Celebrate Route 66’s 100th Anniversary on a Special Road Trip

Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 is forever embedded in the veins of the United States. Now, the decommissioned road celebrates its 100^th birthday with a variety of experiences spanning the entire road, making for an exceptionally special road trip for family travelers.

First, decide how much of the road you wish to traverse: will you select one state on the route and explore the entirety of Route 66 that way? Or do you prefer to pick specific points across the whole road through many different states?

Whichever you decide, there’s much in store for the road’s centennial:

New Year’s Eve Car Drop (Dec. 31)

In William, Arizona, watch a 1927 Chevrolet Capital drop at midnight to signal the official start to Route 66’s centennial birthday. The event also features live music, fireworks and more.

From Trails to Truck Stops (Feb. 6–May 4)

This special exhibition takes place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where visitors can explore the historic route before and during Route 66’s time. From horses and covered wagons to riverboats to long-haul trucks, this exhibition delves into the path that thousands traveled.

Celebrating 20 Years of Pixar’s Cars (April 4)

At this fun outdoor event in Galena, Kansas, travelers will enjoy a movie screening, car show, games, food trucks and even a special guest. The exact location of the event? None other than Luigi’s Pit Stop.

The Great Route 66 Centennial Converge (April 30)

Join Wasteland Firebird, a writer, travelers and YouTube personality, for this special journey down Route 66, ending at Santa Monica Pier. The day will also include side quests, scavenger hunts, prizes and other things never before seen on Route 66.

Texas Route 66 Festival (June 5–14)

The Texas Panhandle transforms into a Route 66-themed destination during Texas’ only official Route 66 festival. The week-long event will include many family-friendly activities, food and drinks, and more.

Route 66 Summerfest (July 19)

Taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this festival celebrates the iconic road with local bands, foot trucks and more across a mile-long stretch of the city.

See all festivities across the country here.