The year 2026 marks 100 years of Route 66, and Arizona is one of the most important states in the entire Route 66 story. From mountain towns to desert highways, Arizona’s stretch of the Mother Road will host some of the biggest Route 66 centennial car shows and festivals in the country.
This guide to Route 66 centennial car show dates in Arizona 2026 focuses on the most important towns, expected dates, and what travelers should plan for if they want to experience classic cars, vintage culture, and small-town Route 66 energy.
Why Arizona Is the Heart of Route 66 Centennial Events
Arizona preserved more historic Route 66 than any other state. Towns like Williams, Kingman, Flagstaff, Winslow, Seligman, and Holbrook still live and breathe Route 66 culture.
In 2026, expect:
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Large-scale classic car shows
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Rolling car parades and fun runs
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Live rockabilly and classic rock music
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Vintage diners, motels, and neon nights
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Massive crowds on peak weekends
That’s why Route 66 centennial car show dates in Arizona 2026 are already being planned years in advance.
Route 66 Centennial Car Show Dates in Arizona 2026 (By Month)
🚗 May 1–3, 2026 — Historic Route 66 Fun Run
Locations: Seligman → Kingman → Topock
This is the largest Route 66 driving event in Arizona and a centerpiece of the centennial.
What to expect:
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800+ classic cars cruising Route 66
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Community car displays in each town
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Route 66 memorabilia and vendors
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Massive spectator turnout
This is a must-attend event for Route 66 fans.
🚗 May 16, 2026 — Ash Fork Heritage on Route 66 Day
Location: Ash Fork, AZ
A smaller but authentic Route 66 centennial event featuring:
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Local classic car show
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Community parade
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Vintage Route 66 storytelling
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Food trucks and craft booths
Perfect for travelers who want a quieter, small-town experience.
🚗 June 5–6, 2026 — Williams Route 66 Centennial Car Show
Location: Williams, AZ
Williams is the last town bypassed by I-40, making it emotionally significant for the centennial.
Highlights:
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400–500 classic cars downtown
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Neon-lit Route 66 streets at night
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Live music and pin-up contests
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Family-friendly festival vibe
This is one of the top Route 66 centennial car show dates in Arizona 2026.
🚗 June 6, 2026 — Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Location: Downtown Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s centennial event is expected to include:
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Classic car displays
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Route 66 heritage exhibits
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Art, chalk murals, and live performances
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Cooler mountain weather (great for June travel)
Many visitors combine Williams + Flagstaff into one weekend.
🚗 September 25–26, 2026 — Standin’ on the Corner Festival
Location: Winslow, AZ
Famous for music and Route 66 nostalgia, Winslow’s centennial-year event often includes:
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Vintage car displays
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Music stages
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Route 66 photo ops
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Food vendors and local art
A fall favorite for Route 66 road-trippers.
🚗 October 16–17, 2026 — Kingman Route 66 Fest
Location: Kingman, AZ
Kingman is one of the most important Route 66 hubs in Arizona.
Expect:
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Multi-day Route 66 festival
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Classic and custom car displays
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Vintage trailers and motorcycles
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Historic Powerhouse Museum events
This is a grand finale-style celebration for many Route 66 travelers.
Best Towns to Base Yourself for Multiple Car Shows
If you want to hit more than one event:
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Williams — central, walkable, classic Route 66 feel
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Flagstaff — more hotels, cooler temps
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Kingman — ideal for westbound Route 66 road trips
Hotels will sell out months in advance during centennial weekends.
Travel Tips for Route 66 Centennial Events
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Book hotels 6–12 months early
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Arrive early mornings for car shows
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Expect road closures in downtown areas
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Bring sun protection and water
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Carry cash for small vendors
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Plan extra driving time between towns
Arizona Route 66 towns will be extremely busy in 2026.
Why 2026 Is Once-in-a-Lifetime
The Route 66 centennial won’t happen again. Arizona’s events will be:
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Bigger than normal annual festivals
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More historically focused
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Packed with international visitors
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Deeply nostalgic and emotional
That’s why planning around Route 66 centennial car show dates in Arizona 2026 is essential.
Final Thoughts
Arizona will be the epicenter of Route 66 centennial celebrations in 2026. From massive rolling car runs to intimate small-town shows, these events honor 100 years of American road-trip culture.
If Route 66 is on your bucket list, 2026 is the year to do it — and Arizona is the place to be.
