Route 66 Centennial
Events
Calendar of Events
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In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Pharmacy will host a special Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit Bob Waldmire - Nomadic Hippie, gifted artist, and Route 66 icon. Immerse yourself in the legend's creative expressions and awe-inspiring attention to detail, celebrating the nostalgia and culture of Route 66. Springfield native Bob Waldmire was… 
Route 66: The Road That Takes You — Springfield Edition is a photography exhibition by Lakewood, Ohio photographer David J. Schwartz, whose work was selected for the official USPS Route 66 Centennial commemorative stamps. For more than two decades, Schwartz has traveled the length of Route 66, documenting the people, places, and quiet moments that…
Free
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) invites the public to get their kicks at a new “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit May 23, 2026 - April 4, 2027. The exhibition brings to life the experience of living, working and traveling along U.S. Route 66 during its heyday. The exhibit incorporates the… 
Step aboard Route 66 SUBMERGED, a 45-minute interpretive boat tour on Lake Springfield that reveals a hidden chapter of America’s most iconic highway. Beneath the surface lies a stretch of Springfield’s original Route 66 alignment, submerged when Sugar Creek was dammed in 1933. Guided by local storytellers this immersive journey blends history, nature, and narrative—offering… 
History Comes Alive — “Celebrate America — Stories that Built America! Experience the spirit of Lincoln’s hometown, where history comes alive through unforgettable costumed reenactors, Route 66 treasures, and inspiring moments honoring America’s 250th birthday. Embark on a captivating journey as you encounter Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln and the largest cast of characters we’ve had… |
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The Illinois State Museum Society is celebrating the centennial of the Mother Road with a series of bus trips exploring the culture and history that grew along the iconic highway. Our second trip takes us north to Joliet, where we will delve into the Great Migration, the work of Ida B. Wells, and Illinois's influence… |
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The 2026 Litchfield Pickers Market returns on the second Sunday of each month, May to October, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This popular regional market features a juried antique sale with live… |
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Pontiac Tourism welcomes this Midwest Meet Up, which is a Centennial Certified Event and should be lots of fun. They are traveling the whole of Illinois Route 66. For Pontiac, they will begin arriving July 16th in the afternoon, will have a show and a picnic catered by Edinger's at Humiston-Riverside Park, then the Rockin'… |
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ISM is partnering with our neighbors at the Secretary of State's office and the Illinois Supreme Court to host two days of family-fun at the Capitol Complex to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 17th and 18th from 10:00-4:00, visit the Illinois State Museum, The Illinois State… |
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Kidzeum is turning 8, and we're celebrating with a full day of free family fun in the heart of downtown Springfield. This year, our birthday falls during the Route 66… 
Get ready for another unforgettable season of Downtown Pontiac Cruise Nights 2026! Join us as we celebrate the Route 66 & Pontiac Car Centennial with a full lineup of special features and themed nights you won’t want to miss. Car lovers are invited to cruise into Downtown Pontiac (vehicle entry at the corner of Mill…
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We’re gearing up for one of the biggest celebrations our community has ever seen — honoring 100 years of memories, milestones, and the magic of Route 66. This year’s Festival Days is all about connection, pride, and bringing our town together in a way only Girard can. This year’s Festival Days is packed with classic…
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We’re hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gillespie Streetscape Project. Join us at 10am at the corner of Macoupin & Pine Streets for this very exciting moment! Deputy Governor Andy Manar will be the keynote speaker. The event is being held in conjunction with Grow Gillespie, Gillespie Fourth Fridays and Gillespie Colonial Giving Garden.…
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Gillespie Fourth Fridays runs July through October in 2026, with the kickoff this Friday eve. Brick and Mortar night is from 5-9pm, and features local shopping, restaurant specials, a book signing by Jim Marcacci at Illinois Coal Museum, movie night at Colonial Giving Garden and more! At the Grow Gillespie Colonial Giving Garden, at the… |
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Hello car show peeps, we are gearing up for another great year and who could forget it is the 100 year Anniversary of Route 66! With this year expecting to be our biggest year yet we not only added more classes we are taking it a step farther and we are shutting down the square…
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Lick Creek Country Night Gates Open: July 25, 2026 @ 6PM SHOW STARTS AT 7pm $5 adults 18 and under FREE Admission TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GATE ONLY FOR THIS EVENT. Debit/Credit Only purchases available. There will be no refunds nor rain dates for this event Food vendors along with Ice Cold Drinks from… |
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Calling all Jeep enthusiasts. The DESTIHL Beer Hall's annual Jeep Cruise-In is back on Sunday, July 26, and this year we're celebrating every era under the theme Cruisin' Through the… |
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