In 2026, Route 66 turns 100 and we’re just as excited as you are. From Chicago to Santa Monica, the entire stretch of America’s most iconic highway will be in celebration mode, with parades, vintage car rallies, art shows, and hometown festivals popping up in every corner of the route.
We’ve mapped out our favorite upcoming centennial events, under-the-radar moments, and Sonesta stays along the way to make the 100th anniversary of Route 66 a trip to remember.
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Table of Contents
Illinois: The Start of the Journey
Illinois is where Mother Road begins, on the bustling streets of downtown Chicago. The state’s deep ties to Route 66 are rooted in history, with the official starting point marked at the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
Historic Route 66 Begin sign, Chicago, United States
2026 Centennial Timeline – Illinois Events
As we mark 100 years of Route 66, Illinois takes the lead with centennial events in small towns and city centers that celebrate the highway’s legacy and the communities that grew up along it.
The calendar is packed with celebrations that highlight the spirit of the road, and Illinois a must-visit on any map of Route 66.
May 2–3: Red Carpet Corridor Festival (Joliet to Towanda)
Vintage car fans will love this, an event that takes you along historic Route 66, featuring local food vendors, live music, art fairs, and classic cars lining the route.
June 13: Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
This small-town festival has big nostalgic energy. Held right in downtown Edwardsville; it all revolves around good music, vintage cars, and celebrating the Route 66 stories. We recommend stopping by, if you’re passing through, to grab a bite from a local food truck, check out the classic car lineup, and catch some live tunes before you hit the next stretch.
June 23–24: Main Street of America Caravan – Illinois Segment
There’s something pretty great about seeing a mile-long stream of polished vintage cars roll through the heart of a small town.
In Joliet, Dwight, and Pontiac, you’ll find curbside crowds waving flags, diners serving up specials, and live music spilling into the street. These towns really show up for Route 66, and it’s one of those road trip memories that will stick with you for a long time.
Sept 25–27: International Route 66 Mother Road Festival (Springfield)
Downtown Springfield will transform into a time capsule during this three-day celebration of Route 66 nostalgia. This will be one of the biggest Route 66 car shows in the country, with hundreds of vintage vehicles on display, food trucks parked at every corner, and music stages.
Great for families, photographers, and road trippers who love the feeling of small-town Americana done big.
Oct 9–10: The Last 100 Miles Centennial Festival (Collinsville to Staunton)
Celebrate the final stretch of Illinois Route 66 with guided tours, reenactments, and photo ops at famous Route 66 roadside attractions.
Nov 11: Statewide Centennial Birthday Celebration (Springfield)
The official 100th anniversary conference and celebration, featuring guest speakers, live performances, and community festivities to close out the centennial year in style.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in Illinois
As we make our way through Illinois, Sonesta offers cozy stops where you can recharge and plan the next stretch.
- William Tell Hotel, MOD Collection by Sonesta: Set on historic Joliet Road in Countryside, this charming hotel puts you directly on the route, great for travelers exploring route 66 attractions by state.
- The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown: Just a few blocks away from the official Route 66 start line, this upscale hotel offers sweeping views of Chicago and a sophisticated launch point for your journey.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O’Hare Airport: Located just 15 miles from the downtown start of Route 66, this extended-stay hotel offers a cozy stay for out-of-town guests flying in.
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Route 66, Missouri
Missouri: The Birthplace of the Route
Our next stop is Missouri, where the legend of Route 66 truly began. The name “Route 66” was first proposed here, in Missouri, earning the title Birthplace of the Route.
2026 Centennial Timeline – Missouri Events
In 2026, Missouri takes center stage on the Route 66 100th anniversary map, with events to delight travelers who love a good story.
April 30 – May 3: National Centennial Kick-off (Springfield, MO)
The heart of the national celebration begins here with a major parade, headlining concert, and the glamorous Telegraph Ball, styled in 1920s fashion to honor the route’s origins.
May 1–3: Satellite City Celebrations (St. Louis)
St. Louis kicks off the season with a Route 66–inspired weekend that feels like part bike rally, part block party. You’ll find a 6.6-mile group ride through downtown, vintage cars lining city streets, and live music echoing between historic buildings. There will even be a drive-in movie night to round out the retro vibes.
June (Early): Joplin 3D Mural Festival
Each June, Joplin transforms into a living gallery as street artists take over downtown with large-scale, interactive murals that leap off the walls. These 3D works are full of Route 66 references like diners, motels, gas pumps, and desert skies.
If you love street art and a good photo op between long drives, you will find this festival an unexpected highlight of the route.
August 7–9: Birthplace of Route 66 Festival (Springfield, MO)
Springfield truly lives up to its title with a weekend that draws tens of thousands for one of the Midwest’s most spirited classic car gatherings.
Live music stages, food trucks dishing up local bites, and a parade of beautifully restored vehicles make this festival feel like a rolling celebration of what the Mother Road means to so many.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in Missouri
Sonesta stays in Missouri are well-placed for travelers exploring Route 66, with easy access to centennial events and roadside landmarks.
- Sonesta Simply Suites St. Louis Earth City: All-suite hotel offering a laid-back, residential vibe with quick highway access for travelers visiting the Chain of Rocks Bridge and surrounding route 66 roadside attractions.
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites St. Louis, St. Charles Inn: A budget-conscious lodging located on the western edge of the metro area, great for guests exploring both downtown St. Louis and nearby Missouri route 66 attractions.
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Kansas: The Shortest Stretch
Although it spans just 13 miles, the Kansas segment of Route 66 is packed with history and small-town Americana that make it well worth the stop.
The short stretch features quirky roadside stops, nostalgic diners, and ties to pop culture, most famously inspiring the movie Cars.
2026 Centennial Timeline – Kansas Events
In 2026, the centennial brings a fresh wave of excitement to the Kansas stretch. Small towns along this short-but-mighty segment are planning big things.
June 3–6: Galena Days
Galena Days is one of those small‑town festivals that feels instantly welcoming. Over four days, the town will fill with live music, carnival rides, and a classic car show that proudly places Kansas on the Route 66 centennial map.
August: Baxter Springs Cowtown Days
Baxter Springs’ signature summer festival gets a centennial glow‑up in 2026, with added Route 66 tributes woven into parades, local exhibits, and community events. We always recommend Cowtown Days to families or travelers who loves that easygoing, local feel with the music playing from a flatbed truck and neighbors who wave from the sidewalks.
Top Sonesta Stay Near Route 66 in Kansas
While Route 66 passes through just 13 miles of Kansas, nearby Sonesta hotels, though not directly on the route, offer convenient access within a short drive.
- Americas Best Value Inn Chanute: Budget-friendly stay, located a one-hour drive from Baxter Springs, offering all the essentials you need for a restful stay, including free parking and breakfast.
- Americas Best Value Inn Fredonia: Relaxed highway hotel on U.S. HWY 400, less than a two-hour drive from Baxter Spring, offering comfortable rooms at an affordable rate.
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Oklahoma: The Longest Stretch
Oklahoma boasts the longest uninterrupted stretch of the Mother Road with more than 400 miles of classic diners, vintage motels, and uniqe Route 66 attractions.
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2026 Centennial Timeline – Oklahoma Events
This is where you’ll see some of the year’s biggest Route 66 anniversary events, such as museum exhibits, mural unveilings, swing dances, and outdoor movie nights.
Feb 6 – May 4: From Trails to Truck Stops Exhibit (Oklahoma City)
Hosted by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the exhibit will tell the story of how Route 66 shaped travel as we know it, from dusty trails to neon-lit diners.
May 30: Route 66 Centennial Birthday Bash (Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma City is going big for Route 66’s 100th birthday with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a fireworks finale.
The vibe? Part community block party, part historic milestone. You’ll hear classic rock covers in one moment, swap road stories with fellow travelers the next, and end the night stretched out on a blanket, watching the sky crackle over the state capitol.
July 18: Oklahoma Route 66 Mural Fest
Multiple towns across the state unveil new murals simultaneously. The primary hub is the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, with unveilings in towns like El Reno, Miami, and Chandler.
Sept 26: Centennial Film Screening (Sapulpa)
The Tee Pee Drive-In will host a Route 66-style movie night featuring Cars, the ultimate pick for families hitting the road with little ones. A vintage car show kicks things off before the movie, so pack blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and arrive early.
Nov 11: Tulsa Centennial Birthday Bash
Tulsa wraps up the Route 66 centennial year with a finale that’s equal patriotic and nostalgic. On Veterans Day, the city will pull out all the stops with a grand parade, live music, and tributes that nod to both military service and the Mother Road.
Tulsa’s energy is infectious, and there’s no better place to end the year-long celebration than in the city that helped shape Route 66 from the very start.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in Oklahoma
Stay close to the heart of the Route 66 centennial celebrations with Sonesta hotels in Oklahoma, offering quick access to the state’s can’t miss sights and events along the highway.
- Americas Best Value Inn Tulsa at I-44: Located within 5 miles of Tulsa’s historic 11th Street corridor, this budget-friendly hotel puts you close to neon signs and local landmarks on your Oklahoma Route 66 checklist.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Oklahoma City Airport: Just 10 miles from NW 10th Street, part of the original Route 66 alignment, this all-suite airport hotel offers a relaxed stay near downtown OKC and centennial events.
- Americas Best Value Inn Weatherford: Convenient and affordable stay offering travelers quick access to the Stafford Air & Space Museum and the Big Band Hangar Dance.
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Historic Route 66 Sign, Texas
Texas: Big Pride in the Panhandle
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its Route 66 pride.
The Lone Star State’s Panhandle is home to some of the highway’s most unique sights and spirited celebrations, especially during the Route 66 100th anniversary.
2026 Centennial Timeline – Texas Events
In true Texas fashion, the Panhandle is marking Route 66’s 100th with a mix of roadside charm, small-town celebrations, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
June 4–13: Texas Route 66 Festival (Amarillo)
This 10–day celebration pulls out all the stops with a Longhorn cattle drive, ranch rodeos, classic car shows, and guided bus tours to the haunting Glenrio ghost town.
June 13: Midpoint Centennial Celebration (Adrian)
Immediately following the Amarillo festival, the “Halfway to 100” party takes place at the exact mathematical center of the route, with live music, a massive picnic, and plenty of the Midpoint Cafe’s world-famous “ugly” crust pies.
July 11: Devil’s Rope & Route 66 Jubilee (McLean)
McLean leans into its quirky charm with this one-day summer celebration with the pioneer parade, street dancing, and a full-on barbecue cook-off.
You’ll get to explore the first Phillips 66 station in Texas and browse the Devil’s Rope Museum (yes, it’s all about barbed wire, and it’s surprisingly fascinating). Perfect for travelers who love small-town energy, roadside oddities, and a really good brisket plate.
August 15: Cadillac Ranch “100” Glow Paint (Amarillo)
One night only, and totally worth timing your trip for. As part of the Route 66 centennial, Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch will hand out glow-in-the-dark paint and let visitors light up the famous row of half-buried Cadillacs in electric colors.
Oct 1–3: Texas Route 66 Motor Tour
Join a guided caravan from Shamrock to the New Mexico border, with stops at historic gas stations, diners, and Texas Route 66 attractions along the way.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in Texas
Americas Best Value Inn Amarillo Airport is located just 3 miles from major Route 66 landmarks like the Big Texan Steak Ranch, offering practical amenities such as cozy rooms, free parking, breakfast and Wi-Fi.
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Vintage 1970’s Orange Camaro in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico: Enchanted History
Known for its Indigenous heritage and glowing neon signs, New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 is where desert beauty, cultural richness, and classic Americana collide.
2026 Centennial Timeline – New Mexico Events
The centennial celebration spans the entire year with expert-led talks in historic towns, cultural festivals, and the iconic Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
January – November: Route 66 Speaker Series
Once a month, towns all along New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 host casual Saturday talks that dig into the history, legends, and personal stories tied to the Mother Road. It’s less of a lecture, more like sitting in on a front-porch conversation with folks who’ve lived it.
Great if you’re road-tripping at a slower pace and want to get a little more out of each stop. Keep your eye out for flyers or ask locals; some of the best sessions are the ones you stumble into.
July 31 – August 9: Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (Gallup)
Held in Gallup since 1922, this gathering brings together tribal nations from across the U.S. for parades, dances, art markets, and rodeos.
In 2026, it will spotlight Native stories and traditions tied to Route 66, great for travelers who want to connect more deeply with the people and cultures that shaped the road.
October 3–11: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
In 2026, the world’s most famous balloon festival gets a Route 66 twist. Balloons shaped like vintage cars, roadside diners, and other icons of the Mother Road will join the early morning launch, turning the sky into a colorful tribute to America’s most legendary highway.
We recommend arrive before sunrise because parking fills up fast, and the glow of dawn is when it’s most magical. Mornings are cold, so bring layers, and don’t skip the field-side breakfast burritos. This is one of those events where the earlier you get there, the better the memories.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in New Mexico
Stay close to New Mexico’s Route 66 sights and centennial celebrations with Sonesta hotels that offer comfort and authentic Southwest charm.
- Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque: Extended-stay hotel with spacious suites, a seasonal outdoor pool, and easy access to Route 66 events in the city.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Albuquerque: Located near Central Avenue’s neon-lit stretch of Route 66, this all-suite hotel offers a mix of ample suites, essential amenities, and great location.
- Americas Best Value Inn Santa Rosa, NM: Situated near the Blue Hole and Santa Rosa’s neon strip, this affordable hotel is a good option for Route 66 travelers seeking cozy rooms, on-site parking, and quick access to local diners and classic roadside photo ops.
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Classic car and neon signs at night in Williams, Arizona
Arizona: Neons and Open Roads
With its vast desert landscapes, vintage neon signs, and wide-open stretches of highway, Arizona offers one of the most iconic Route 66 experiences.
2026 Centennial Timeline – Arizona Events
Arizona’s legendary stretch of Route 66 delivers some of the centennial’s most scenic and spirited celebrations, including classic car parades and a grueling ultramarathon.
May 1–3: Historic Route 66 Fun Run (Seligman to Topock)
Over 800 classic cars roll through Arizona’s small Route 66 towns, windows down and horns honking. This three-day cruise is part parade, part road trip, and turns every gas station and diner stop into a celebration. Bring a camera, a folding chair, and a love for chrome.
June 6: Flagstaff Centennial Celebration
Flagstaff’s pine-covered setting makes it one of the most scenic stops on the route, and this centennial celebration makes the most of it. Downtown will fill with local vendors, vintage car displays, and live reenactments that nod to Route 66’s early days.
Keep your eyes on the sky: skywriting tributes are planned throughout the day, adding a bit of drama to this high-country party. It’s a great pick for families, history fans, and anyone craving cooler summer weather
October 16–17: Kingman Route 66 Fest
Kingman goes full retro for this one, with pin-up contests, neon light shows, and a vintage trailer village that looks like a mid-century postcard. We recommend this fest for its nighttime vibe.
November 13–16: Route 66 UltraRun (Arizona Desert)
This one’s for the serious adventurers: 140 miles through wide-open desert, tracing the footsteps of the original road. Whether you’ll be lacing up or just cheering from the sidelines, bring water and sunscreen.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in Arizona
Whether you’re chasing neon in Kingman or detouring to the Grand Canyon from Williams, Sonesta offers comfortable stays close to Arizona’s top Route 66 attractions.
- Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff: The highest-rated Sonesta in the state, offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and quick access to Flagstaff’s centennial festivities.
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Flagstaff: With its classic roadside motel vibe, this stay captures the spirit of vintage road trips while offering essential conveniences near top Route 66 roadside attractions.
- Americas Best Value Inn Williams Grand Canyon: Located in Williams, the last Route 66 town bypassed by I-40, this charming stay connects the Route 66 experience with access to the Grand Canyon.
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Route 66 sign at Santa Monica Pier, California
California: The End of the Trail
California is where Route 66 reaches its legendary finish line, and in 2026, the state is celebrating in true West Coast style. With every mile, the Route 66 100th anniversary in California feels like a grand finale worthy of the legend.
2026 Centennial Timeline – California Events
The desert town of Amboy will host one of the year’s top car shows. Pasadena will come alive during its massive street art festival, and in Santa Monica, classic cars will gather to begin a cross-country drive home.
June 5–24: The Main Street of America Centennial Caravan
Fifty cars from fifty states, all pulling out of Santa Monica to begin the journey of a lifetime. This caravan will retrace the entire route from coast to Chicago, with stops, meetups, and roadside moments along the way. Whether you join the parade or catch it from a small town as it rolls through, it’s a once-in-a-century sight worth planning around.
June 20–21: Pasadena Chalk Festival (Pasadena)
Each summer, Colorado Boulevard becomes a kaleidoscope of color during one of the largest street art festivals in the U.S., and this year, the centennial gets a starring role. Artists will turn the pavement into a Route 66-themed gallery, with vibrant chalk murals honoring the road’s legacy. It’s creative, completely free, and a great excuse to spend the weekend wandering Old Pasadena.
June 28: Great Race Grand Finale (Pasadena)
After thousands of miles on the road, the 2026 Great Race finishes in grand style right where Route 66 once ran. Hundreds of vintage vehicles roll into Pasadena for a big finish, with cheering crowds and plenty of chrome.
November (TBA): Pasadena Doo Dah Parade (Pasadena)
Every city has that one event that’s totally its own. Pasadena’s is the Doo Dah Parade. It’s weird, it’s loud, it makes very little sense, and that’s exactly the point. In 2026, the parade throws a Route 66–themed twist into the fun, with locals paying tribute to the Mother Road in their most outrageous, creative, and completely unfiltered ways.
You won’t find marching bands here, but you will find giant rubber chickens, brass instrument flash mobs, and floats that look like they were built in someone’s garage.
Top Sonesta Stays Along Route 66 in California
As Route 66 winds to its legendary finish in California, Sonesta offers welcoming stays near the state’s centennial events and attractions.
- Americas Best Value Inn Pasadena Arcadia: Located on Colorado Boulevard, part of the original map of Route 66, the hotel puts you at the heart of Pasadena’s centennial celebrations, including the Chalk Festival and Great Race finale.
- Sonesta Select Huntington Beach Fountain Valley: Just 20 miles from the final stretch into Santa Monica, this modern stay is great choice for travelers reaching the end (or start) of their Route 66 adventure along the California coast.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Anaheim: Conveniently located within 20 miles of the final leg of Route 66 into Los Angeles, this extended-stay hotel offers spacious suites and essential amenities for a relaxed stay.
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Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
