The Mother Road Turns 100
On November 11, 2026, Route 66 — the iconic "Mother Road" stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California — celebrates its 100th anniversary. Commissioned on that date in 1926, the highway became a symbol of American freedom, adventure, and the open road. This centennial year is packed with festivals, drives, exhibits, and community celebrations from Chicago to the Pacific. Here's your guide to the biggest events happening along the route through December 2026.
📅 Own a Piece of the Centennial
Planning your Route 66 adventure? Stay organized in style with the Official Travels With Randy Route 66 Centennial Calendar — featuring stunning photography, key event dates, and iconic stops along the Mother Road, all the way through 2026 and beyond.
September 2026
🎸 Route 66 International Festival — Springfield, Missouri
Late September | Downtown Springfield, MO
One of the longest-running Route 66 celebrations returns with live music, classic car shows, vendor markets, and walking tours of historic Route 66 landmarks throughout Springfield. The city served as a key waypoint on the original alignment and is home to some of the highway's most iconic neon signs.
🚗 Centennial Kick-Off Cruise — Chicago, Illinois
Mid-September | Grant Park, Chicago, IL
The official centennial cruise kicks off at Grant Park, the eastern terminus of Route 66, with a ceremonial car parade heading southwest. Classic and vintage vehicles of all eras are invited to participate in this once-in-a-century send-off.
October 2026
🏜️ Route 66 Fun Run — Kingman, Arizona
First Weekend of October | Kingman to Topock, AZ
The beloved annual Fun Run returns for its centennial edition, covering one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of original Route 66 through the Mojave Desert. Expect hundreds of classic cars, roadside photo ops at iconic stops like Cool Springs Station, and evening socials in Kingman.
🎨 Cadillac Ranch Centennial Art Installation — Amarillo, Texas
Throughout October | Amarillo, TX
The legendary Cadillac Ranch art installation receives a special centennial makeover. Artists from across the country are invited to contribute to a rolling community paint event celebrating 100 years of Route 66 culture.
🍂 Historic Route 66 Fall Colors Drive — Missouri Ozarks
Mid-to-Late October | Cuba to Joplin, MO
Drive through peak fall foliage along some of Missouri's most scenic original Route 66 alignments. Local towns including Cuba (famous for its murals), Rolla, and Carthage host open shops, art walks, and live music to welcome road-trippers.
November 2026
🎉 The Big Centennial Celebration — Multiple Cities, November 11
November 11, 2026 | Chicago, IL • Tulsa, OK • Albuquerque, NM • Flagstaff, AZ • Santa Monica, CA
The official 100th anniversary date is November 11 — and cities along the entire route are marking the moment simultaneously. Expect fireworks, lighting ceremonies, street festivals, and special museum openings. Key anchor events include:
- Chicago: Centennial gala and highway marker dedication at the Adams Street & Michigan Avenue origin point.
- Tulsa, OK: The Route 66 centennial museum opening and parade through the Blue Dome District.
- Albuquerque, NM: Historic Nob Hill district block party with lowrider shows, New Mexican food, and live mariachi.
- Flagstaff, AZ: Northern Arizona centennial bonfire and astronomy night on the historic alignment.
- Santa Monica, CA: Sunset ceremony at the end-of-trail sign on the Santa Monica Pier with live entertainment and fireworks over the Pacific.
🏛️ Smithsonian Route 66 Centennial Exhibition — Washington D.C. (Traveling Exhibit)
Opens November 2026 | National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian Institution debuts a landmark exhibition tracing 100 years of Route 66 history, culture, and mythology — featuring original signage, road maps, diners, and personal stories from communities along the route.
December 2026
🎄 Route 66 Holiday Neon Nights — Various Cities
Throughout December | Midwest & Southwest
Several towns along the route are coordinating "Neon Nights" — synchronized lighting of restored vintage neon signs as a holiday tribute to the highway's glowing heritage. Don't miss the neon strips in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, and Albuquerque.
🌅 End-of-Year Road Trip Challenge
December 26–31 | Chicago to Santa Monica
A community-organized year-end road trip challenge invites travelers to complete the full Route 66 drive before the new year. Participants check in at designated historic stops along the way and share their journey using #Route66Centennial.
Tips for Your Centennial Road Trip
- Book early: Accommodations along popular stretches (Flagstaff, Williams, Santa Monica) are selling out fast for centennial events.
- Follow the original alignment: Use a detailed Route 66 map or app to find the historic road rather than the modern interstates.
- Support local: Stop at family-owned diners, independent motels, and roadside attractions — these are the soul of Route 66.
- Document everything: This centennial only happens once. Bring a good camera and capture the neon, the landscape, and the people.
Whether you're driving the whole route or celebrating at a local event, 2026 is the year to honor the Mother Road. Happy 100th, Route 66. 🛣️
📅 Don't Hit the Road Without It
The Official Travels With Randy Route 66 Centennial Calendar is the perfect travel companion for 2026. Track events, mark your stops, and celebrate every mile of the Mother Road in style.