Route 66 Centennial
California Events 2026
From the Rose Bowl's legendary flea market to the End of the Trail celebration at Santa Monica Pier — five unforgettable events across the Golden State.
5
Events
5
Cities
4
Free Events
APR
12
Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market (Monthly)
The second Sunday of every month, 2,500+ vendors fill the Rose Bowl parking lots with antiques, vintage goods, and Route 66 memorabilia. One of the largest flea markets in America. Find vintage Route 66 signs, classic car parts, retro Americana, and handmade crafts. Arrive early for the best finds — serious collectors get there at 5 AM.
What to Expect
MAY
16
Barstow Mojave Route 66 Festival
The desert comes alive as Barstow celebrates Route 66's Centennial at the beautiful Casa del Desierto (Harvey House). Classic car cruises along the original Route 66 alignment through town, live rockabilly and country music, BBQ cook-off competition, guided tours of Calico Ghost Town, and exhibits at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. The Saturday night cruise down Main Street is the highlight.
What to Expect
JUN
27
Victorville Route 66 Centennial Car Show
The California Route 66 Museum hosts a special centennial car show featuring Route 66-era vehicles from the 1920s through 1970s. Museum tours with special Centennial exhibits, a commemorative cruise down 7th Street (the original Route 66 alignment), awards ceremony for best vehicles, and food vendors from local Route 66 restaurants including Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe.
What to Expect
SEP
18
California Route 66 Rendezvous
One of the largest classic car shows in the western United States and THE premier Route 66 event in California. Over 2,000 pre-1975 vehicles line the streets of downtown San Bernardino for three days of cruising, live music on multiple stages, a Route 66 memorabilia swap meet, food courts with local restaurants, and a spectacular Saturday night cruise. The event has been running for over 25 years and draws 400,000+ visitors.
What to Expect
NOV
11
Santa Monica End of the Trail Celebration
Santa Monica hosts the official End of the Trail celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Live music on the pier, classic car displays along Ocean Avenue, a commemorative Centennial ceremony at the Route 66 'End of the Trail' sign, sunset fireworks over the Pacific, and a special exhibition of Route 66 photography spanning 100 years. This is where the Mother Road meets the ocean — the perfect ending for the Centennial year.
What to Expect
Plan Your Visit
Book Way Ahead
Book Santa Monica hotels 6+ months ahead for November — it's the most anticipated Centennial event on the West Coast.
Gas Prices
California gas averages $4.50–5.50/gallon — budget accordingly. Fill up in Needles or Barstow where prices tend to be lower.
Desert Heat
The Mojave events (Barstow, Victorville) are best visited in spring or fall to avoid brutal summer heat that can top 110°F.
Rendezvous Rush
The San Bernardino Rendezvous fills every hotel in the Inland Empire — book early or consider staying in Redlands or Riverside.