The Gathering Place, a huge park along the Arkansas River in Tulsa, is partnering with other groups locally and across the country to honor Route 66’s centennial in 2026.
According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association:
The park will feature a robust calendar of programs and activities that bring the nostalgia of Route 66 to life. Highlights include a Route 66 Festival, a sneaker decorating contest inspired by iconic Americana, a retro “drive-in” movie night, sand sculpture showcases, and themed fitness classes like swing and western dance. An exhibit inside ONEOK Boathouse will immerse visitors in Tulsa’s deep connection to the road, with engaging displays and experiences that tell the story of why Tulsa holds the title as the Capital of Route 66.
As part of its centennial storytelling, Gathering Place will weave the story of Route 66 into the park’s natural elements, using the landscapes as a canvas to connect history, culture, and nature. Through intentional marketing and seasonal storytelling — like cherry blossoms reflecting the colorful spirit of Route 66, wildflowers highlighting the living landscapes along the Mother Road, and pollinator-inspired experiences linking road trips to natural journeys — the park will celebrate the Mother Road in a way that is both authentic and unforgettable.
Gathering Place is proud to partner with and support the efforts the Route 66 Alliance, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Travel Oklahoma, Visit Tulsa, and statewide initiatives to create an unforgettable centennial experience that honors the past, drives tourism, and inspires future generations.
Many events during the centennial will be free, with a few ticketed ones. A calendar will be announced later.
The locally based George Kaiser Family Foundation created the 66.5-acre Gathering Place in 2018 and gave it to the city, making it the largest private gift to a community park in U.S. history.
Gathering Place is about two miles south of Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza along Riverside Drive.
(Image of The Gathering Place in Tulsa by Jeff Flinn via Flickr)