In 2026, car enthusiasts and passionate road-trippers will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, a legendary thoroughfare that has traced a colorful journey through American history.
When Route 66 first opened on Nov. 11, 1926—connecting eight states and stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica—only about a third of its 2,400 miles were paved. The rest was dirt, gravel, or even wooden planks.
Over the course of the next century, the iconic road developed into a modern highway but also worked its way into the American psyche. Dubbed the “Mother Road” in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, it inspired a 1946 hit song, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” and came to symbolize the American dream, beckoning travelers to head out on their own adventures.
Although the highway was officially decommissioned in the 1980s, you can still trace much of Route 66 today, including this EV-friendly itinerary and a classic Route 66 road trip. Here are some ways you can get your kicks and join the party for the centennial:
When is the Route 66 centennial?
While Route 66 turns 100 on Nov. 11, 2026, the official national festivities will begin on April 30, 2026—100 years after the road got its name. But some towns along Route 66’s path in California are celebrating during 2025 too (note that some 2026 dates below are still being finalized):
Events and Celebrations
Many towns along Route 66’s path through California are celebrating during 2025 and 2026 (note that some 2026 dates are still being finalized):
Sept. 19–20, 2025: Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion, Ontario
Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario sits just off the path of the original Route 66, making the Inland Empire town a natural spot for an annual celebration.
Stroll past more than 20 blocks of classic cars, then catch festival shows by classic acts—recent lineups have included Grand Funk Railroad. The popular festival will return in Sept. 2026 too.
Oct. 11, 2025: Annual Main Street USA Festival, Barstow
This car show and street festival in downtown Barstow is hosted by the Saturday Night Cruisers, which meets every Saturday night outside the local Foster’s Freeze drive-in on Main Street. Check out cars, enter the raffle, and listen to live music.
Oct. 11, 2025: Miss Route 66 Pageant, Barstow
The laid-back pageant spans 10 age divisions—from infants to seniors—and doesn’t require an extensive wardrobe or even interviews. Entrants just need a flair for red, white, and blue fashion and a willingness to support their nearest Route 66 museum along the old highway. Watching the pageant is just $5, too.
In Barstow, the Historic Mother Road Museum, set in a former hotel, offers a nostalgic dive into Route 66 history, while its Main Street murals tell Barstow’s overall history, “from the stone age to the space age.”
Oct. 11, 2025: 12th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66, San Bernardino
Ogle the cars and partake in vendor offerings that line the streets of downtown San Bernardino, where the Route 66 landmarks include the distinctive Wigwam Motel. If your car was made in 1999 or earlier, you can register to show it off, too.
Jan. 3, 2026: The Drive Home VII: Route 66–A Century of Adventure, Santa Monica
Check out this massive caravan of vintage vehicles that will trace the entire span of Route 66 to kick off the centennial year. The drive begins in Santa Monica on Jan. 3 and ends in Chicago on Jan. 12 before going on display at the Detroit Auto Show beginning Jan. 14.
March 7, 2026: Route 66 Cruisin’ Car Show, Amboy
Roy’s Motel & Café, one of the most iconic spots along Route 66, will host its first car show for the centennial.
Check out the 14-foot mural honoring the late Albert Okura, the Juan Pollo restaurant chain’s founder who bought the town of Amboy in 2005 and played a big role in revitalizing this stretch of Route 66. The space-age-style landmark of Roy’s (a top-notch example of midcentury modern Googie architecture) is still owned by the Okura family, and is scheduled to be expanded by 2026 with a newly restored motel and café.
April 21–27, 2026: Route 66 Bike Week, various locations
This motorcycle appreciation event invites riders to send in a photo of themselves on their bike anywhere along Route 66n return you can receive fun swag such as t-shirts, patches, and stickers.
June 2026: Pasadena Chalk Festival, Pasadena
Route 66 runs along Pasadena’s main thoroughfare, Colorado Blvd., which turns 150 in 2026. Part of the double celebration will be the Route 66 and Colorado Blvd. themes for the city’s annual chalk art festival, held at the open-air shopping area The Paseo. Dates are not confirmed as of press time but will likely be June 13–14.
November 2026: Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, Pasadena
Known locally as Pasadena’s “other” parade, this quirky event will salute the Mother Road in 2026. The all-are-welcome parade (just register online ahead of time) is typically filled with funny costumes and eclectic music groups.
May 2026: LitFest in the Dena, Pasadena
The annual (and free) literary festival staged at a church along Pasadena’s Colorado Blvd. consists of panels, talks, and readings. In 2026, the theme will be the American Dream, as seen in Route 66 mythology. Dates are not yet confirmed but likely May 1–2.
Date TBD: Gamble House Car Series, Pasadena
The Arts and Crafts masterpiece in Pasadena will stage an exhibit celebrating America's car culture in Pasadena. Keep an eye on its website for dates and more details.
More Ways to Commemorate the Route 66 Centennial
Write a song
Everyone knows the classic song about getting your kicks on Route 66. The city of Santa Monica, the western end of the highway, is inviting musical types to add another song to the Mother Road lore.
To enter the 2026 Route 66 Centennial and Song Contest, start by filling out the interest form. Dates are still in the works, but the grand prize will be $10,000.
Year round, you can always take a pic by the “End of the Trail” sign at the legendary Santa Monica Pier, or by the Route 66 plaque in Palisades Park next to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Visitor Information Kiosk. While you’re there, pick up a special Certificate of Completion from the Visitor Information Center, which also offers a Route 66 Three-Day Itinerary containing hotel recommendations near the route.