🛣️ 100 Years of Route 66: Celebrate a Century of the Mother Road (2025–2026 Event Guide)

Here’s your ultimate timeline of the biggest official Route 66 centennial celebrations — from kick-off events to summer parades and the grand finale.

🚦 November 2025 – Arizona Launch Event

📍 Kingman, AZ – Route 66 Museum Gala

📅 November 15, 2025

The celebration officially begins in Kingman, Arizona, home to one of Route 66’s most iconic museums. This kickoff event features vintage car displays, live music, historical exhibits, and Route 66 dignitaries unveiling the centennial campaign.

💡 Don’t Miss: The night lights up with a neon parade — a tribute to the glowing motels and diners that made Route 66 famous.

🏎️ January 2026 – “The Drive Home VII: A Century of Adventure”

📅 January 1–12, 2026

The new year kicks off with a coast-to-coast car rally starting from Santa Monica, California, traveling Route 66 east through Chicago, and ending in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

This is one of the most anticipated centennial events — a living tribute to America’s love affair with the automobile.

🚗 Pro Tip: Even if you can’t join the full route, plan to catch the caravan as it rolls through your state — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

🌵 April 2026 – Heritage & National Kick-Off Events

“Dust to Dreams” Guided Journey

📅 April 13–29, 2026

A 16-day guided journey retracing the original Route 66 path, highlighting small towns, Native American heritage sites, and mid-century landmarks.

Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off – Springfield, Missouri

📅 April 30 – May 2, 2026

Springfield — the birthplace of the Route 66 name — will host the official National Kick-Off Celebration. Expect parades, car rallies, concerts, and special exhibits on the history of the Mother Road.

Santa Monica Pier Convergence – California

📅 April 30, 2026

On the same day, the West Coast hosts its own massive celebration as Route 66 travelers gather at the Santa Monica Pier, the symbolic “end of the trail.” Sunset concerts, car shows, and fireworks make this one unforgettable finale to April’s festivities.

🚘 June 2026 – The Great Summer Celebrations

“Main Street of America” Centennial Caravan

📅 June 5–24, 2026

This 2,400-mile, multi-state traveling parade will be one of the largest road events in Route 66 history. The caravan will visit key towns along the route with festivals, food fairs, and live performances at every major stop.

The Great Race: Centennial Edition

📅 June 20–28, 2026

A legendary long-distance race of classic and antique cars, traveling along the Route 66 corridor from west to east. It’s part competition, part rolling museum, and all nostalgia.

🎶 September 2026 – Illinois Mother Road Festival

📍 Springfield, IL

📅 September 25–27, 2026

Now in its 25th year, the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival will serve as Illinois’ biggest centennial celebration. Expect vintage car shows, Route 66 memorabilia, food vendors, and three days of live music downtown.

🎤 Fun Fact: The festival attracts over 80,000 visitors each year — and 2026 is expected to be the largest turnout in its history.

🎇 November 2026 – The Grand Finale in Illinois

📍 Springfield, IL

📅 November 11, 2026

Exactly 100 years to the day after Route 66 was founded, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Centennial Conference & Celebration will close out the yearlong festivities.

This event focuses on preserving Route 66’s future — with presentations, exhibits, and dedications honoring the people who’ve kept its spirit alive for a century.