101.3 Real Country is excited to partner with the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration on April 30 through May 2, 2026. Springfield, Missouri has been picked as the host city for the kickoff celebration.
The Birthplace of Route 66 and known as the Queen City, Springfield will be throwing the Mother Road a 100th birthday party, and it’s going to be a three-day celebration full of parades, new landmarks, and a MASSIVE CONCERT!
Thursday, April 30
8 a.m. – NBC’s Today Show to broadcast the third hour live. Hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin will spotlight Springfield’s role in the legacy of Route 66. Kevin and Chris will be doing their show live from the event.
4 p.m. – Birthplace Plaza Dedication. The dedication will take place at Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street, the location where a telegram was sent on April 30, 1926, proposing the name U.S. Route 66.
5 p.m. – The National Centennial Kickoff Concert at Great Southern Bank Arena. John Goodman and Callie Carroll will host a lineup of national and local music stars.
Little Big Town, Chris Janson, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilson, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and The Haygoods will all perform at the concert. Tickets go on sale January 30th.
Friday, May 1
11 a.m. – Route 66 Queen’s Gate Sculpture Dedication. A new landmark will be unveiled at the corner of St. Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue.
6 p.m. – Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade. Route 66 communities from across the country will be part of the parade, along with 100 classic, vintage, and iconic automobiles.
7:30 p.m. – Lighting of the Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge. The lighting will feature a choreographed light, sound, and drone show over Historic Commercial Street.
Saturday, May 2
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Red, White & Bridge Bash on Commercial Street. All-day live performances, interactive activities, food vendors, and community programs.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Route 66-themed ArtsFest on Walnut Street. Artists, makers, and performers will fill Walnut Street for a Route 66-themed ArtsFest.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Ozarks Public Television screening of Route 66 documentary. OPT will present a free public screening.
5 p.m. to 11 p.m. – National Telegraph Ball at the Historic Shrine Mosque. The three-day festival will conclude with an elegant evening event at the Shrine Mosque.
For more information, visit www.route66kickoff.com.