Route 66

Roll down the car windows. Turn up the radio. And head on down the Last 100 Miles of Historic Route 66 in southwest Illinois for the mother of all road trips.

There are plenty of ways to get your kicks on Route 66 in the Great Rivers & Routes region. The final leg of the road in Illinois, 100-miles of it in fact, meander through the region from Virden, just outside Springfield, IL, to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi River in to Missouri. In between those points are some fun, kitschy and Instagrammable stops on the famous Mother Road. Get ready to rock and roll!

Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Road Trip of a Lifetime

Take the road trip of a lifetime along America's most iconic highway -- Route 66 in 2026 -- the 100th anniversary of The Mother Road.

Southwest Illinois is chock full of Route 66 Centennial Celebrations. Home to The Last 100 Miles of Route 66, the region is full of the kitsch, history and pure Americana of the highway. Meet the stars of the highway from an original roadside diner to a classic drive-in theatre; from a giant pink elephant to a giant fork in the road. There's no shortage of adventures in the local communities infused with the charm of the highway.

Stop for the fun taking place at classic roadside attractions including the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, downtown Carlinville, West End Service Station in Edwardsville, It's Electric Neon Sign Park in Granite City and don't miss the return of The Catsup Bottle Festival in Collinsille. Plus there is so much more.

Logo for the centennial celebration of Route 66's birthday.

100 Years in the Making

On April 30, 1926, officials in Springfield, MO, received a telegram from the federal government designating the new national highway as Route 66.

Nov. 11, 1926 is the official date when Route 66 was commissioned, making 2026 the Centennial Anniversary of what has become known as The Mother Road.

Great Rivers & Routes: Centennial Celebrations

Edwardsville Route 66 Festival

Location: 101 S. Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL 62025
When: June 13, 2026 | 8 AM - 11:30 PM

Edwardsville's Route 66 Festival celebration makes for a whole day of fun. For runners, the event starts with a Route 66 10K, followed by the opening of the festival doors. Grab a seat in the audience to the live music performed, stroll through the car show, and cheer on drivers at the cruise. Learn more here.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Location: 908 Veterans Memorial Dr, Livingston, IL 62058
When: June 20, 2026 | 10 AM - 8 PM

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall will be hosting a series of events in honor of its 100th birthday. The day starts with a Jeep Duck Hunt with a $5 entry fee. At 3 PM, the Route 66 Centennial Cruise-In begins, a car show that welcomes vehicles and spectators for free. There will also be a pinup contest, bouncy castles, and so much more for guests to enjoy.

The Hemmings Great Race | Collinsville Stop

Location: Uptown Collinsville
When: June 20, 2026 | 4 PM - 7 PM

The Hemmings Great Race's second stop is here in Collinsville! Cheer on drivers or join fellow gearheads on a ride across the states. Following Route 66, The Hemmings Great Race will navigate participating vehicles from Illinois, through Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada before ending in California.

For those looking to join the race, find more information here on how to register.

Catsup Bottle Festival

Location: Herald Square | 113 E Clay St, Collinsville, IL 62234
When: June 20, 2026 | 2 PM - 7 PM

While in Collinsville for the Hemmings Great Race, swing by the Catsup Bottle Festival! See the Giant Potato Truck in person and continue your Route 66 experience with the Catsup Bottle Festival Classic Car Show.

Route 66 Jubilee

Location: Macoupin County Courthouse | 201 E Main St, Carlinville, IL 62626
When: June 26, 2026 | 9 AM - 10 PM

Plan to fill your day with retro cars, educational talks, and community fun with the Route 66 Jubilee. Cars will be on display all day while car enthusiasts and historians give presentations on the role of the vehicles in American life, but that won't be all. Carlinville also wants to pay tribute to the local talent and will have songwriters, singers, and musicians from the community performing their original music all day.

Wildey Theater Showing

Location: 252 N. Main St. Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
When: September 10, 2026

Take the time to celebrate the centennial in retro style with this vintage-loving event. Catch a screening at the historic Wildey Theater in Edwardsville. A long-time collaborator with Route 66, the theater is expected to schedule a screening of a car-themed film. Learn more here.

Bicycle Illinois Route 66 Ride

Location: Starts in Madison County
When: September 19 - 23, 2026

Madison County takes a different kind of wheel to Route 66: bike wheels. The bicycle ride will take participants through timed trails in Collinsville, Granite City, Edwardsville, Hamel, and Troy. Pack your helmet and grab your water to prepare for this athletic event.

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Additional Centennial Events Along the Mother Road

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Oct 10th, 2026

Pumpkin Fest in Girard
The Girard Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in The Last 100 Miles Festival with the Pumpkin Fest! As a community located along the historic U.S. Route 66, they have a…
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Oct 10th, 2026

Halloween Bash in Virden
Join the City of Virden for their Halloween Bash as a part of the Last 100 Miles Festival! This event celebrates the spirit of Route 66 while fostering local pride and Halloween…
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Oct 10th, 2026

Route 66: The Haunted Hundred Festival
The Last 100 Miles Festival is here, and something spooky is happening on the Mother Road in Livingston.... Join the Pink Elephant Antique Mall for Livingston’s Route 66: The Haunted Hundred celebration…
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Oct 14th, 2026

West End Wednesday
Gather at the West End Service Station in Edwardsville and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Special treats and eats and a whole lot of fun make this event extra special.
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