This Route 66 Party Is 100 Years in the Making

Route 66—the iconic ribbon of asphalt that stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, and has carried generations of Americans across this great country—turns 100 years old in 2026. As part of the celebration, visitors from coast to coast will gather at the Route 66 Road Fest on June 27–28, 2026, at the SageNet Center at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma—officially declared the Capital of Route 66, with some 28 miles of the attraction-filled historic highway within the city.

Discover the fun waiting for you at Road Fest

• A living-history journey from the dusty beginnings of Route 66 in the 1920s through the decades—classic roadsters, vintage signage, nostalgic Americana—all the way to mobility of today and cars of tomorrow

• A spectacular car show with hundreds of classic cars, muscle cars, and vintage vehicles—judged across dozens of classes.
• Live bands, presentations on Route 66 lore, and interactive exhibits. Road Fest isn’t just a museum; it’s an entertaining, family-friendly festival.
• A celebration of heritage and what’s next. While Road Fest honors the past, it also looks ahead—with exhibits on modern mobility and future-forward vehicles traveling the Mother Road.

Explore Route 66 attractions in Tulsa and beyond

While you’re in town, experience some of the best-preserved and most photogenic Route 66 historic landmarks and roadside gems in and around Tulsa.

• Snap a photo at the Blue Whale of Catoosa—one of the most beloved roadside icons along Route 66 east of Tulsa. 

• Cruise through the attraction-rich Meadow Gold District, and check out restored neon-era signs that once welcomed travelers for gas, food, and lodging. 
• Explore quirky retro spots like Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66—a cherished throwback to the playful side of Route 66. 

Or dive deeper into the history with visits to open-air museums, classic auto museums, and vintage motels and diners—all places that tell stories from a bygone era of American travel.

Why this anniversary matters

The highway that officially became US Route 66 on November 11, 1926, was the road many took in pursuit of opportunity, adventure, and discovery. This centennial isn’t just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the hopes, dreams, and journeys of generations of travelers.

With Road Fest serving as a signature national event for the centennial, festival-goers can immerse themselves in history and experience a living tribute to the road that helped define a nation’s sense of freedom, mobility, and exploration.

Pack your bags—and don’t miss out

Whether you’ve traveled Route 66 a hundred times or never set a wheel on it, this summer offers a rare chance to celebrate the Mother Road in style. Mark your calendar for June 27–28, 2026, and make your way to Tulsa for a weekend brimming with memory-making and road-trip vibes—and take back home a little bit of history under your tires.

For full details and to get your tickets, visit Route66RoadFest.com before spots fill up. See you on the road!