- The Centennial Celebration: In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary with festivals, special events, and promotions across all eight states it traverses.
- Nationwide Collaboration: All states along the route, from Illinois to California, are actively participating and planning unique ways to honor the highway’s legacy.
- Modernizing a Classic: The celebration aims to blend nostalgia with innovation, featuring restored landmarks alongside new sustainable travel options and digital art experiences.
- International Appeal: The route is a major draw for international tourists, generating significant economic impact and being promoted as a quintessential American road trip.
Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime as the United States prepares for a grand, nationwide celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026. This legendary highway, a symbol of freedom and the American spirit, will be honored with an incredible series of events spanning its entire 2,400-mile stretch from Chicago to Santa Monica. The festivities officially kicked off at the IPW 2024 travel conference, where tourism leaders from all eight states along the route shared their exciting plans.
Travelers are invited to rediscover the magic of the Mother Road through a blend of nostalgic charm and modern innovation. Each state is rolling out the welcome mat with unique experiences. Illinois will feature immersive art and EV-friendly road trips, while Springfield, Missouri, the route’s official birthplace, will host the national centennial celebration in April 2026.
Oklahoma is investing millions to restore historic landmarks, Texas will showcase iconic pop art like Cadillac Ranch, and New Mexico is creating an urban art gallery along the route in Albuquerque. From the classic Americana of Kansas to the cinematic finale at the Santa Monica Pier in California, the centennial promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the country, connecting past and future for a new generation of explorers.
