On November 11, 1926 - US Highway 66 was established. In 2026, the road turns 100 - and big celebrations are in the works!
The Association is preparing for the upcoming Centennial by offering grants for beautification, revitalization, and enhancements to Historic Route 66 businesses and communities throughout Arizona! These grants will be awarded now and leading up to the centennial. Preparing Route 66 in Arizona to be the best version of itself for an influx of visitors is a priority. Please consider investing in your business or community. More information can be found on our Grants page.
Other initiatives include a Arizona Route 66 Passport spinoff, which will be a seasonless activity for travelers visiting Arizona.
Additionally, we are a member of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, a group that is working on a variety of Route 66 projects from a national perspective. The Historic Route 66 Association is proud to be included in this group, which includes representation from all eight states on Route 66.
Additionally, there is a federal U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission which is meeting regularly and working on plans at a national level.
A frequent question we hear is: when are you celebrating the Centennial in 2026? Well, that IS the big question! Arizona's stretch of Historic Route 66 has mild winters- so celebrations will be going all year long! We expect that many communities along Route 66 will heavily incorporate the Centennial into existing annual celebrations.
The Association of course will be celebrating the Centennial with a big Route 66 Fun Run May 1-3, 2026!
Below is a list of existing annual Arizona Route 66-focused events in each community and the month they typically occur. This should provide a general idea of what will be going on in Arizona throughout the year. We’ll update this with more information as it comes in!
For full event information, please click here!
2025 Events:
Williams Car Drop, Williams
December 31, 2025
It’s the inaugural 1927 Chevy Capitol Car Drop. Forget about Times Square shenanigans. Anyone can drop an apple. An automobile, now that’s impressive. The party will include fireworks, as well as a beer and wine festival.
2026 Events:
Oatman Bed Races, Oatman
January 31, 2026
Forget the Indy 500, Daytona 500, and the Kentucky Derby. For sheer drama and athletic prowess exhibited while wearing pajamas, nothing tops the Oatman Bed Races. Five-person teams, with four pushers and one sheet jockey, propel beds through Oatman’s main drag at breakneck speeds.
A New One-Act Play: Route 66 to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff
Beginning February 2026
Enjoy the scenic Grand Canyon and Petrfied Forest National Park, and then be entertained with an interactive, hilarious one-act play commissioned by Theatrikos Theatre Company. You're invited to play along with Ruth, Mother Road, and Bryan.
Route 66 Festival and Car Show, Holbrook
April 2026
Come out for a great car show, entertainment, food, and more!
Route 66 Bike Week, Statewide
April 23-26, 2026
A rolling rally that offers you a trip back in time, to explore historic americana and small towns USA.
Seligman Centennial Celebration, Seligman
April 30, 2026
Join the community of Seligman as they unveil their new monument signs in town for the Route 66 Centennial. Stick around for a great big day-long party!
Route 66 Fun Run, Seligman, Kingman, Topock
May 1-3, 2026
The oldest Route 66 celebration in the US! Historic Route 66 Fun Run participants from across the globe will meet in Seligman to travel a 140-mile stretch of Route 66 with events planned in nearly every community along the way.
Ash Fork Heritage on Route 66 Day, Ash Fork
May 16, 2026
A community celebration blending the town’s pioneer roots with the centennial of Route 66 featuring a parade, classic car show, chili cookoff, craft fair, pony rides, games, and more!
Williams Car Show, Williams
June 5-6, 2026
Come be a part of the 2-day Car Show held on Historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams! 500 vehicles will be on display.
Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration, Flagstaff
June 6, 2026
Reminiscent of the era, this event will be a day-long experience, and a free, family event which includes nostalgic reenactments, classic car show, streetscape chalk art, and a festival in ‘The only 7,000-foot elevation, pine-fresh, dark-sky city on the Mother Road.’
Mother Road Classic Car Show, Flagstaff
August 15, 2026
This classic car show raises money for local Flagstaff charities.
Standin on the Corner Festival, Winslow
September 25-26, 2026
Two days of live music, great food, and great drinks!
Route 66, The Main Street of America Screening, Kingman
October 15, 2026
This feature-length documentary will be held at the Beale Street Theater and will include a car show block party.
Kingman Route 66 Fest, Kingman
Oct 16-17, 2026
A 2-day festival with live music, Route 66 displays, a pinup contest, vendors, live art displays, and so much more!
Route 66 UltraRun, Seligman, Kingman, Topock
Nov 13-16, 2026
This race is held the 2nd weekend of November from Friday through Monday night. Runners journey 140 miles of Route 66 in Arizona.
