The road to 100 has officially begun, and the anticipation for the upcoming celebrations is palpable.
Route 66 — America’s Mother Road — will celebrate its centennial in 2026. This iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, was a lifeline for many during the Great Depression and has been a symbol of freedom and adventure for generations of Americans. But towns across Oklahoma aren’t waiting for the official centennial to throw parties. The early celebrations have already started revving up, and nowhere was more evident this spring than in El Reno, where a full-throttle kickoff unfolded with burgers, chrome and a brand-new visitor center.
On the first Saturday in May, thousands gathered for El Reno’s Fried Onion Burger Day Festival. This tradition brings the smell of sizzling onions to the streets of downtown and honors one of the state’s most iconic comfort foods. But this year, the event was paired with something even more exciting: a ribbon-cutting for The Filling Station Visitor Center, a $1.4 million renovation of a vintage Route 66-era gas station. With a curated Made in Oklahoma gift shop and travel tips from local experts, it’s quickly becoming a favorite pit stop for road trippers exploring the highway’s western leg.
Just blocks away, the El Reno Cruisers added to the magic with their annual downtown car show, drawing classic car enthusiasts from across the region. With shiny chrome, vintage rides and live music, the show paid tribute to Route 66’s motor-loving legacy. And it’s not a one-time thing; the Cruisers keep the spirit rolling with monthly Cruise-Ins throughout the summer and their Small-Town Weekend in June, complete with drag races, a poker run and a chuckwagon lunch served in nearby Adams Park.
Elsewhere along the Mother Road, Oklahoma towns are stepping up with events that honor the highway’s past while embracing the road ahead. Clinton, home to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, hosts a Route 66 Festival each May, featuring burnout contests, dog races and a concert under the stars. In Bethany, the 66 Festival lights up Memorial Day weekend with bluegrass, murals, car cruises and a children’s parade. These events are about celebrating the past, but also creating new memories and experiences for everyone who joins in.
June rolls into high gear with Stroud’s Historic Route 66 Wine & Food Festival, where guests sip from Oklahoma wineries, browse local vendors and enjoy live music in a town known as the state’s wine capital. Farther west, Weatherford’s Heartland Cruise Car Show draws more than 250 classic cars to Rader Park, while Chelsea’s Totem Pole BBQ & Music Fest brings a quirky charm in October with live entertainment and the world’s largest concrete totem pole as its backdrop.
For those looking to dive deep into Route 66’s legacy, the AAA Route 66 Road Fest at Tulsa’s Expo Square is a can’t-miss experience with interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of mobility. Tulsa also hosts the Williams Route 66 Marathon each November, drawing runners from across the country for a scenic tour of the city’s neighborhoods, Art Deco architecture and the spirit of the Mother Road.
As these events continue to roll out through 2025 and into 2026, there’s never been a better time to hit Route 66. Whether you’re chasing burgers in El Reno, tasting wines in Stroud or catching a sunset in Clinton, each stop offers its own slice of Americana. Oklahoma is leaning into the Route 66 Centennial and inviting you to ride along.
So, fill the tank, crank the tunes and set your sights on the open highway. The Mother Road is turning 100, and the journey is already unforgettable.
