These national certified events are perfect for any Route 66 itinerary
By Dave Bodle
As America’s most legendary roadway approaches its 100th birthday, communities along Route 66 are preparing for a yearlong celebration unlike anything the Mother Road has seen. In 2026, events across the country will honor the history, culture and enduring spirit of the highway that connected the country and defined an era of travel and exploration. From vintage car caravans and coast-to-coast rallies to exhibitions, galas and film premieres, the Route 66 Centennial will blend nostalgia with forward-looking preservation efforts, inviting travellers, enthusiasts, and local communities to rediscover the road that still inspires adventure a century later.
For more great stories about Route 66, check out our Route 66 Tour Planner
January 3-12,2026
The seventh rendition of The Drive Home will spotlight vintage, Route 66-inspired vehicles making the historic journey across America’s most iconic highway. From sun-drenched Pacific shores to the heart of the Midwest, the nine-day journey will bring automotive enthusiasts, cultural historians and communities together to honor the road that connected a nation. Host cities along the journey are Barstow, CA, Kingman, AZ, Gallup, NM, Albuquerque, NM, Amarillo, TX, Tulsa, OK, Lebanon, MO and Springfield, IL.
The Drive Home is a partnership of America’s Automotive Trust and the Detroit Auto Show to celebrate America’s automotive history, honor Detroit as the home of the American car industry and promote today’s automotive culture.
In 2026, the focus is on Route 66 as “The Drive Home VII: Route 66–A Century of Adventure” celebrates more than just the historic Route itself. The DriveHome will visit the small towns and frequent the motels, restaurants, and shops which continue to operate today, although the major highways bypass them.
In the process, The Drive Home will celebrate Route 66 preservation success stories and recognize ongoing needs through its support for the Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program. This program is a key initiative of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and an Official Route 66 Centennial activity recommended by the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.
January 14-25
The Detroit Auto Show is hosting a Route 66 Centennial Exhibition.
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show brings together a full slate of major automotive brands, immersive indoor tracks, the debut of the Michigan Overland Adventure and Visit Detroit Interactive Experience and the return of The Gallery with ultra-luxury vehicles.
The Detroit Auto Show is partnering with the Route 66 Centennial for The Drive Home VII: Route 66 A Century of Adventure, where classic cars will travel the historic Mother Road, culminating in their display at the Detroit Auto Show starting January 14, marking Route 66’s 100th anniversary with car culture, exhibits, and cross-country journeys celebrating America’s iconic highway.
April 2
Groups can Rediscover Route 66-One Miniature Mile at a Time. Journey across Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. The Rediscovering Route 66, One Miniature Mile at a Time project, will photographically recreate the look and feel of a real segment of Route 66 using miniature die-cast cars with real-life backdrops, including landmarks, signage, roadside architecture, roadsurface, and surrounding context. The Rediscover Route 66-One Miniature Mile at a Time project takes off from Chicago on April 2. It will go the entire distance of Route 66 to Santa Monica Pier in California in about 16 to 18 days.
April 30 – May 2
Springfield, Missouri, will host a Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off. This two-hour imulcast celebration on April 30 will have remote hook-ups to five Centennial Kick-Off Satellite Cities, including: Joliet, IL, St. Louis, MO, Amarillo, TX, Albuquerque, NM and Santa Monica, CA. The celebration continues in Springfield through May 2. The Kick-Off’s signature event will be the Telegraph Ball, a 1920s-inspired gala that will raise awareness and funds for Route 66 preservation efforts, with star-studded performances and poignant and interesting history lessons. Events and activities over several days will inspire you to explore the lure of the open road and a reimagined vision for the future of travelling Route 66.
For more great stories about Route 66, check out our Route 66 Tour Planner
June 5-24
Mainstreet of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan from Santa Monica to Chicago will be hosted by the eight Route 66 State Associations and The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. In 1952, a caravan cruised U.S.Highway 66 to honor the road’s nickname of the Will Rogers Highway. Now, as the road turns 100 years old, it’s being cruised again to mark this tremendous milestone. Route 66 fans from across the world are welcome to join the caravan for as long as they please, as it passes through communities along the Main Street of America.
June 20-28
The Route 66 Centennial Great Race is a nine-day vintage car rally from Illinois to California, using Route 66 as the backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Approximately 130 cars, ranging in year model from 1911 to 1974 will compete. The race will stop in 17 different cities along Route 66 for promotional engagement, allowing spectators to intermingle with the drivers and teams in each community. The open format generates an up-close experience for spectators and race teams. In addition, the Great Race will travel through dozens of other small towns along Route 66 during the event.
June 27-28
The AAA Route 66 RoadFest takes place in Tulsa, OK, hosted by AAA Insurance. In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th birthday. To celebrate, AAA has created the AAA Route 66 RoadFest.With the highway winding through over 400 miles within its borders, Oklahoma is the perfect place to host this celebration. Explore the history of Route 66 through interactive exhibits. You will marvel at hundreds of classic cars. Tour an eclectic collection of vintage RVs and browse hundreds of vendors.
September through December
Experience the Rolling Film Premier of “The Main Street of America” documentary, with screenings currently scheduled in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The Main Street of America Road Show kicks off September 3 with the world premiere at the start of Route 66 in downtown Chicago. From there, the film travels west, with a week of screenings in each state, culminating in the Grand Finale event at the historic Los Angeles Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, the original terminus of Route 66. Location and dates are set with only a few remaining TBD. From Illinois to California, each stop on the tour is so much more than a film screening. Historic theatres and iconic drive-ins will debut the documentary, coming alive with entertainment, appearances by cast and crew, and special guests.
Illinois Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration Schedule of Events:
November 11, 2026 (The birthday of Route 66): The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is thrilled to announce its Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration taking place on November 11, at Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois. This momentous event marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 and invites enthusiasts, roadies, Byway members, and non-members to join in a full day of education, recognition, and celebration.
Statewide Conference: Engage with industry leaders, Route 66 advocates, and community members to explore the rich history and promising future of Illinois Route 66. Sessions will feature updates, resources, and insights to celebrate and preserve the Mother Road. Conference sessions will focus on preservation, economic development and the future of Route 66.
Awards Gala Luncheon: Honoring individuals, businesses and communities making significant contributions to Route 66’s legacy. This midday gathering includes a ticketed luncheon.
Epic Centennial Celebration: A grand celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary featuring live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, special guests, classic cars and networking opportunities.
Both the Conference and Centennial Celebration will be ticketed events. Discounts will be available exclusively for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66community to celebrate the history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world,” said Casey Claypool, executive director.
For more great stories about Route 66, check out our Route 66 Tour Planner
