Arizona Travel Arts, Events and Culture Travel

Route 66 turns 100: here’s what to expect at Flagstaff’s centennial celebration

BOSW May 14, 2026

Route 66 and San Francisco Street signs in downtown Flagstaff, beneath a bright blue sky. — Flagstaff will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial on June 6 with live music, immersive street art, classic cars and family-friendly festivities throughout downtown. (Photo courtesy of Travel View)

We don’t necessarily need a reason to visit Flagstaff. It’s always a favorite destination for Southwest residents (like us) for its outdoor offerings, shopping, entertainment and pure beauty. But now there’s one more reason to make the trip. As Route 66 turns 100, Flagstaff is preparing for a full day of art, music, nostalgia and family-friendly experiences celebrating the legendary Mother Road.

What to know before attending Flagstaff’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Arive early for parking downtown
Expect cooler temps than Phoenix
Bring layers for evening Movies on the Square
Pair the event with Lowell Observatory
Stay for the week/weekend

Downtown Flagstaff street lined with colorful trees, parked cars and Route 66 signage beneath a bright blue Arizona sky — Downtown Flagstaff blends Route 66 nostalgia with mountain-town charm. (Photo by Erin Thorburn)

A Flagstaff celebration you won’t want to miss

Set among towering ponderosa pines at 7,000 feet elevation, the mountain town has long held a special place in Route 66 history. Now, locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the milestone during the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Hosted throughout Downtown Flagstaff and at Flagstaff Mall, the free celebration will feature immersive 3D illusion street art, classic cars, live music, dancing and community festivities designed to bring the spirit of Route 66 to life.

One of the biggest highlights is expected to be the large-scale illusionary street art installations, where commissioned artists will create interactive pieces designed to make it appear as though the streets themselves are transforming before visitors’ eyes.

Large crowd gathered at an outdoor concert at night with string lights and colorful flags overhead at Flagstaff Hullabaloo Festival. — Flagstaff Hullabaloo Festival will coincide with Route 66 celebrations this summer. (Photo courtesy of Flagstaff Hullabaloo Festival)

The event also coincides with Flagstaff’s annual Hullabaloo festival at Wheeler Park, adding even more energy to the day with local entertainment, vendors and family-friendly activities.

As the daytime festivities wrap up at 5 p.m., the celebration continues with live music at Heritage Square before the community gathers for Movies on the Square, featuring Disney’s beloved road-trip classic, “Cars.” Cars

New Route 66 experiences and attractions in Flagstaff

Leading up to the centennial, Discover Flagstaff has launched several new ways for visitors to experience the city’s Route 66 legacy.

A new digital passport encourages travelers to check in at local Route 66 landmarks to earn points redeemable for prizes at the Visitor Center located at 1 E. Route 66.

Visitors can also explore the city’s history through the “Walk this Talk” self-guided Route 66 tour, which highlights 10 historic sites within walking distance of downtown.

Several beloved Flagstaff attractions are also introducing Route 66-themed experiences during the centennial celebration year.

Museum of Northern Arizona

The museum recently debuted “Wagon Road to Mother Road,” an exhibition exploring how Route 66 transformed northern Arizona. The exhibit includes discoveries from archaeological digs conducted in Petrified Forest National Park and details the early roadside culture that developed along the historic highway.

A street view of the historic Bespoke Inn Flagstaff botique hotel with brick pillars and historic designation plaque. — Bespoke Inn is a BOSW favorite place to stay when visiting Flagstaff. (Photo courtesy of Bespoke Inn)

Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory is now offering a special “Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour,” where guests can see Percival Lowell’s historic 1911 Stevens-Duryea automobile while learning about astronomical discoveries tied to Route 66 in Arizona. Evening stargazing and telescope viewing are included with admission.

Wood-fired pizza topped with melted mozzarella, caramelized onions and mushrooms at Fat Olives in Flagstaff, Arizona. — Wood-fired pizza from Fat Olives adds to Flagstaff’s growing reputation as a destination for memorable dining experiences along Route 66. (Photo by Erin Thorburn)

Theatrikos Theatre Company

The local theater company is presenting “Route 66 to the Grand Canyon,” a comedy-inspired production celebrating the myths, characters and roadside culture associated with America’s most iconic highway.

Freaky Foot Tours

The Flagstaff tour company has introduced a new two-hour Southside walking tour exploring both the 1926 and 1934 Route 66 alignments and the city’s fascinating role in bringing the highway through Northern Arizona.

A summer road trip stop worth planning around

With cool mountain temperatures, historic charm, vibrant local culture and close proximity to landmarks like the Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff continues to stand out as one of Arizona’s most memorable Route 66 destinations.

Downtown Flagstaff restaurants and breweries near Route 66 during golden hour in Arizona. — Flagstaff’s walkable downtown blends Route 66 history with local breweries and restaurants. (Photo courtesy of John Nilsson)

The city is also known for its thriving craft beer scene, outdoor recreation, Native American cultural influences and designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City.

For travelers planning an Arizona summer road trip, the Route 66 Centennial celebration offers an ideal excuse to rediscover the nostalgia, Americana and adventure that continue to define the historic highway a century later.

Good to know

Event: Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Flagstaff and Flagstaff Mall
Cost: Free admission

To learn more, visit flagstaffarizona.org/things-to-do/route-66/route-66-centennial