On November 11, 1926 - US Highway 66 was established. In 2026, the road turns 100 - and big celebrations are in the works!
The State of Arizona has begun forming a Centennial Commission. The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona is proud to be a member of this Commission. The first meeting has yet to be set.
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 season less activity for travelers visiting Arizona.
Additionally, we are a member of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, a nationally-focused 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.
On the national level, there is a federal U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission which is meeting regularly and working on plans at a national level.
We will continue to update this page as more information is available!
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!
Oatman Bed Races, Oatman - January 25, 2025 & January 31, 2026 (tentative 2026 date)
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.
Route 66 Bike Week, Statewide - April 21-27, 2025 & April 20-26, 2026
A rolling rally that offers you a trip back in time, to explore historic americana and small towns USA. Route 66 Bike Week is recognized as the last full week in April, annually.
Route 66 Fun Run, Seligman, Kingman, Topock - May 2-4, 2025 & 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.
Route 66 Street Drags, Kingman - May 2025 & May 2026
The largest legal street races in the world on the most historic road on earth! The 1/8 mile drag race is held right down the middle of Ol’ 66 in Kingman, AZ!
Williams Car Show, Williams - June 6-7, 2025 & June 5-6, 2026
Hosted by American Legion Post 13, this event transforms historic Route 66 into an amazing display of automotive excellence, featuring a diverse range of classic, vintage, and custom vehicles. Attendees enjoy not only an impressive lineup of cars but also live music, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates both the heritage of Route 66 and the community spirit of Williams.
Standin on the Corner Festival, Winslow - September 26-27, 2025 & September 2026
A 2-day festival filled with live entertainment, vendors, food, and fun for all! This annual festival has grown into one of Northern Arizona’s biggest events attracting visitors from all over the world! Beer garden, horseshoe tournament, live auction, and more!
Kingman Route 66 Fest, Kingman - Oct 10-11, 2025 & Oct 9-10, 2026
This festival features live bands, beer garden serving regional craft beers, food and craft vendors, a classic car show, vintage trailer show, pin up contest, roller skating, Route 66 displays, live art demonstrations, fun activity zones, a zipline, a fun photobooth, children's activities and more!
Route 66 UltraRun, Seligman, Kingman, Topock - Veterans Day Wknd
Runners will journey through iconic Americana along 140 miles of historic Route 66 from Seligman to Topock66 Colorado River, Arizona. The event will host a maximum of 100 runners with a 60-hour cutoff, each supported by a dedicated crew. This 140-mile race benefits the Alzheimer's Association and Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Route 66 Festival and Car Show, Holbrook - April 2026
Come out for a great car show, entertainment, food, and more!