Events
Events
Calendar of Events
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4 events,
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… |
5 events,
Route 66: The Main Street of America will premiere as a moving celebration: a cross-country film screening tour down Historic Route 66. Partnering with local entities along the historic highway (Main Street programs, downtown associations, tourism bureaus and chambers of commerce), we’ll screen the film at 40+ events at select drive-ins and historic theaters from Chicago to… |
5 events, |
5 events, |
8 events,
CRUISE INTO HISTORY! Join us September 4–6, 2026, at JC Niemann Park in Mount Olive, IL for the Mount Olive Route 66 Centennial Homecoming! Enjoy three days of live music, carnival rides, vendors, food trucks, a car cruise-in, parade, beer tent, and your chance to WIN $10,000 in our Sunday raffle drawing! Raffle tickets…
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Route 66 Centennial Celebration & Drone Show at Rader Family Farms, presented by VisitBN and Sponsored by Rivian. Get your kicks on Route 66 and experience: - 12-acre Route 66 themed Corn Maze- 10am-6pm ($)- Diner-style eats and drinks ($)- Over 50 fun-filled activities- 10am-6pm ($)- Cruise-In Classic Cars & Donuts Show - 4pm -…
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CALLING ALL ROUTE 66 FANS.... Tickets are on sale... Will we see you at the Old Joliet Prison on September 4th for the Route 66: The Main Street of America documentary screening? Enjoy a self-guided tour of the prison before hand and settle in for the screening and Q&A that follow. See the link below… |
11 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced… 
Come shop local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, support local and historic downtown Lockport every Saturday until September 19th! Where: 133 W. 13th St. Lockport, IL 60441 From: 9Am-1Pm Want to be a vendor? Applications are available on our website www.chistreetmarkets.com (This is the only way to apply for the market! Reach out to [email protected] with…
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A bit of Renaissance on Route 66 at Historic Route 66 Flea Market: Returning to the Renaissance for our second year! FREE ENTRY! Come see the Fairy Queen and follow the clues of her Quest to earn your place as a Knight of the Court! The Kingdom of the Broken Crown will also be there…
Free
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8 events,
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Pontiac, IL: You've never heard violin like this! The world's premier visionary violinist, Dixon's life mission is to inspire people - and he has done so across North America, including giving four TED talks/performances, over ten years at Burning Man, plus radio, TV, and film appearances. Dixon’s Violin continues his HUMANKINDness tour on Sunday, September…
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One hundred years after Route 66 first connected communities across America, a new feature-length documentary invites audiences to discover the people and places keeping its story alive – including Bloomington-Normal and Central Illinois. “ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA,” a documentary by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, begins its Roadshow on September 1, 2026, in Chicago,… |
5 events, |
6 events,
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Celebrate the centennial of a truly legendary highway with a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA—a powerfully moving new feature-length documentary that follows the road, sharing unforgettable stories of the people and towns we meet along the way.From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, each encounter reveals communities finding new life… |
6 events,
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Get your kicks on Route 66 with an awesome movie about the Mother Road From the mind of John Paget, come out to the Drive-In to see "Route 66 The Main Street of America" a chronicle depicting and showcasing Route 66. From their website: Route 66: The Main Street of America will premiere as a… |
6 events,
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Celebrate the centennial of a truly legendary highway with a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA a powerfully moving new feature-length documentary that follows the road, sharing unforgettable stories of the people and towns we meet along the way. From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, each encounter reveals communities… |
11 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
Come shop local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, support local and historic downtown Lockport every Saturday until September 19th! Where: 133 W. 13th St. Lockport, IL 60441 From: 9Am-1Pm Want to be a vendor? Applications are available on our website www.chistreetmarkets.com (This is the only way to apply for the market! Reach out to [email protected] with…
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2026 Small Town Dreamers Market on the Square in Farmersville, IL Hosted by @shoptherootedhome “Let’s root for each other & watch each other grow.” 2026 Dates September 12th 9am-1pm Vendors-Live Music-Food We are located just a couple minutes off of I-55, exit 72, on Farmersville’s charming square. You will find us on Elevator St right… |
5 events,
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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 music all day and plenty of street food. You'll also enjoy the adjoining Monroe Street market area with talented artisan and farmers market vendors. Plus,… |
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5 events,
Red, White, and Blue-Hundred Fifty Years! Welcome to Dwight Harvest Days, where we're combining our usual start-of-Fall fun with a special celebration of 250 years since the United States declared its independence. Join us September 17-20, 2026, for a weekend filled with carnival rides, a Basset Waddle, live entertainment, and plenty of patriotic fun in… |
6 events,
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Important Update: Unfortunately, the Centennial Plaza grand opening for Friday, September 18, has been cancelled. The City of Pontiac apologizes for the inconvenience and to everyone who was planning to attend. Please stay tuned to Visit Pontiac social media channels for future updates regarding this event. Please join us at the grand opening of Centennial… |
13 events,
Bicycle Illinois is excited to introduce the Route 66 Ride, a new week-long cycling tour traveling from the St. Louis area to Chicagoland along the legendary Old Route 66. This tour is still in development, and registration is not yet open, but riders are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans continue to progress.… 
Save the date!! The Fall Festival is just around the corner and CHS Band will be performing for the 1st time on the grounds!! Vendor spots are still available. Applications can be found on our website. https://macoupincountyhistoricalsociety.com/
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
Come shop local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, support local and historic downtown Lockport every Saturday until September 19th! Where: 133 W. 13th St. Lockport, IL 60441 From: 9Am-1Pm Want to be a vendor? Applications are available on our website www.chistreetmarkets.com (This is the only way to apply for the market! Reach out to [email protected] with…
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Main Street Mingle season is officially ready for vendor sign-ups — and trust us, this year is going to be BIG. With themed events, our Renaissance edition, and the massive Route 66 Centennial Celebration closing out the season, you’re going to want in on this one. Location: Old Route 66 – Virden Town Square 9… |
7 events, |
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5 events, |
5 events, |
5 events, |
10 events,
Tammi’s Treasures Antiques & More and Sweet Pea’s Antiques & More Fall Sale! Sept. 25-27 10% Off Everything! Register to win a tabletop Blackstone! Open Daily 10-5:30 Exit 82 Off I55 (Pawnee/Auburn)exit 
The 25th Annual Route 66 Mother Road Festival is September 25-27, 2026. The cars, the music, the fun and nostalgia that Route 66 has brought to generations will return for another year, rolling into historic downtown Springfield in September. Admission is FREE for spectators. The show is locally managed by Greg “Coop” and Sue Cooper,…
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Elkhart Illinois Historical Society Presents “Lincoln: The Man, The Myth, The Legend” The Elkhart Illinois Historical Society invites the public to Lincoln: The Man, The Myth, The Legend, a dinner lecture presented by Rick Klinedinst, exploring the many myths and conflicting stories about the events that took place during Lincoln’s Lifetime. For instance, did he…
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The Elkhart Illinois Historical Society invites the public to Lincoln: The Man, The Myth, The Legend, a dinner lecture presented by Rick Klinedinst, exploring the many myths and conflicting stories about the events that took place during Lincoln’s Lifetime. For instance, did he have a dream about his death just days before his assassination? Were bankers behind…
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Come on out each Fourth Friday in Gillespie! September 25th will continue the series with another street fair on Chestnut St. between Macoupin & Montgomery. The Lions Club will be selling food on Chestnut, Diskey the Wonder Dog will perform at UCB, and Lumpy’s will have live music. Gillespie downtown will also be open later.…
Free
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8 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced… |
7 events,
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Hosted by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, this annual celebration honors the legendary artists, broadcasters, and industry leaders who shaped Illinois’ rich musical heritage. The one‑night‑only event features unforgettable live performances, special guest appearances, and historic moments as new inductees are welcomed into the Hall of Fame. A signature Route 66… |
5 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held…
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Join the Apple Barn for their 3rd Annual Fall Festival! A day full of food, music, and fun for all ages! Save the date and make sure to check out their Facebook page for more details! |
MAJOR EVENTS ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 66
Submit Your Event
Event postings are limited to events held in Route 66 communities in Illinois, and are a benefit to members of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.