With a world that seems to keep changing at a lightning-fast pace, it is comforting to know that not everything old and familiar is being bulldozed into rubble.
In addition to the 250th birthday of the United States, which will be celebrated with a spectacular birthday party in July, this year is also the centennial celebration of the historic Route 66, a highway that has fueled the wanderlust of the American psyche, as well as the world’s imagination and passion for “the open road” for 100 years.
What could be more nostalgic than taking the “mother of all road trips” on historic Route 66. There are old-timey diners, museums, historic landmarks and traditional small towns all along the route.
A variety of events are being held in 2026 from Santa Monica to Chicago to celebrate the anniversary. Be a part of history, join the millions who have made the trip along Route 66. Don’t miss this chance to “get your kicks on Route 66.”
What is Route 66?
The Route 66 Centennial marks the 100th anniversary of the designation of U.S. Route 66, America’s most iconic highway. The highway runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and crosses eight states, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. This celebration honors not only the past but the future of heritage, small-town America, road travel and cultural diversity.
The numerical route designation “66” was assigned to the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route on April 30, 1926 and was “officially established” on Nov. 11, 1926.
The road runs approximately 2,448 miles in length. When the road was first established, only 800 miles of the total highway were paved. Throughout the years Route 66 has acquired several names, including the most famous, “The Mother Road” from John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.
It also is known as the Main Street of America and the Will Rogers Highway.
It is a culturally significant symbol of freedom, migration, economic development and pop culture.
There are more than 250 buildings, bridges, road alignments and other sites along Route 66 that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The movie “Easy Rider” was filmed at several locations along Route 66 and the film “Thelma and Louise” also featured Route 66 references and scenes.
Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, but many sections are still designated as “Historic Route 66.”
Planning Your Route 66 Road Trip
Before you hit the road, don’t forget to download a Route 66 navigation guide. There are many to choose from in your phone’s app store, available for iPhones and Android.
One of the most popular apps is the free “Route 66 Ultimate Guide.” Many guides offer turn-by-turn guidance to keep you on the correct route, as well as popular historic stops along the way.
You will need to plan 10-14 days to make this 2,400-plus-mile trip. April to October are the best months for traveling this historic highway.
A Year of Route 66 Celebrations
There are numerous events being held on Route 66 in 2026. For a full schedule of Route 66 events, visit route66centennial.org.
Roy’s Route 66 Cruisin’ Car Show
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. Free
87520 National Trails Highway, Amboy, CA 92304
Info www.facebook.com/events/2921082281853
1641
Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial at the free Second Annual Roy’s Cruisin’ Car Show in Amboy, Calif.
The all-day community event will begin at 9 a.m. and run until the movies are over. Held at the legendary Roy’s Motel & Cafe, this car show aims to breathe new life into the historic ghost town of Amboy, while celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Route 66.
For car enthusiasts Register your vehicle, any year, make, or model is welcome. To register, visit bit.ly/4aIKZwZ.
For pin-ups Participate in the Ms. Amboy Pin-Up Contest. To register, visit bit.ly/4ks74mK
For everyone Enjoy a full day of live music, food and free on-site camping.
Ultimate Route 66 Ballpark Destination
April 7-Aug. 30
San Manuel Stadium, 280 South E. St., San Bernardino, 92401
Info www.milb.com/inland-empire
The Inland Empire 66ers, named after the Mother Road, are celebrating the centennial of Route 66 at every home game during the 2026 season. Is there a more perfect celebration of America on Route 66 than a minor league baseball game?
Grand LIGHTS ON Ceremony
April 11, 4- p.m. Free.
9th and Main Street, Bristow, OK 74010.
It’s time to get your “glow” on as Bristow, Oklahoma celebrates a landmark moment on April 11, as the tallest freestanding neon sign on historic Route 66, the Chrysler Tower, is officially relit.
Dark since the 1950s, this 10‑story automobilia icon has undergone a complete restoration, including new neon and has been relocated to a new site in downtown Bristow along Route 66.
To commemorate the relighting, the community will host a festival featuring food vendors and live musical performances at 9th and Main. Main Street (Route 66) will be closed to traffic 5-9 p.m. to accommodate attendees and event activities.
Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off
Saturday, April 30, 5:15 p.m.
Great Southern Bank Arena, Missouri State University Campus, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65897
Info bit.ly/402zjz0
As the official kickoff to the National Route 66 Centennial, the kickoff concert, with a two-hour simulcast, features headline act Little Big Town.
Hosted by actor John Goodman, this concert pays tribute to the history, culture and communities that have shaped the Mother Road..
April 30 is the anniversary of the telegram that was sent in 1926 from Springfield to Washington, D.C., requesting that a new transcontinental road be named Route 66.
