Here’s your 2026 Route 66 Centennial Car Shows Calendar — a clear, easy-to-read list of classic car events and shows linked to the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary. Because 2026 is the centennial year, many communities along Route 66 are planning special car shows, festivals, and cruising gatherings tied to the celebration. Route 66 News+3Route 66 Road Trip+3 Oklahoma Route 66 Association+3
This calendar highlights major car shows, classic vehicle gatherings, and Centennial-linked auto events scheduled along or near Route 66 in 2026.
🗓 February 20–22, 2026 — 62nd Annual Darryl Starbird’s Rod & Custom Car Show
📍 Tulsa, Oklahoma — SageNet Center (Expo Square)
One of the south’s biggest custom car shows continues into Route 66 centennial year with indoor displays, pin-up contests, and automotive vendors. Route 66 Centennial
🗓 March 10–22, 2026 — Ms. Bubbletop Pin Up Contest
📍 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vintage vehicle culture and pin-up celebration tied to Tulsa’s Route 66 car community — a fun pre-season highlight for road trip car lovers. Route 66 Centennial
🗓 June 4–13, 2026 — Texas Route 66 Festival & Car Shows
📍 Amarillo, Texas
A 10-day Centennial celebration along the Texas panhandle portion of Route 66, with multiple classic car shows, parades, cattle drives, bus tours, and live music — complete with a grand finale on June 13. Route 66 Road Trip
🗓 June 6, 2026 — Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration & Car Show
📍 Flagstaff, Arizona
A free family-friendly celebration with a dedicated classic car show, nostalgic displays, streetscape chalk art, and festival atmosphere. Route 66 Road Trip
🗓 June 5–6, 2026 — Williams Car Show — Historic Route 66
📍 Williams, Arizona
Annual classic car event doubling as a Centennial gathering, usually featuring hundreds of vintage vehicles along the Route 66 corridor. Historic Route 66 Arizona
🗓 June 19–20, 2026 — Weatherford-Heartland Cruise Car Show
📍 Weatherford, Oklahoma
This centennial-era cruise and car show in western Oklahoma brings local enthusiasts together with classic cruisers and family-friendly activities. Oklahoma Route 66 Association
🗓 September 26, 2026 — Centennial Car Show & Cars Movie Screening
📍 Sapulpa, Oklahoma
A special centennial car show with a screening of Cars at the Tee Pee Drive-In, themed activities for all ages, and a celebration of car culture tied to Route 66’s pop-culture impact. Oklahoma Route 66 Association
🗓 September 25–27, 2026 — International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
📍 Springfield, Illinois
Though broader than just a car show, this historic festival typically includes a major classic car display and cruise, alongside music and Centennial programming. Route 66 News
🗓 September 20, 2026 — Pontiacs in Pontiac Car Show
📍 Pontiac, Illinois
Classic cars take over downtown Pontiac in this annual show that is expected to embrace Centennial themes in 2026. Route 66 News
🗓 October 16–17, 2026 — Kingman Route 66 Fest (Car Focus)
📍 Kingman, Arizona
A two-day Route 66 celebration including vintage cars, vendors, and community events — great for classic auto fans in the fall. Historic Route 66 Arizona
🧠 Tips for Attending in 2026
✔ Plan travel early: Major shows like the Texas Route 66 Festival and Flagstaff event will draw crowds and classic car clubs from around the U.S. Route 66 Road Trip
✔ Check local updates: Dates and show specifics may shift slightly as more Centennial programming is finalized by communities and associations. Route 66 Centennial
✔ Combine car shows with cruising routes: Many classic shows run alongside scenic Route 66 drives or parades — perfect for road trip photos. Route 66 News
This calendar offers a big picture of car-centric celebrations tied to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. From Texas festivals to Arizona classics, Oklahoma car meets, and Illinois Mother Road celebrations, there’s a show or gathering nearly every season of the year.
