Centennial Events: Arizona

Williams Car Drop: Kick off 2026 with a 1927 Chevy Capitol “car drop.” The town of Williams is planning to drop an automobile to ring in the new year, along with fireworks and a beer and wine festival.

Seligman Centennial Celebration: Seligman is the place to be on April 30 in Arizona for the national kickoff, including an unveiling of the town’s new monument signs and a day-long party.

Historic Route 66 Fun Run: This annual event, which features more than 800 vehicles traveling 140 miles, is scheduled for the weekend of May 1. There will be events planned between Seligman and Topock/Golden Shores (where the “run” ends).

Ash Fork Heritage on Route 66 Day: The pioneer town is hosting a day-long celebration on May 16 to celebrate its heritage and the Route 66 Centennial.

Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration: Flagstaff will celebrate its role in Route 66 history on June 6 with a festival including nostalgic reenactments, a classic car show, and more.

Standin’ on the Corner Festival: Winslow celebrates its iconic Route 66 attraction every year with a 2-day festival filled with music, drinks, and food. Dates for the Centennial celebrations are September 25 and 26.

Kingman Route 66 Fest: Celebrate Kingman’s role in Route 66 history at this annual 2-day festival at Lewis Kingman Park. Dates for the Centennial celebrations are October 16 and 17.

Route 66 UltraRun: Run a 140-mile stretch of Historic Route 66 in Arizona—from Seligman to Topock—at this annual race. Dates for the Centennial celebrations are November 13 to 16.

Route 66 Centennial Events: California

Roy's Route 66 Cruisin' Car Show: Check out the first annual car show in Amboy at this iconic Route 66 stop to celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road. The event is planned for March 7. 

Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off - Satellite City Celebration: As part of the national kickoff celebrations on April 30, Santa Monica is hosting special events at Mel's Diner on Lincoln Boulevard, with performances from California musicians. 

The Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence: YouTube personality and avid Route 66 traveler Wasteland Firebird is traveling the Mother Road from April 10 to April 30. You can follow along at any point, but he’ll be hosting an event at the Santa Monica Pier to celebrate the end of his trip and the Centennial at 5 p.m. on April 30.

Route 66 Centennial Immersive Experience Project: Los Angeles will house one of the three immersive dome experiences along Route 66. The theaters will feature a special Route 66 film produced by Vortex Immersion—more details to come.

Plan Your Own Route 66 Trip

Inspired to take your own trip along the Mother Road? While these events are certainly worth traveling for, there will be even more exhibits and attractions to see along Route 66 all year long.

Check out the Road Ahead Partnership’s website and become a member of the Route 66 Centennial Birthday Party Club, which grants you access to planning tools, merch, and discounts. Only In Your State’s itinerary planner is another helpful tool to aid in planning your trip. 

Already experienced the magic of the Mother Road? Share your story here.

To stay up to date on Route 66 events, make sure you’re following Only In Your State and the Route 66 Centennial on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter. We’ll also release podcast episodes celebrating the Centennial, where you can subscribe here. See you on the road!