Route 66 Centennial
Events for June 20, 2026
Route 66 Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit at The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space
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 Photographic Exhibition by David J. Schwartz
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…
Route 66 Submerged: A Sunken Road. A Story Resurfaced.
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…
2026 History Comes Alive Summer Experience
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…
“Main Street of America” Route 66 Centennial Caravan
"Main Street of America" Route 66 Centennial Caravan - bringing people together across 2,448 miles of the most famous road in the world. From California to Illinois on the Mother…
2026 Great Race Starting Point in Springfield
The 2026 Great Race starts in Springfield Illinois this year traveling Route 66 all the way to Pasadena California. the event kicks off at the Old State Capitol from 9:30am - 1pm. The race hits Main Street in Collinsville at 4pm and then will overnight there. The Great Race is an antique, vintage, and collector…
Grand Relaunch Celebration of the Historic Windmill at the Mill Museum on Route 66
Come celebrate the grand relaunch of the Historic Windmill at the Mill Museum on Route 66 at 738 St. Washington St., Lincoln, Illinois on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 from 11 am to 3pm. The windmill sails have been rebuilt to provide lighting and motion as they had in the 1940's. This free celebration will feature…
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
Everyone is invited to the World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival on Saturday June 20, 2026 at Herald Square Collinsville, Illinois, featuring the Giant Idaho Potato Truck Tour! All afternoon long we'll have ketchup tasting, hot dog eating contests, tater tots eating contest, Princess Tomato & Sir Catsup Pageant, hula hoops, water balloons, and so much…