As the Mother Road marks its 99th anniversary, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission this week unveiled early plans and programming for the Route 66 centennial in 2026.
The yearlong celebration will spotlight Oklahoma’s role in preserving and promoting one of America’s most storied highways.
The announcement kicks off a multiyear effort to honor the history, culture and communities that line Oklahoma’s 400-plus miles of Route 66 and to invite travelers from around the world to experience the open road that helped define the American story.
“Nothing gives the authentic American experience better than Route 66, and in Oklahoma, we’re thrilled to celebrate its centennial with an exciting lineup of events,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also serves as chairman of the Oklahoma Tourism Commission and Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission.
“As we prepare for the 100th anniversary, we are showcasing our communities and leaning into the incredible economic impact that Route 66 brings to our state.”
The Route 66 Centennial Commission, established to guide the planning of Oklahoma’s centennial efforts, will oversee a series of projects and events leading up to 2026, including:
Route 66 Capital Cruise – May 30, 2026 – Tulsa is celebrating 100 years of Route 66 with the largest classic car parade ever and the biggest birthday bash the Mother Road has seen.
Route 66 “Kickin’ It” Centennial Birthday Bash – May 30, 2026 – A full-day experience in Oklahoma City blending nostalgia with modern flair.
Oklahoma Route 66 Mural Fest – July 18, 2026 – Held in conjunction with Oklahoma’s Independent Shopkeepers Association’s “Weekend of Local” and featuring the unveiling of murals in communities along Route 66.
Route 66 Tulsa Birthday Bash + Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 11, 2026 – A mix of live music and performances in various locations in downtown Tulsa, culminating with a concert at Cain’s Ballroom.
“For nearly a century, Route 66 has embodied the spirit of exploration and optimism that defines Oklahoma,” said Sterling Zearley, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. “As we look ahead to the centennial, we’re not just celebrating our past; we’re inviting a new generation of travelers to discover why bold truly belongs here. The Mother Road tells a story of progress, resilience and connection, and Oklahoma will continue to lead that story into its next hundred years.”
“The creation of the Mother Road in 1926 connected Oklahoma to the rest of the country and became a thread that wove together countless lives and communities. The centennial is not just a moment to look back — it’s an opportunity to look forward,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “We’re working to ensure Route 66 remains a living, breathing experience for generations to come.”
Oklahoma’s Route 66 centennial programming will see a series of statewide celebrations that bring together travelers, historians and road trippers from around the world.
Details on individual events, partnerships, and promotional campaigns will be announced throughout 2026.
For updates on Oklahoma’s Route 66 centennial programming, go to TravelOK.com/Route66.
(Image of an Oklahoma Route 66 sign in Chandler, Oklahoma, by scott.tanis via Flickr)