Upcoming Route 66 Centennial Events Timeline
This calendar displays only UPCOMING events as of today's date.
To view ONGOING Events, i.e. ones that started before today's date and end at a future date, click the PAST | ONGOING | FUTURE item in the CALENDAR dropdown menu.
Click the next block to see more.
Use the menu to look at upcoming events state-by-state - A great way for travel planning. Enjoy and happy exploration of Route 66 during the 2026 centennial.
Race Across Kansas
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.
Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday
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.
American Bar Nine Ball Tournament
Sign ups begin at 7pm with a $10 entry fee
National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
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)
Pontiac Holiday Tournament
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
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.