Illinois will be one of the statewide centers of celebration for the Route 66 Centennial (100th anniversary) in 2026. From family-friendly festivals to parades and historic gatherings, here are the most exciting events planned so far along the First 300 miles of the Mother Road in Illinois. dceo.illinois.gov+2cityofedwardsville.com+2
📍 Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival — May 2–3, 2026
📍 Where: Various towns along the Illinois Route 66 corridor
📅 Dates: Saturday & Sunday — May 2 & May 3, 2026
🎉 Kick off your Route 66 road trip season at this two-day family festival celebrating the Mother Road in the historic Red Carpet Corridor. Expect live music, local food, entertainment, classic cars, and fun activities for all ages on the famous highway. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy performances, displays, and plenty of nostalgia. Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
📍 “Main Street of America” Centennial Caravan – June 23–24, 2026 (Illinois Segment)
📍 Where: Route 66 towns across Illinois
📅 Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday — June 23 & June 24, 2026
🚗 This isn’t one festival location — it’s a roving celebration! The Route 66 Centennial Caravan travels across all eight Route 66 states, and in Illinois it winds through communities like Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, and more on June 23 & 24. Expect parades, town celebrations, and community events honoring the Mother Road’s legacy. Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
📍 Edwardsville Route 66 Festival – June 13, 2026
📍 Where: City Park, Downtown Edwardsville
📅 Date: Saturday — June 13, 2026
🎈 Edwardsville hosts one of Illinois’ most beloved Route 66 festivals, and in 2026 the community is planning a special centennial celebration. This event includes:
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Live music
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Food vendors
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Bike & trolley tours
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Historic exhibits
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Vintage car cruise
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Bounce houses & family fun
It’s perfect for families and road trip travelers wanting a vibrant Route 66 experience. cityofedwardsville.com+1
📍 The Last 100 Miles Centennial Festival – October 9–10, 2026
📍 Where: Southwestern Illinois communities
📅 Dates: Saturday & Sunday — October 9 & October 10, 2026
🍂 As Route 66 exits Illinois into Missouri, the Last 100 Miles Festival celebrates the final stretch of the Mother Road through communities like Collinsville, Granite City, Staunton, and more. Expect local parades, street entertainment, music, vendors, and community fairs tied to centennial celebrations. Great Rivers & Routes
📍 24th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival – Sep 25–27, 2026
📍 Where: Downtown Springfield, IL
📅 Dates: Friday–Sunday — Sep 25–27, 2026
🚘 One of the Midwest’s biggest classic Route 66 festivals continues in 2026 with nostalgia, music, cars, food and fun. This annual celebration returns with a centennial twist — great for travelers who want a big festival atmosphere toward the end of the driving season. visitspringfieldillinois.com
📍 Chicago & Northeast Illinois Centennial Events – All Year (2026)
📍 Where: Chicago & Chicago Route 66 area
📅 Dates: All through 2026
📍 Chicago, the official starting point of Route 66, will host a range of centennial activations throughout 2026, including art installations, wayfinding signage events, murals, and special partnerships with local attractions. Look for Route 66-centric programming in summer and fall. Choose Chicago
🗓️ Quick Illinois Route 66 Centennial Event Calendar (2026)
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 2–3 | Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival | Corridor towns |
| June 13 | Edwardsville Route 66 Festival | Downtown Edwardsville |
| June 23–24 | Main Street of America Centennial Caravan (IL segment) | Multiple IL cities |
| Sep 25–27 | International Mother Road Festival | Springfield |
| Oct 9–10 | Last 100 Miles Centennial Festival | Southwest IL |
| All Year | Chicago Route 66 Centennial activations | Chicago area |
🧠 Travel Tips for Route 66 Centennial in Illinois
✔ Book early: Hotels and classic motor lodges fill up fast in 2026.
✔ Rent bikes or scooters: Many festivals include cruiser rides, parades, and group tours.
✔ Plan scenic Route 66 drives: Illinois Route 66 covers nearly 300 historic miles with iconic diners and neon signs. Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
For the full nationwide calendar of centennial events — including caravan parades, vintage car tours, and pop-up celebrations — check the official Route 66 Centennial Calendar.
