Claremore, Okla. | April 14, 2026 – The Route 66 Centennial celebration is officially underway in Claremore, Oklahoma, beginning with a successful Andy Payne Route 66 Race this past weekend, celebrating Payne’s incredible 3,423-mile journey from Los Angeles to New York City in 1928. More than 300 runners participated in the event, marking an energetic start to a summer-long series of celebrations honoring the historic Mother Road.
Claremore will host a series of festivals, cultural events and community gatherings throughout the summer, celebrating the legacy of the historic highway.
Upcoming Centennial Events Include:
Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo | May 21-24, 2026
Celebrating 80 years of rodeo tradition and excitement, this year’s event promises several unforgettable nights of high-energy action and family-friendly fun. Fans can watch top cowboys and cowgirls go head-to-head in crowd-favorite events, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebrated Claremore tradition
Sunny Dayz Mural Festival | May 30, 2026
This first-of-its-kind festival in Oklahoma is designed to empower, elevate and celebrate underrepresented artists, with a focus on women and gender minorities, through the creation and advocacy of public art. Throughout the event, participating artists will transform spaces across the Lilac District into vibrant, lasting murals, adding color and creativity to the heart of downtown.
Mid America Route 66 Festival & Cruise | June 18–21, 2026
The celebration continues over two days, beginning Thursday evening with a Route 66 cruise from Rogers Point in Catoosa into Claremore, followed by the Mid America Route 66 Festival at the Claremore Expo Center.
Across Friday and Saturday, attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and a welcoming atmosphere for car enthusiasts of all kinds. The weekend wraps up Sunday with the Cars and Coffee Cruise In at the Claremore Expo Center, featuring a wide variety of vehicles on display along with kid-friendly activities.
Hemmings Great Race | June 22, 2026
Claremore will serve as a featured stop on the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, a prestigious nine-day endurance rally spanning 2,300 miles. Approximately 120 antique and vintage vehicles will make their way through 17 cities, with a stop at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum highlighting Claremore’s place along the historic route.
Tunes and Spoons Chili Fest & Car Cruise | August 21-23, 2026
Closing out the summer lineup, the Tunes and Spoons Chili Fest brings together a high-energy car cruise, live music and a chili cook-off at the Claremore Expo Center. This free, family-friendly event features headlining performances by Lonestar and Gretchen Wilson, and supports Music Giving Hope, delivering a fun, high-energy experience for all ages.
“Claremore has a deep-rooted connection to Route 66, and this centennial gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate that history while creating new experiences for our community and visitors,” said Wendy Woody, Director of Tourism for Visit Claremore. “We are proud to celebrate Claremore’s connection to this iconic roadway and invite visitors from across the region to join us.”
For more information on Claremore’s Route 66 Centennial events, visit https://visitclaremore.com/route66/.