The Last 100 Miles Festival: A Celebration of the Mother Road in Illinois
There’s a party brewing in southwest Illinois. Plan a weekend of festival fun along The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 Oct. 9-10. Local communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the centennial of the Mother Road and that includes lots of live music, food and Route 66 memories.
Check out these great festivals and events along The Last 100 Miles of Route 66!
Soulsby’s Station & Mother Jones: A Celebration of the Mother Road
Mt. Olive is celebrating the Last 100 Miles Festival in a big way. With activations at two locations, Soulsby’s Station & Mother Jones Monument: A celebration of the Mother Road promises a memorable experience for all.
- Oct. 9, visit Soulsby’s Service Station for a Friday night packed with music and entertainment. Collectible Shell Gas pens and the exclusive Last 100 Miles trading card will be available, and a bounce house will be set up for kids of all ages.
- Oct. 10, come back to Soulsby’s for refreshments of Route 66 cookies from locally famous B&K Bakery!
- Oct. 11, continue the celebration from Soulsby’s Service Station to the United Miners Cemetery, where a Mother Jones reenactor, live music and speakers, including Brian Sanson, president of the United Mine Workers of America, will honor Miners Day along Route 66.
Don’t miss this exciting festival honoring the Mother Road!
Brave Days Festival in Carlinville
Brave Hazel Boutique will host a three-day Route 66-themed Fall Market & Shopping Experience during the Last 100 Miles Fest! The event celebrates Carlinville’s proud place along Historic Route 66 while highlighting small businesses, seasonal shopping, live music, and community engagement in the downtown square.
Brave Hazel will transform the Carlinville Square and surrounding sidewalks into a Route 66 Harvest Hub, creating a welcoming stop for festival visitors traveling the Mother Road.
What Visitors Can Expect:
- Live acoustic music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 50+ vendors as part of the Merchants, Music & Makers Festival
- Route 66-themed storefront and window displays
- Trading card check-in station and visitor welcome area at the Gazebo
Be Brave, experience the final stretch in style!
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/brave-days-festival-in-carlinville/
The Rabbit Roadside Art Crawl
Staunton’s quirky celebration of art along the Mother Road invites you to slow down, wander, and explore. Staunton’s contribution to the Last 100 Miles festival opens the door for you to discover cabinets of curiosity, watch live artists create in real time, and search for hidden rabbits throughout town. This grassroots art crawl honors the creative spirit of Route 66, inspired by and in memory of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch.
To see the live art demonstrations and curiosity cabinets visit the following stops to make this a whole town experience!
Blackbird Bakery
Mississippi Culture
Cavataio’s
Vintage Station
Staunton Library
Get your kicks in Staunton, where art, history, and Route 66 come alive. Don’t forget to collect your one of a kind Last 100 Miles trading card!
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/the-rabbit-roadside-art-crawl/
Granite City’s Sizzlin’ on 66 Celebration
The Last 100 Miles Festival is here! Get ready to fire up your fall at Sizzlin’ on 66, a mouthwatering BBQ showdown celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road. Granite City heats things up as pitmasters from near and far gather for a weekend of smoke, flavor, and friendly competition.
The action kicks off Oct. 9 with the Amateur Series Backyard Pork Steak Throwdown in Civic Park.
Then on Oct. 10, the heat rises as the Pro Series BBQ Competition takes center stage, featuring top pitmasters competing with championship flavor.
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/granite-citys-sizzlin-on-66-celebration/
A Weekend of Songs and Stories: Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 in Illinois at the Wildey Theatre & City Park
This three night series highlights Illinois’ rich musical and literary heritage, bringing together iconic performers and voices that reflect the spirit of the Mother Road.
Set in one of the region’s most historic venues, the celebration features an intimate lineup of performances designed to honor the culture, history, and storytelling tradition that Route 66 inspired across generations.
Wildey Theatre Lineup:
October 9, 2026 – 7:00 PM
The weekend opens with The Buckinghams, delivering a signature blend of classic hits and energetic performances that capture the timeless sound of Illinois rock and pop.
October 10, 2026 – 7:00 PM
An evening of poetry and reflection features Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte, offering a powerful spoken word experience that weaves together identity, place, and story in celebration of Illinois’ literary voice.
October 11, 2026 – 7:00 PM
The celebration concludes with The Ides of March, featuring Illinois native Jim Peterik, bringing decades of legendary music to the stage with a performance rooted in classic rock tradition.
This weekend event invites audiences to experience a meaningful tribute to Route 66’s 100-year legacy in Illinois through unforgettable songs, stories, and performances at the Wildey Theatre.
Hamel Route 66 Car & Bike Show
The Last 100 Miles Festival is here! Celebrate the iconic Route 66 at the 3rd Annual Route 66 Car & Bike Show in Hamel.
This event has everything you need for the perfect day of exploring the machines that helped travelers cruise the Mother Road for generations.
Check out cars and bikes from across the decades, including a 1926 Model T Rapid Assembly Team. Then grab a local snack and drink as you browse crafts and vendors inside the Community Center. Don’t forget to pick up a commemorative Route 66 Centennial Trading Card and Village of Hamel T-shirt before heading home!
Get your engines revving for this exciting event honoring Route 66 in Hamel!
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/hamel-route-66-car-bike-show/
Kickin’ on Route 66 Fun Fest
The Last 100 Miles Festival is here, and Farmersville is ready to celebrate with its Kickin’ on Route 66 Fun Fest! Bring the whole family out for a day of fun along the Mother Road, packed with activities for all ages.
Event Highlights:
• Bounce houses
• Music in the park featuring two live singing groups
• Magician and balloon artist
• Kids’ activity area
• Route 66 banner in the park
• Photo booth with props
• Classic cars on display
• Food available for purchase
• Drinks at the Uptown Saloon served in a commemorative Route 66 cup
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/kickin-on-route-66-fun-fest/
Litchfield’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Celebrate the Mother Road at the Litchfield – An Iconic Stop on the Mother Road event. Join this charming community on Oct. 10 for a full day of exploring, discovering, and celebrating along historic Route 66 in Litchfield.
Visitors can check in at canopied booths located at both the north and south ends of the Old Route 66, where volunteers will provide a map highlighting Route 66 sites and participating local businesses. As you make your way along the route, stop at each location to get your map stamped and collect a special souvenir.
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, with two performers playing near the central intersection by the museum, Ariston’s Cafe, and Jubelt’s Bakery. Don’t miss local restaurants featuring food specials, and food trucks including Eads Treats and Sweet P’s Shakeups!
Keep an eye out for classic cars on display as you take in the sights and sounds of this iconic Route 66 celebration.
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/litchfields-route-66-centennial-celebration/
Pumpkin Fest in Girard
The Girard Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in The Last 100 Miles Festival with the Pumpkin Fest!
As a community located along the historic U.S. Route 66, they have a unique opportunity to welcome travelers, celebrate our heritage, and provide a memorable, family-friendly experience for residents and visitors alike.
Check out the fun activities:
Pumpkin Patch & Petting Zoo
Inflatables & Fall Decorations
Carnival-Style & Fall-Themed Games
Chili Cook-Off
Costume Contest & Prizes
Children’s Goody Bags
Halloween Photo Booth
Last 100 Miles collectable Trading Cards
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/pumpkin-fest-in-girard/
Halloween Bash in Virden
Join the City of Virden for their Halloween Bash as a part of the Last 100 Miles Festival! This event celebrates the spirit of Route 66 while fostering local pride and Halloween fun.
Event Highlights:
Pumpkin patch area for children and families to explore
Free community games, including carnival-style activities for all ages
Costume contest with awards for children, adults, and families
Children’s goodie bags filled with candy, small toys, stickers, and Route 66-themed items
Halloween photo booth
Don’t miss the Halloween Bash in Virden, where Route 66 spirit, community pride, and festive fall fun come together for an unforgettable celebration!
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/halloween-bash-in-virden/
Route 66: The Haunted Hundred Festival
Join the Pink Elephant Antique Mall for Livingston’s Route 66: The Haunted Hundred celebration. This family-friendly event blends fall festivities with spooky Route 66 legends for a full weekend of activities at the iconic roadside attraction, located inside the old Livingston High School, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Celebration Activities:
Saturday, Oct. 10
Free bounce houses
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Low-scare haunted event, a daytime version of the haunted house designed for younger guests
5:30 p.m.: Youth Egg “Haunt,” a Halloween-style egg hunt for ages 0–20 (bring a flashlight and get ready for surprises)
7 – 11 p.m.: Area 66 Haunted School, a full haunted attraction for those brave enough to enter
Sunday, Oct. 11
Free bounce houses
Noon – 4 p.m.: Free horse-drawn carriage rides
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Haunted vendors market featuring Halloween creations, fall goods, crafts, and Route 66-themed items from local vendors
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/route-66-the-haunted-hundred-festival/
How Many Miles to Route 66 Celebration
As part of the Last 100 Miles Festival, the City of East St. Louis and House of Miles East St. Louis will celebrate two iconic milestones: the legacy of Historic Route 66 and the centennial of legendary jazz musician Miles Dewey Davis on October 10, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at LOVE’s Tavern in East St. Louis!
The celebration will take place along the southern corridor of East St. Louis, connecting key locations that showcase the city’s rich cultural and transportation history. The event route leads to the roundabout at the eastern gateway of Historic Route 66, highlighting the important role the Mother Road has played in shaping the region.
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/how-many-miles-to-route-66-celebration/
Cars Route 66 Drive-In Family Movie Night
Join the City of Collinsville Parks & Recreation Department for a special, free “Cars” Drive-In Family Movie Night in celebration of Route 66’s Centennial as part of The Last Hundred Miles Fest! Families can enjoy an evening of themed, family-friendly fun, including games, a bounce house, trophies for selected decorated DIY cars, photo opportunities, snacks, and an outdoor screening of Cars on a giant screen.
Registration opens Tuesday, August 18, with the first 40 registrants eligible to pick up supplies to design and decorate their own DIY car to bring fully assembled to the Collins House lawn on movie night.
Families can enjoy an evening of themed, family-friendly fun, including games, a bounce house, trophies for selected decorated DIY cars, photo opportunities, snacks, and an outdoor screening of Cars on a giant screen.
More info: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/cars-route-66-drive-in-family-movie-night/
Plenty more details for all events located here: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/route-66/last-100-miles-festival/
