In 2026, historic Route 66 turns 100 years old — and Oklahoma, with the longest drivable stretch of the Mother Road in any state, is planning a year-long series of special centennial celebrations.
From classic car festivals to mural shows and big birthday parades, here are the confirmed and announced events in Oklahoma you shouldn’t miss.
🎉 May 30, 2026 – Tulsa & Oklahoma City Centennial Birthday Events
Tulsa Capital Cruise Parade & Celebration
✔ Classic car parade in Tulsa
✔ Largest Route 66 birthday bash ever planned (cars, music, fun)
✔ Family-friendly festivities celebrating Route 66 history
Oklahoma City “Kickin’ It” Centennial Bash
✔ Full-day celebration blending nostalgia and modern entertainment
✔ Local food, live music, and Route 66 culture on display
These twin events mark a major kickoff to Oklahoma’s centennial year activities.
🚗 June 18–20, 2026 – Statewide Centenary Projects & Car Shows
Statewide Route 66 Mural Fest (June 18 & July 18)
✔ Vibrant mural festivals celebrating Route 66 art and history
✔ Artists from across the region paint new tributes along the highway
✔ Great photo ops and community events in multiple towns
Weatherford Heartland Cruise Car Shows (June 19–20)
✔ Classic cars, local vendors, and live entertainment
✔ A beloved tradition expanded for the centennial year
These events bring communities together along Route 66 as part of the statewide celebration.
🚘 June 27–28, 2026 – AAA Route 66 Road Fest (Tulsa)
AAA Route 66 Road Fest
✔ Two days celebrating the Mother Road in Tulsa — “Capital of Route 66”
✔ Classic car displays, swap meets, live music, entertainment
✔ Known as one of Oklahoma’s premier Route 66 car festivals
Perfect for enthusiasts and families alike, this festival showcases both vintage vehicles and the culture of the iconic highway.
🎶 July 24–26, 2026 – Mustangs on the Mother Road (Tulsa)
✔ Annual Mustang car show expanded for the 100th anniversary
✔ Hundreds of Mustangs and classic vehicles on display
✔ Enthusiasts from across the U.S. expected to attend
This growing event blends classic automobile culture with Route 66 spirit.
🚗 July 25, 2026 – Clinton OK 66 Hall of Fame Induction
✔ Special centennial induction ceremony
✔ Honors legends of Route 66 history & preservation
✔ Gathering of Route 66 aficionados and historians
This long-running tradition gets a special anniversary spotlight in 2026.
🛣️ September 12–26, 2026 – Sapulpa Centennial Events
Sapulpa Route 66 Blowout (Sept 12)
✔ Classic car cruising and celebration in Sapulpa’s Route 66 district
Sapulpa Centennial Car Show & Pixar “Cars” Screening (Sept 26)
✔ Big community car show plus a special screening honoring Route 66 pop culture
Multiple Main Street of America Rolling Roadshow (Sept 18–24)
✔ Traveling celebration highlighting Route 66 culture through multiple towns (including Sapulpa)
🎡 October 17–19, 2026 – Arcadia & Neonfest
Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest
✔ Neon sign celebrations and scenic drives around the historic Arcadia Round Barn
✔ Classic cars, entertainment, great photo stops on the Mother Road
🎆 November 11, 2026 – Tulsa State Route 66 Centennial Event
✔ Final major Oklahoma centennial celebration of the year
✔ Parade, concert, and closing festivities marking the 100th anniversary
✔ Brings together communities from across Oklahoma Route 66
🧠 What Else Is Happening in 2026
Beyond the big dates, Oklahoma is hosting a year-round celebration campaign supported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. Expect:
✔ Public art displays & murals
✔ Historic signage restoration
✔ Community events in small towns
✔ Exhibits and educational programs
✔ Grants and revitalization projects for Route 66 towns
Oklahoma is showcasing its 400+ miles of historic Route 66 — the longest continuous stretch of the highway in any state — with unique cultural and preservation efforts for 2026.
🧳 Travel Tips for Visiting
🌟 Plan early — many major events attract enthusiasts nationwide.
🗓 Combine festivals with a road trip from Tulsa through Oklahoma City, Weatherford, Clinton, Sapulpa, and Arcadia.
🚗 Classic car meet-ups often happen spontaneously along the highway — keep an eye on local calendars.
📸 Historic landmarks like the Catoosa Blue Whale and neon diners make great stops between events.
