【Brand USA】Route 66's 100th Anniversary Revives Popularity of American Road Trips - Various Events to be Held Along Popular Drive Routes Across the U.S. This Summer and Fall
Key facts
- 【Brand USA】Route 66's 100th Anniversary Revives Popularity of American Road Trips - Various Events to be Held Along Popular Drive Routes Across the U.S. This Summer and Fall
- Route 66, which was born as one of America's first highways in 1926 and is a symbol of western expansion and automobile culture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, various commemorative events are planned along drive routes across the country.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 16, 2026
Direct answer
Route 66, which was born as one of America's first highways in 1926 and is a symbol of western expansion and automobile culture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, various commemorative events are planned along drive routes across the country.
- Citation
- 【Brand USA】Route 66's 100th Anniversary Revives Popularity of American Road Trips - Various Events to be Held Along Popular Drive Routes Across the U.S. This Summer and Fall (June 16, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 16, 2026
Route 66, which was born as one of America's first highways in 1926 and is a symbol of western expansion and automobile culture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, various commemorative events are planned along drive routes across the country.
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- 📰 Published: June 16, 2026 at 23:57
- 🔍 Collected: June 16, 2026 at 15:06
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 16, 2026 at 16:13 (1h 6m after Collected)
Route 66, which was born as one of America's first highways in 1926 and is a symbol of western expansion and automobile culture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, various commemorative events are planned along drive routes across the country.
Brand USA, the official tourism marketing organization of the United States, has recently published a special feature page on the general consumer official website 'Visit The USA' introducing an overview of these events and the unique appeal of American road trips. Road trips by car can be said to be one of the symbolic styles of travel in America. You can enjoy the charm of freely moving through various landscapes, such as highways that penetrate vast desert areas and scenic routes along the Pacific coast, while encountering the culture and people unique to each place. Not only the arrival at the destination, but also the journey itself becomes a special memory, which is a unique charm of American road trips.
This special feature introduces various road trip routes, from famous drive courses such as Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to lesser-known scenic routes, historical streets, and beautiful railway lines, along with events and special programs held along the routes.
Route 66 (Illinois, Chicago ~ California, Santa Monica)
Route 66, which connects eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica and spans approximately 3,940 kilometers, is a representative road trip route in the United States. Known by the nickname 'Mother Road,' it has been loved across generations as a symbol of freedom and adventure. Along the route, you can still find the rich remnants of old American roadside culture, such as streets lined with neon signs, diners, motels, and small towns.
Mother Road Classic (Mother Road Classic)
In Flagstaff, Arizona, one of the representative cities along Route 66, the classic car event 'Mother Road Classic' will be held on August 15th of this year. Many classic cars will gather around the city hall and Wheeler Park, and you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of Route 66 with displays and parades of classic American cars from years past.
Standin' on the Corner Festival (Standin' on the Corner Festival)
In Winslow, Arizona, the music event 'Standin' on the Corner Festival' will be held on September 25th and 26th of this year. Winslow is world-famous as the city featured in the lyrics of the Eagles' hit song 'Take It Easy.' During the event period, music live performances and street performances will be held at multiple venues around the memorial plaza 'Standin' on the Corner Park,' which was developed in commemoration of the song.
Mustangs on the Mother Road (Mustangs on the Mother Road)
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the large-scale car event 'Mustangs on the Mother Road,' themed around the Ford Mustang, will be held from July 24th to 26th of this year. This event, held in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, will attract many Mustang enthusiasts and vehicle owners from across the country, with car shows, parades, and exchange events planned.
Route 66 100th Anniversary Stamps
Currently, you can purchase the Route 66 100th Anniversary stamps issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) at post offices across the country. With designs featuring neon signs, classic cars, diners, motels, and other scenes symbolic of Route 66, these stamps are also recommended as souvenirs for your Route 66 journey.
*Note: Availability may vary by region. Please check the USPS website for details.
Pacific Coast Highway (California, San Francisco ~ Los Angeles)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a representative road trip route on the west coast of the United States, featuring scenic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and beautiful coastal lines. It connects San Francisco and Los Angeles, allowing you to visit places like Big Sur, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo County. Santa Monica, located at the southern end of the Pacific Coast Highway, is also known as the official western terminus of Route 66.
America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade (America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade)
In Santa Monica, on July 12th of this year, as part of the 'Route 66 Centennial Celebration' program commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the 'America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade' will be held. A parade of 50 classic cars and vintage cars will be held from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier. After the parade arrives, vehicle displays and other events are also planned at the Santa Monica Pier.
Overseas Highway (Florida, Miami ~ Key West)
The Overseas Highway, which connects the mainland of Florida to Key West, is one of America's top coastal drive routes, spanning approximately 180 kilometers and crossing 42 bridges. Among them, the Seven Mile Bridge, which symbolizes the Florida Keys, is known as a scenic spot where you can drive over the beautiful emerald blue sea.
Hemingway Days (Hemingway Days)
From July 22nd to 26th of this year, 'Hemingway Days' will be held in Key West. This event honors the life and achievements of Ernest Hemingway, a Nobel Prize-winning author. In addition to the popular program 'Hemingway Look-Alike Contest,' various events such as readings of his works, lectures, short story contests, and fishing tournaments will be held. You can enjoy the history and culture of Key West, which Hemingway loved.
U.S. Route 20 (Massachusetts, Boston ~ Oregon, Newport)
U.S. Route 20, which spans approximately 5,300 kilometers, connects Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, and is the longest highway in the United States. This route, which passes through historic towns on the east coast, the great plains of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the desert areas of the West, allows you to enjoy a rich variety of scenery.
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival (Newport Seafood & Wine Festival)
In Newport, Oregon, located at the western end of U.S. Route 20, the 'Newport Seafood & Wine Festival' will be held in February 2027. Known as a representative food event in the coastal area of Oregon, you can enjoy fresh seafood and local wines. During the event period, in addition to tasting and sampling programs provided by local restaurants and wineries, events such as seafood chowder contests and craft markets will also be held.
Brand USA, the official tourism marketing organization of the United States, has recently published a special feature page on the general consumer official website 'Visit The USA' introducing an overview of these events and the unique appeal of American road trips. Road trips by car can be said to be one of the symbolic styles of travel in America. You can enjoy the charm of freely moving through various landscapes, such as highways that penetrate vast desert areas and scenic routes along the Pacific coast, while encountering the culture and people unique to each place. Not only the arrival at the destination, but also the journey itself becomes a special memory, which is a unique charm of American road trips.
This special feature introduces various road trip routes, from famous drive courses such as Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to lesser-known scenic routes, historical streets, and beautiful railway lines, along with events and special programs held along the routes.
Route 66 (Illinois, Chicago ~ California, Santa Monica)
Route 66, which connects eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica and spans approximately 3,940 kilometers, is a representative road trip route in the United States. Known by the nickname 'Mother Road,' it has been loved across generations as a symbol of freedom and adventure. Along the route, you can still find the rich remnants of old American roadside culture, such as streets lined with neon signs, diners, motels, and small towns.
Mother Road Classic (Mother Road Classic)
In Flagstaff, Arizona, one of the representative cities along Route 66, the classic car event 'Mother Road Classic' will be held on August 15th of this year. Many classic cars will gather around the city hall and Wheeler Park, and you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of Route 66 with displays and parades of classic American cars from years past.
Standin' on the Corner Festival (Standin' on the Corner Festival)
In Winslow, Arizona, the music event 'Standin' on the Corner Festival' will be held on September 25th and 26th of this year. Winslow is world-famous as the city featured in the lyrics of the Eagles' hit song 'Take It Easy.' During the event period, music live performances and street performances will be held at multiple venues around the memorial plaza 'Standin' on the Corner Park,' which was developed in commemoration of the song.
Mustangs on the Mother Road (Mustangs on the Mother Road)
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the large-scale car event 'Mustangs on the Mother Road,' themed around the Ford Mustang, will be held from July 24th to 26th of this year. This event, held in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, will attract many Mustang enthusiasts and vehicle owners from across the country, with car shows, parades, and exchange events planned.
Route 66 100th Anniversary Stamps
Currently, you can purchase the Route 66 100th Anniversary stamps issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) at post offices across the country. With designs featuring neon signs, classic cars, diners, motels, and other scenes symbolic of Route 66, these stamps are also recommended as souvenirs for your Route 66 journey.
*Note: Availability may vary by region. Please check the USPS website for details.
Pacific Coast Highway (California, San Francisco ~ Los Angeles)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a representative road trip route on the west coast of the United States, featuring scenic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and beautiful coastal lines. It connects San Francisco and Los Angeles, allowing you to visit places like Big Sur, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo County. Santa Monica, located at the southern end of the Pacific Coast Highway, is also known as the official western terminus of Route 66.
America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade (America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade)
In Santa Monica, on July 12th of this year, as part of the 'Route 66 Centennial Celebration' program commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the 'America on the Move: A Route 66 Centennial Parade' will be held. A parade of 50 classic cars and vintage cars will be held from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier. After the parade arrives, vehicle displays and other events are also planned at the Santa Monica Pier.
Overseas Highway (Florida, Miami ~ Key West)
The Overseas Highway, which connects the mainland of Florida to Key West, is one of America's top coastal drive routes, spanning approximately 180 kilometers and crossing 42 bridges. Among them, the Seven Mile Bridge, which symbolizes the Florida Keys, is known as a scenic spot where you can drive over the beautiful emerald blue sea.
Hemingway Days (Hemingway Days)
From July 22nd to 26th of this year, 'Hemingway Days' will be held in Key West. This event honors the life and achievements of Ernest Hemingway, a Nobel Prize-winning author. In addition to the popular program 'Hemingway Look-Alike Contest,' various events such as readings of his works, lectures, short story contests, and fishing tournaments will be held. You can enjoy the history and culture of Key West, which Hemingway loved.
U.S. Route 20 (Massachusetts, Boston ~ Oregon, Newport)
U.S. Route 20, which spans approximately 5,300 kilometers, connects Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, and is the longest highway in the United States. This route, which passes through historic towns on the east coast, the great plains of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the desert areas of the West, allows you to enjoy a rich variety of scenery.
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival (Newport Seafood & Wine Festival)
In Newport, Oregon, located at the western end of U.S. Route 20, the 'Newport Seafood & Wine Festival' will be held in February 2027. Known as a representative food event in the coastal area of Oregon, you can enjoy fresh seafood and local wines. During the event period, in addition to tasting and sampling programs provided by local restaurants and wineries, events such as seafood chowder contests and craft markets will also be held.
FAQ
What is Route 66?
Route 66 is a road that connects eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, spanning approximately 3,940 kilometers, and is a representative road trip route in the United States.
What are the main events held along Route 66?
Events such as Mother Road Classic, Standin' on the Corner Festival, and Mustangs on the Mother Road will be held.
What kind of route is the Pacific Coast Highway?
The Pacific Coast Highway is a representative road trip route on the west coast of the United States, featuring scenic cliffs and beautiful coastal lines overlooking the Pacific Ocean.