Although it was officially decommissioned in 1985, Route 66 continues to exert an influence on American travel and pop culture. Originally proposed by Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery, the 2448-mile stretch of highway from Chicago to Santa Monica – variously known by its highway number and literary metaphors like “Mother Road” – was commissioned on November 1, 1926. Until the opening of the U.S. interstate system in 1956, it was the primary route from the Midwest to the West Coast.
To commemorate the centennial of Route 66, states, cities, towns, organizations and governments along the famous road are hosting celebrations, art installations and other festivities throughout 2026. Given that Oklahoma has the longest stretch of drivable road remaining (more than 400 miles), it’s fitting that the largest party on the route is happening here in Oklahoma City.
Centennial Celebrations
The Route 66 “Kickin’ It” Centennial Birthday Bash will be at Scissortail Park on Saturday, May 30. The all-day event is free and includes a full day of family-friendly activities beginning with a farmers market. The evening is packed with live music, including OK3, Bailey Rae, ‘90s country throwback Ricochet and rising country star Kaitlin Butts. Neon Night’s choreographed drone light show will be the visual highlight of the day.
Art & Exhibits
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is hosting Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops through May 3, 2026. The exhibition features art, artifacts, historically significant pieces, signage and historical information about Route 66. Seth Spillman, Chief Marketing Officer for the museum said some of the pieces in the exhibition will remain throughout 2026.
In addition to the exhibition, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will be home to artist Cameron Eagle’s Kicks 66, a 35-foot neon statue featuring a red cowboy boot and the words “Oklahoma City Looks Mighty Pretty.” The permanent home for the statue will be at 1866 NE 63rd, just east of the museum.
The Summer of 66 mural located in OKC’s 39th Street District is a commemorative piece by multimedia artist Nick Bayer. It is located on Route 66, and features symbols associated with Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road, including the Milk Bottle building and Uptown 23rd’s Route 66 Robot.
Historic Landmarks & Architecture
One of the more interesting architectural sights along Route 66 is the Classen Inn, a refurbished 1963 motor hotel that is one of the few remaining examples of Googie architecture in the state. A passion project of local businessman Steve Mason, the motel is open for bookings, and the remodel is striking and whimsical in perfect proportion, and the interior design feels like a late ‘60s time capsule in the best way. In a similar vein, two other Route 66-proper landmarks in the area include the aforementioned Milk Bottle Grocery building as well as the geodesic dome built in 1958 locally known at The Gold Dome.
Route 66 Stays & Packages
Coury Hospitality is offering packages for Route 66 travelers this year at their signature hotels in OKC: The National, Colcord and Ambassador. Packages include discounted rooms, dining credits, valet parking, Route 66 swag and other amenities. Details are available on the hotel websites.