Upcoming Route 66 Centennial Events Timeline

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is thrilled to announce its Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration taking place on November 11, 2026, 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. Check for updates: https://illinoisroute66.org/event/illinois-route-66-scenic-byway-announces-statewide-conference-epic-route-66-centennial-celebration/.

On the second Thursday of every month the State Historical Society of Missouri will be talking Route 66 in Missouri. Join us ONLINE as we tell the stories of people and places in Missouri that helped make Route 66 into a national icon—and a lens to understand the history and myths of the United States. This series is a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project.

On the second Thursday of every month the State Historical Society of Missouri will be talking Route 66 in Missouri. Join us ONLINE as we tell the stories of people and places in Missouri that helped make Route 66 into a national icon—and a lens to understand the history and myths of the United States. This series is a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project.

This race is held the 2nd weekend of November from Friday through Monday night. Runners journey 140 miles of Route 66 in Arizona.

The 25th Annual Route 66 Film Festival takes place November 20-22 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield IL. 

Holiday excitement and free family fun are in store at Yukon’s breathtaking Christmas in the Park, a magical wonderland of visual entertainment offered starting the Saturday before Thanksgiving at 6 p.m., then running from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. every night through New Year’s Eve.

Gallup Museum Exhibition "Colorful Skies and Red Rocks"

The Route 66 Race Across Kansas is an annual event that celebrates the iconic Route 66 highway while promoting fitness and community engagement. This half marathon that begins at the east end of Kansas Route 66 and extends to the west. Race begins at 9:00 am to 12 pm.

Join us Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield! Enjoy holiday entertainment, Santa, Bluey & Bingo, and a local marketplace. Doors open 9 AM–4 PM; admission is $5 ages 13+, with ages 12 and under free. Come early and celebrate local businesses!

2026 Illinois Local Event Schedule
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Orr Building — Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Illinois
Event Hours
9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Doors Open - Shop Local Marketplace, Children's Play Area, & FREE Holiday Crafts
9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Bluey & Bingo — Photos & Meet-and-Greet
9:30 AM: Springfield Youth Performance Group — Excerpts of The Nutcracker
10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Santa — Write your letter to Santa, post it, and get your photo taken.
10:00 AM: Happy Hour Pilates & Pear Tree Pups — Pilates & Pups Class
11:00 AM: Music Therapy Connections
12:00 PM: Shop Local Marketplace & Holiday Activities
1:00 PM: Springfield Theater Center — Excerpt of White Christmas
2:00 PM: Dayna’s Dance Revolution
3:00 PM: 2026 Illinois Local Annual Awards Presentation
4:00 PM: Doors Close
Throughout the event shop local vendors offering food, baked goods, clothing, gifts, home goods, candles, festive drinks, holiday treats and more.

Sign ups begin at 7pm with a $10 entry fee

Join the national Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series on the second Tuesday of every month where notable authors, historians and advocates come together to share their stories. This webinar series will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the nation’s beloved Mother Road. (11:00 PT/12:00 MT/1:00 CT/2:00 ET)

Founded in 1926, the Pontiac Holiday Tournament is America's original high school boys basketball holiday tournament. All 26 games are hosted at Pontiac Township High School and the full schedule can be found at www.pontiacholidaytournament.com. Celebrate the founding of Route 66 as we celebrate the founding of America's original holiday tournament!

Taste of Northern Arizona™ is a new annual culinary event created to celebrate the restaurants, breweries, wineries and beverage partners that make Northern Arizona extraordinary while benefiting Special Olympics Arizona.