Springfield’s Route 66 Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years of the Mother Road
- Hometown Life
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Springfield, Missouri already known as the “Birthplace of Route 66” is gearing up for a historic celebration. On April 30, 1926, a telegram sent from Springfield officials officially named the iconic Chicago–Los Angeles highway "Route 66," forever linking the city to America’s most famous road. Fast forward 100 years and Springfield is hosting the National Kickoff for the Route 66 Centennial celebration, complete with an A‑list concert at the Historic Shrine Mosque and be livestreamed across the country.
Why Springfield? A Pivotal Moment in History
In the mid-1920s, Springfield attorney John T. Woodruff, along with Cyrus Avery of Oklahoma, lobbied for renaming the highway from the generic “Route 62” to “Route 66.” They argued that “66” sounded catchier and more fitting for the new Mother Road. Springfield sealed the deal with that now-famous telegram sent from the Colonial Hotel to Washington, D.C., officially securing this historic designation.
You can also plot your own Mother Road adventure right in Springfield with the city’s interactive Route 66 map. Explore featured sites like Red’s Giant Hamburg, the Stadium Drive-In, classic motels, diners, and historic bridges...all pinned and ready to tour. Whether you’re visiting for the centennial celebration or simply curious to explore, this map makes it easy to follow in the footsteps of history and connect each location with local stories and rich heritage.
Attend the Kickoff - America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Make plans to be in Springfield on April 30, 2026, for the concert and launch event.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
SAVE THE DATE! America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration 2026 Kickoff concert featuring A-list entertainment will be held in the Historic Shrine Mosque on April 30, 2026, livestreamed around the world with cut-ins from Route 66 cities across the United States. April 30 is the anniversary of the telegram that was sent in 1926 from Springfield to Washington, D.C. requesting that a new transcontinental road be named Route 66.
Additional festivities in Springfield and across the state of Missouri will be announced at a later date. Visit celebratemo66.com for ongoing updates.
What to Expect in 2026
Ahead of the big milestone, Springfield’s annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival typically held the second weekend of August, is a celebration of the Mother Road’s legacy. Since its started in 2011 as a modest block party has grown into Missouri’s largest Route 66 celebration, drawing more than 65,000 visitors and showcasing over 700 classic cars, motorcycles, and RV's.
The Rockin’ the Route Kickoff Concert Emerald City Band headlining with high-energy ‘60s–modern hits.
Classic-car shows and the Motor Mile Parade, lining Park Central and St. Louis Street.
Stearman biplane flyovers, adding a vintage flair overhead.
Indoor events like the Chevy Evolution Showcase, Authors & Artists Exhibition, and car/motorcycle shows. All free and family-friendly.
Springfield Route 66 Landmarks
Springfield’s connection to the highway runs deep:
The Route 66 Visitor Center, a restored 1950s-style hub at 815 E. St. Louis Street, offers maps, souvenirs, and that classic retro charm.
The College Street Corridor features historic signage, roadside parks, and the beloved Red’s Giant Hamburg replica, celebrating its legacy as America’s first drive-through restaurant .
The historic Gillioz Theatre, built in 1926,the same year Route 66 was born, continues to host classic films and live performances that echo those early days.
How to Make the Most of Centennial Year
April 30, 2026: Be part of the National Kickoff Concert at the Shrine Mosque. A historic moment honoring Springfield’s legacy.
August 2025 & 2026: Join the Birthplace Festival with its parade, car show, concerts, and community energy.
Self-Guided Stops: Visit the Visitor Center, signage corridor, and landmarks like Red’s and Gillioz.
Share your story: Stamp your Route 66 passport at the Visitor Center and connect with local enthusiasts.
Trip Planning Tips
Reserve early for accommodations. Expect hotels and motels (like the nostalgic Rail Haven) to book quickly.
Frame it as an experience: Plan for 2–3 days to enjoy festival events plus local attractions, shops, and eateries.
Dress smart: Comfortable shoes for walking, camera gear for neon and nostalgia, and yes...sunscreen!
Soul of the celebration: It’s a free community event, welcoming everyone to enjoy cars, music, and Missouri pride.
To deepen your experience along the Mother Road, the Convention and Visitor Bureau of Springfield offers a beautifully designed downloadable pdf map that serves as both a guide and a keepsake. It features a regional overview of Route 66 across southwest Missouri, along with a historical timeline, fun stops, photo ops, and fascinating facts about the road’s rise to fame and cultural impact. Whether you’re planning your trip or simply exploring from home, it’s a great way to connect with the legacy of Route 66 in and around Springfield.
Springfield’s Route 66 Centennial celebration doesn’t just look back, it revs forward. A century after the telegram that defined a path, as the proud Birthplace of Route 66, our city is ready to shine once again in 2026, honoring the Mother Road’s legacy, with festivals, parades, concerts, and restored landmarks. Whether you're planning to relive the nostalgia or make new memories the Mother Road is calling.
You'll find no better place to start the journey than right here in the Ozarks. See you on the road!