The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona announced an event to kick off the highway’s centennial just a few days after its 99th birthday.
“A Night at the Route 66 Museum,” a one-time, special event, will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Arizona Route 66 Museum (aka Powerhouse) in Kingman, Arizona.
The gala seems to be an attempt at one-upmanship by cities vying to claim the first celebration for Route 66’s centennial.
Less than a month ago, Springfield, Missouri, was chosen as the official kickoff site for the Route 66 centennial, set for April 30, 2026.
Springfield, Illinois, in January was the first to announce a Route 66 centennial event. That one is set for Nov. 11, 2026, on the actual centennial date.
The federal government officially designated U.S. 66 on Nov. 11, 1926.
More from the Arizona association’s news release:
Set against the backdrop of the historic Mother Road, guests will step back in time to the Roaring Twenties for an evening featuring:
- Live jazz music
- Casino-style games in a speakeasy atmosphere
- A captivating magic show
- Guided tours of the museum’s all-new exhibits
- Food included with ticket purchase
This event not only brings the glamour of the 1920s to life, but also marks the official kickoff to a year-long celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary, culminating in 2026. It also serves as the official unveiling of the completed Route 66 Museum Centennial Renovation Project. Explore exciting new exhibits and connect with Arizona’s Route 66 History like never before.
Tickets are $100 and will go on sale on June 6 at historic66az.com. Proceeds will benefit the museum, “supporting ongoing preservation, educational outreach and centennial programming.”
(Image of old Route 66 near Oatman, Arizona, by Vicente Villamon via Flickr)