Route 66 was officially commissioned on 11 November 1926, making this November the 100th anniversary of America’s most famous road. Centennial events have been running along the 3,940-km route from Chicago to Santa Monica throughout 2026, and several major events remain in the coming weeks.
Events Happening Right Now
Kingman Route 66 Fest - 9–10 October, Arizona
Two-day event in Kingman, AZ with live bands, a classic car show, vintage trailer displays, Route 66 history exhibitions, craft vendors, and a beer garden. Kingman sits at one of the best-preserved stretches of original highway in the state.
Last 100 Miles Festival - 10–11 October, Illinois
Anchored in southwest Illinois, celebrating the final 100 miles of the route through Collinsville, Staunton, and Litchfield. Vintage car rallies and local history programming across both days.
Round Barn Round-Up - 17 October, Oklahoma
Based at the iconic Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma - one of Route 66’s most photographed structures - with folk and live music, art, local food, and a fiddle competition.
The Main Centennial Date: 11 November
The centennial itself is 11 November 2026. A Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration is planned for that day in Springfield, Illinois, at Motorheads Bar & Grill on the old highway. The programme includes historical talks, exhibitions, and public events marking the exact anniversary. Route 66 organisations in all eight states - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California - are running linked events through the anniversary week.
Planning a Centennial Drive
With events concentrated in Illinois and Oklahoma this autumn, planning a drive to start in Chicago and work west through Missouri and Oklahoma before continuing to Arizona and California is the logical approach for seeing the most centennial activity. See our Route 66 stops guide for the key sites along the full route and our 14-day Route 66 itinerary for a realistic pace that takes in both the historic highway and the centennial events.
For budget planning, our Route 66 cost guide covers fuel, accommodation, and food across the eight-state drive.