Route 66's 100th anniversary sparks two epic cross-country caravans in 2026
Two major events will celebrate Route 66's 100th anniversary in 2026. John Binns is organising an informal caravan from Chicago to Santa Monica, while Rhys Martin plans a separate centennial caravan in Oklahoma. Both invite public participation along the historic highway.
John Binns, who grew up in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, remembers America's Bicentennial in 1976 fondly. He noticed that Route 66's 100th anniversary in 2026 aligns with the nation's 250th birthday, sparking his idea for the Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence. The event begins on April 11, 2026, in Chicago, with participants driving west for 19 days. Binns has explored Route 66 four times, documenting his travels in vlogs and an online guide titled 434 Best Things on Route 66, featuring stops like the Cadillac Ranch and 'Muffler Men' statues. His goal is to bring crowds to overlooked diners, motels, and roadside attractions along the way. The journey will end at Santa Monica Pier on April 30, 2026.
Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Organization, is planning a separate Centennial Caravan in early June. This event will include 12 vehicles, each representing a different U.S. state, the national commission, or the international community. Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66—the longest drivable section—holds deep historical ties to Indian Territory and forced tribal relocations. Landmarks like the Blue Whale in Catoosa and Pops 66 Soda Ranch will feature in the celebrations. Oklahoma will also host key centennial events, given its central role in the highway's history. Both caravans encourage public involvement, with commemorative activities planned at stops across the eight states Route 66 passes through: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The 2026 celebrations will highlight Route 66's cultural and historical significance. Binns' caravan aims to boost visibility for struggling roadside businesses, while Martin's event will showcase the highway's diverse heritage. Participants can join either journey or attend local events along the route.
