SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, in partnership with The Road Ahead Partnership, has announced the full schedule for the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, presented by Vital Farms. Springfield is internationally recognized as the Birthplace of Route 66 and will host the three-day national event April 30–May 2, 2026.
Created by the Missouri General Assembly, the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission leads the state’s planning, coordination, and preservation efforts for the upcoming 100th anniversary of historic U.S. Route 66.
Springfield: The Birthplace of Route 66
Springfield holds the official designation as the Birthplace of Route 66 because it was here—on April 30, 1926—that the telegram proposing the name “U.S. Route 66” was sent to federal highway officials. That single act solidified Springfield’s place in American history and set the stage for a century of travel, commerce, music, pop culture, and storytelling along what would become the world’s most famous highway.
“The centennial is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the power and enduring legacy of Route 66. From Illinois to California, communities are working together to preserve the road and share its stories with future generations,” said Bill Thomas, president/CEO of The Road Ahead Partnership and member of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
“Launching the national celebration in Springfield, the Birthplace of Route 66, reflects the road’s origins and its timeless ability to connect people, places and experiences.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate Springfield, the community we’ve called home since opening Egg Central Station here,” said Kathryn McKeon, chief marketing officer at Vital Farms. “Route 66 helped shape this city, and Springfield helped shape Vital Farms, so joining in on the Centennial Kickoff just makes sense. And of course, we’re excited to show up with good eggs and give folks a taste of what we’re all about.”
National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Schedule
(All times Central Standard Time)
Thursday, April 30, 2026
8 a.m. (CST) — NBC’s live broadcast of The TODAY Show “3rd Hour”
NBC’s TODAY Show will originate its nationally televised “3rd Hour” live from Springfield, bringing the Birthplace of Route 66 to millions of viewers across the United States and around the world. Hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin will spotlight Springfield’s role in American transportation history, the cultural legacy of Route 66, and the communities preparing to celebrate the highway’s 100th anniversary.
The broadcast will feature live interviews, historical storytelling, and scenes from the kickoff celebration, officially launching the Route 66 Centennial on a national stage.
4 p.m. — Birthplace Plaza Dedication
At exactly 4 p.m., a formal dedication ceremony will take place at Birthplace Plaza at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street—marking the precise time and location where, on April 30, 1926, the telegram proposing the name “U.S. Route 66” was sent to federal highway officials. State, national, and international Route 66 leaders will gather to commemorate this defining moment in transportation history.
The ceremony will include remarks from elected officials, preservation advocates, and Route 66 representatives, reaffirming Springfield’s designation as the official Birthplace of Route 66 and honoring the road’s enduring global impact.
5–11 p.m. — National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert
Tickets on sale Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. • greatsouthernbankarena.com
The evening culminates with the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert at Great Southern Bank Arena on the campus of Missouri State University. This large-scale live music event brings together legendary and contemporary American artists for a multi-hour celebration of the music, stories, and shared experiences inspired by the Mother Road.
Designed as the centerpiece of the national kickoff, the concert will draw attendees from across the United States and abroad, blending entertainment with historic significance as Springfield officially launches the Route 66 Centennial year.
The concert will be hosted by actor John Goodman and Springfield City Councilmember Callie Carroll. Goodman is an acclaimed American actor originally from Affton, Missouri, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Dan Conner on “Roseanne” and his many film performances in “The Big Lebowski” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” He attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) on a football scholarship, but an ACL injury shifted his focus from athletics to drama, launching his lifelong passion for acting.
A proud MSU alumnus (BFA, 1975), Goodman has maintained deep ties to the university: He established the Professional Performance Award scholarship to support top theatre students, has been a longtime donor and advocate for the Department of Theatre and Dance, and served as chair of Missouri State’s major “Onward Upward” fundraising campaign, helping raise hundreds of millions for student programs and facilities.
In recognition of his generosity and impact on the campus community, MSU honored him with an honorary doctorate and named the John Goodman Amphitheatre at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park in his honor.

Little Big Town
GRAMMY Award–winning group Little Big Town is one of country music’s most enduring and celebrated groups. Over a 25-year career, the GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA, and Emmy Award-winning band has delivered a string of genre-defining hits including “Boondocks,” “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” “Day Drinking,” and the history-making, best-selling country single of 2015, “Girl Crush.”
Chris Janson
Chris Janson is a multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter and dynamic live performer whose high-energy style blends traditional country, Southern rock, and modern Americana. Known for hits such as “Buy Me a Boat,” “Fix a Drink,” and “Done,” Janson is also a respected Nashville songwriter whose work has been recorded by some of country music’s biggest stars.
Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts
Gary LeVox is the unmistakable lead vocalist of Rascal Flatts, one of the most successful country groups of the past two decades. With more than 23.4 million albums sold and chart-topping songs such as “Bless the Broken Road,” “Life Is a Highway,” and “What Hurts the Most,” LeVox’s powerful voice helped define a generation of country-pop music with global reach.
Gretchen Wilson
A trailblazing force in country music, Gretchen Wilson rose to prominence with her Grammy-winning anthem “Redneck Woman.” Known for her unapologetic authenticity and blue-collar storytelling, Wilson has sold millions of records worldwide and remains an enduring symbol of independence and grit—values deeply tied to the spirit of Route 66.
Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Formed in Springfield, Missouri, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils is one of the most influential roots-rock bands to emerge from the American Midwest. Best known for their international hit “Jackie Blue,” the band helped pioneer a sound blending country, rock, folk, and blues—music that reflects the landscapes and stories of Route 66 itself.
The Haygoods
The Haygoods are a nationally acclaimed, family-based performance group known for their high-energy live shows and innovative instrumentation. Originating in Branson, Missouri, the group combines tight harmonies, genre-spanning music, and inventive staging to create a uniquely American entertainment experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Friday, May 1, 2026
11 a.m. — Route 66 Queen’s Gate Sculpture Dedication
Community members and visitors are invited to gather at the intersection of St. Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue for the unveiling of the Queen’s Gate Sculpture, a new public art landmark created to honor the cultural, artistic, and historical significance of Route 66. The sculpture serves as a symbolic gateway to Springfield’s Route 66 corridor and reflects the creativity, diversity, and enduring influence of the Mother Road.

6 p.m. — Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade
The Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade brings the highway’s history to life through motion and spectacle. More than 100 classic, vintage, and iconic automobiles will travel through Springfield’s streets, representing the evolution of American travel and car culture along Route 66. Participating vehicles and delegations from Route 66 communities across the country will highlight Missouri’s legendary stretch of the Mother Road while celebrating the shared heritage of the eight Route 66 states.
6–9 p.m. — Red, White & Bridge Bash at the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
Festivities continue with the Red, White & Bridge Bash, featuring live music and family-friendly entertainment at the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge on Springfield’s Commercial Street. Recently restored, the footbridge stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s industrial past and its ongoing revitalization. The event creates a festive gathering space where history, music, and community converge in a uniquely American celebration.
7 p.m. — Stars & Stripes and 66 Reception
Held at the elegant Savoy Ballroom, the Stars & Stripes and 66 Reception is a ticketed event to bring together civic leaders, Route 66 advocates, sponsors, and special guests for an evening of recognition and connection.
7:30–8:30 p.m. — Lighting of the Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
The evening reaches a dramatic highlight with the official lighting of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, accompanied by a choreographed light, sound and drone show over Historic Commercial Street.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
9 a.m.–6 p.m. — Red, White & Bridge Bash on Commercial Street
Historic Commercial Street comes alive throughout the day with the continuation of the Red, White & Bridge Bash, featuring live performances, interactive activities, food vendors, and community programming. The event celebrates Route 66’s legacy as a gathering place for travelers and neighbors alike, welcoming visitors of all ages to experience Springfield’s historic corridor.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. — Route 66-themed ArtsFest on Walnut Street
Artists, makers, and performers will line Walnut Street for a Route 66–themed ArtsFest celebrating creativity inspired by the Mother Road. Visual art, live demonstrations, music, and hands-on experiences will showcase how Route 66 continues to influence American art, design, and storytelling nearly a century after its creation.
3–5 p.m. — Ozarks Public Television Screening of Route 66 Documentary
Ozarks Public Television will present a special free public screening of a Route 66 documentary exploring the road’s historical significance, cultural impact, and enduring appeal.
5–11 p.m. — National Telegraph Ball at the Historic Shrine Mosque
The celebration concludes with the National Telegraph Ball, an elegant evening event held at Springfield’s Historic Shrine Mosque. Inspired by the 1926 telegram that named Route 66, the ball combines live entertainment, dining, and period-inspired flair while raising support for Route 66 awareness and preservation initiatives.
To date, the Commission has provided more than $2.5 million in financial support for special events; provided funding for 12 interactive Route 66 signs in the eight Route 66 counties; assisted with funding three tour stops in Greene, Webster and Laclede counties; and provided $160,000 in funding for wayfinding signs along the route. The national kickoff celebration is the signature event, including participation from other key Route 66 cities: Joliet, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Santa Monica, California.
“This kickoff celebration is more than a look back—it’s a launch point for the next century of Route 66,” said Cora Scott, chair of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission and the April 30-May 2 Kickoff Celebration.
Sponsorship, partnership and volunteer opportunities for the celebration are still available. Visit route66kickoff.com for more information.
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