The centennial of Route 66 : What you need to know
Route 66 is one of the most legendary routes in the United States. Connecting Chicago to the Pacific coast over nearly 4,000 kilometers, it has embodied for a century the very idea of the road trip and American-style travel.
In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its centenary. This anniversary will be marked by numerous initiatives and events all along the route, offering a perfect opportunity to rediscover this legendary road and understand why it still fascinates today.
Today, we're giving you a concrete explanation of what exactly the centenary of Route 66 is, when it will take place, what's planned for the occasion, and what you can do there during a road trip in the United States.
Why is Route 66 so famous?
Created in 1926, Route 66 connected Chicago to Santa Monica in California over nearly 4,000 kilometers. Originally just a transportation route, it quickly became a symbol of the journey west and of the American dream, especially during the Great Depression.
Over the decades, the "Mother Road" has taken its place in popular culture. Music, cinema, retro diners, historic motels, and small towns have all contributed to its mythical image.
Today, it is known worldwide because it embodies much more than a road: a way to travel, a spirit of freedom, and the very essence of a road trip in the United States.
Route 66 turns 100: what exactly are we talking about?
Route 66 was officially created in 1926. In 2026, it will celebrate its 100th birthday, a symbolic anniversary for one of the most iconic routes in the United States.
This centenary is not a single event held on a specific date, but rather a series of celebrations taking place throughout the year 2026. All along the route, from Illinois to California, towns and local communities are taking advantage of this occasion to showcase their heritage and revive the spirit of Route 66.
The main events and locations to prioritize for the Route 66 centenary
Events related to the Route 66 centenary will take place throughout the year 2026, from Illinois to California. Here is an overview of the main regions where you can enjoy the celebrations, along with the time periods and types of events involved.
| State | Key Cities | Timeframe | Types of Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Joliet, Springfield | April to June 2026 | Opening ceremonies, Route 66 festivals, vintage car rallies |
| Missouri | Springfield, St. Louis | Late April 2026 | Local celebrations, concerts, cultural events |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa, Weatherford, Vinita, Clinton, Sapulpa | April to October 2026 | Route 66 festivals, car shows, classic vehicle parades, community events |
| Texas | Amarillo | April to June 2026 | Route 66 festivals, local activities, automobile gatherings |
| Arizona | Seligman, Flagstaff, Williams, Kingman, Winslow | April to November 2026 | Bike Week, Fun Run, car shows, retro festivals, cultural events |
| California | Amboy, Pasadena, Ontario, Santa Monica | March to September 2026 | Exhibitions, car shows, artistic festivals, closing ceremonies |
Illinois
- April 30, 2026, opening ceremonies in Joliet: concerts and festivities to kick off the centenary year.
- June 2026, Route 66 Centennial Great Race: several-day rally for vintage cars from Illinois to California.
- Date to be confirmed, 25th International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield: festival featuring car shows, music, and family activities.
Missouri
- April 30, 2026, local ceremonies in Springfield and St. Louis: live broadcasts, concerts, and public festivities to celebrate the centenary from the morning onwards.
Oklahoma
- April 25, 2026, Big Band Hangar Dance in Weatherford: retro evening with '60s jazz music.
- May 30, 2026, Capital Cruise Parade in Tulsa: large parade of classic cars.
- June 5–6, 2026, Route 66 Centennial Celebration in Vinita: commemorative festival with concerts and entertainment.
- June 19–20, 2026, Heartland Cruise Car Show in Weatherford: vintage car show, contests, and family activities.
- July 24–26, 2026, Mustangs on the Mother Road in Tulsa: big gathering of Ford Mustangs.
- July 25, 2026, OK 66 Hall of Fame Induction in Clinton: ceremony honoring notable Route 66 personalities.
- September 12 and 26, 2026, festivals in Sapulpa: exhibitions and film screenings linked to the Route 66 spirit.
- October 17, 2026, Round Barn Round Up in Arcadia: festival of music, arts, and contests around local history.
Texas
- April 30, 2026, satellite ceremonies in Amarillo: festivities and commemorations in historic districts.
- June 4–13, 2026, Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo: exhibitions, concerts, parades, and activities celebrating the history of the route.
Arizona
- April 20–26, 2026, Route 66 Bike Week: a week of motorcycle gatherings and rides on historic sections of the road.
- April 30, 2026, Seligman Centennial Celebration in Seligman: major local celebration with presentations and activities.
- May 1–3, 2026, Route 66 Fun Run (Seligman to Topock): iconic rally bringing together car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
- May 16, 2026, Heritage on Route 66 Day in Ash Fork: parade, chili cook-off, and local crafts.
- June 5–6, 2026, Williams Car Show in Williams: classic car exhibition.
- June 6, 2026, Centennial Celebration in Flagstaff: street party with booths, concerts, and entertainment.
- August 15, 2026, Mother Road Classic Car Show in Flagstaff: vintage vehicle exhibit and music.
- September 25–26, 2026, Standin’ on the Corner Festival in Winslow: festival inspired by the iconic song, paying tribute to Route 66 culture.
- October 15, 2026, film screening in Kingman: vintage themed activities.
- October 16–17, 2026, Route 66 Fest in Kingman: concerts, exhibitions, and retro competitions.
- November 13–16, 2026, Route 66 UltraRun Arizona: endurance race across dozens of kilometers.
California
- March 2026, Route 66 Cruisin’ Car Show in Amboy: classic car exhibition around Roy’s Motel & Café.
- April 30, 2026, opening ceremony in Santa Monica: broadcast and commemorative activities.
- June 2026, Pasadena Chalk Festival in Pasadena: art festival along the historic route.
- September 2026, Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion in Ontario: classic car shows and concerts.
- All year 2026, local initiatives in Newberry Springs: tours and activities connected to the route’s 100th anniversary.
👉 In summary: the centenary of Route 66 is experienced not in a single location, but all along the route. The liveliest periods are between April and June 2026, then again around November 2026. It's entirely possible to focus on a specific region or state to enjoy the centenary atmosphere without traveling the whole route.
What can you do today on Route 66?
Today, Route 66 is discovered through a series of iconic segments, where experience is valued over distance. You get a real immersion into the history and landscapes of the United States by taking time to travel along some legendary stretches and stopping at places that have become iconic.
Illinois and Missouri
Route 66 begins in Chicago, its historic starting point, before crossing the plains of the Midwest. Noteworthy stops include Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, visits to the first museums devoted to Route 66, or a stopover in St. Louis, dominated by the Gateway Arch. This part allows you to understand the origins of the road and its role as a link between the industrial East and the American West.
Oklahoma and Texas
Oklahoma is one of the states richest in preserved segments of Route 66. Here, you will discover charming small towns, museums dedicated to the Mother Road, and many vintage diners and gas stations. Continuing towards Texas, stops like Amarillo allow you to see the famous Cadillac Ranch, as well as historic neighborhoods and that typical Big Country atmosphere.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a strong cultural transition. Cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe captivate with their architecture, Native American and Hispanic influences, and vibrant arts scene. Along Route 66, you also pass through symbolic sites such as the Continental Divide, watershed line, and desert landscapes that are a stark contrast to the previous states.
Arizona
In Arizona, Route 66 becomes spectacular. It crosses the Arizona desert, skirts rocky mesas, and gives access to major natural sites such as the Petrified Forest National Park or Canyon de Chelly. Legendary towns like Winslow, made famous by the Eagles song, Seligman, birthplace of the Route 66 revival, or Kingman, with its museums and historic sections, fully contribute to the legend of the road.
California
In California, Route 66 crosses striking desert landscapes, notably around Amboy and its famous Roy’s Motel & Café, before reaching the Pacific coast. Arrival in Santa Monica, with its “End of the Trail” sign, symbolically marks the end of the journey. Many then choose to extend the experience toward Los Angeles to conclude the road trip between Route 66 nostalgia and modern California.
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Why Route 66 is best discovered on a custom road trip
Route 66 is an itinerary that isn’t experienced the same way by everyone. Depending on how much time you have, when you travel, or your personal preferences, the experience can be very different. That’s precisely what makes it the ideal road for a custom road trip in the United States.
Between the centennial events, the historic stretches to prioritize, the great distances, and the contrasting landscapes, adapting your itinerary allows you to fully enjoy Route 66 without constraint. Traveling at your own pace, choosing the most memorable sections, and planning stops that make sense transforms the journey into a real experience, rather than just a succession of kilometers.
Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to share your opinion just after the FAQ below!
FAQ
How many kilometers long is Route 66?
Route 66 is about 3,940 kilometers long. It connects Chicago, in Illinois, to Santa Monica, in California, and crosses eight states. Today, not all stretches are continuous, but many historic portions are still accessible and can be explored during a road trip.
Can you drive Route 66 in 10 days?
It is possible to travel Route 66 in 10 days, but this requires a fast pace and leaves little time for sightseeing. For a first trip, many travelers prefer to focus on specific sections or allow more time to fully enjoy the stops, the landscapes, and the encounters along the way. A well-thought-out itinerary allows you to have a great experience, even in a shorter trip.
Should you choose an RV or a car for Route 66?
Both options are possible, but they offer different experiences.
- A car remains the most flexible choice for Route 66, especially to easily access downtowns, diners, and historic motels.
- An RV might appeal to those seeking more autonomy, but it requires more precise organization, especially for parking and some urban sections. The choice mainly depends on your travel pace, the season, and your habits.
Is Route 66 suitable for a first road trip in the United States?
Yes, Route 66 is particularly suitable for a first road trip. It is well marked, tourist-friendly, and punctuated with many stops. It lets you discover a wide variety of landscapes and atmospheres, while remaining accessible and reassuring for a first experience in the United States.
Do you need to follow the official Route 66 from start to finish?
It is not necessary to follow the entire route. Many travelers choose to travel only certain states or iconic segments, depending on the time they have and their interests. Route 66 is perfect for a custom trip, especially on the occasion of its centennial.
About the author
![Mélaine Poirier]()
Mélaine Poirier
Passionate about the outdoors, whether it's summer or winter, I have a hard time staying still at home no matter the weather! If I'm not at the office, you'll find me in the middle of a lake kayaking, taking photos at the top of a mountain, or in the forest on a beautiful snowshoeing day!
Passionate about the outdoors, whether it's summer or winter, I have a hard time staying still at home no matter the weather! If I'm not at the office, you'll find me in the middle of a lake kayaking, taking photos at the top of a mountain, or in the forest on a beautiful snowshoeing day!
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