Springfield, Missouri has been selected as the host city for the national kickoff of America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration in 2026. The city was named by the U.S. National Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Road Ahead Partnership, a national nonprofit working to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national icon and international destination after a competitive process.
Springfield applied on behalf of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, established by Gov. Mike Kehoe, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The Commission is charged with preparing cities across Missouri for the celebration, planning events, encouraging citizen involvement, and providing information on Route 66 centennial activities. To date, the Commission has incentivized Missouri communities to plan events and design tourist attractions with more than $1 million in investments funded by the state of Missouri.
"I'm proud to celebrate Springfield’s designation as the national kickoff city for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration in 2026. This recognition is a testament to Missouri’s deep roots in the history of America’s most iconic highway and to the vibrant spirit of the communities that keep that legacy alive today,” said Gov. Kehoe. “Route 66 is more than just a road — it’s a symbol of freedom, opportunity, and the American Dream. And there’s no better place to begin the centennial celebration than right here in the city where it all began: Springfield, Missouri. I want to thank the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission for their tireless work and leadership in helping us secure this national honor. Together, we’re preserving the past, promoting tourism, and fueling pride for future generations across our state."
A kickoff concert featuring A-list entertainment will be held in the Historic Shrine Mosque on April 30, 2026, livestreamed around the world with cut-ins from Route 66 cities across the United States. April 30 is the anniversary of the telegram that was sent in 1926 from Springfield to Washington, D.C. requesting that a new transcontinental road be named Route 66.
Additional festivities in Springfield and across the state of Missouri will be announced at a later date. Visit celebratemo66.com for ongoing updates.
