Illinois Route 66 Scenic Centennial Celebration & Concert
STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas to Headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration in Springfield
Legendary rock band STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas will headline The Route 66 Centennial Celebration on November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois.
As part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Route 66 Centennial Celebration, the day will culminate in an electrifying evening concert inside the Motordome, bringing high-energy, arena-level rock to the heart of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.
“This is an extraordinary occasion, and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66 community to celebrate the 100-year history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“Having STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas take the stage at our Route 66 Centennial Celebration brings a level of prestige and musical legacy that truly matches the significance of 100 years of Route 66. This is the kind of iconic performance that transforms the occasion into something momentous.”
STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas has defined generations of rock music with chart-topping hits including “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Known for its iconic sound and powerful live performances, the band will deliver a landmark show befitting the Route 66 centennial.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference will be held from 7am to 3pm at Motorheads, bringing together Route 66 leaders, tourism professionals, and community stakeholders. Sessions will focus on preservation, economic development, and the future of the Mother Road. Tickets are $75 for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members and $125 for non-members.
The Route 66 Centennial Celebration begins at 6pm and features STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas, along with food, and festivities. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased by clicking here.
Conference Tickets are now on sale!
Byway Members: Receive special discounted pricing! Please email [email protected] to request your exclusive member payment link.
Non-Members: Click HERE to purchase your conference ticket.
You’ll also find the conference agenda below so you can see the exciting lineup of speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities planned for this special centennial event.
We look forward to welcoming you for a day of learning, celebration, and connecting with Route 66 enthusiasts from across Illinois and beyond!
AGENDA
7:15 AM – 8:15 AM Breakfast & Networking
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM Opening Remarks
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM Bill Thomas (Route 66 from 1926 until today)
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Frank Butterfield (Preservation)
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Break (15 minutes)
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Scott Dahl, Bob Navarro, Liz Vincent, Melissa Chrisman & Cory Jobe (Tourism Panel Discussion)
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM (1hr 15min) Lunch
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Rhys Martin (The Future of Route 66)
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Ryan McCrady (Economic Development)
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Afternoon Break (15 minutes)
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Jim Hinkley (Keynote/Storyteller)
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM Closing Remarks
