Centennial celebrations on the Main Street of America, legendary Route 66, are a collective commemoration of the colorful, inspirational, and often controversial American story. And when it comes to the fostering of a sense of community, and bringing out the best in people, this old road in its centennial year has almost magical powers.

Simply put, Route 66 is a microcosm of the American experience. Self serving politicians and well paid propagandists work tirelessly to convice us that our differences our insurmountable without the snake oil medicine that they are selling. But the great American road trip, especially on iconic Route 66, provides glaring contrast between what is being said and the reality.

An Epic Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Officially the annual Route 66 Fun Run is an event hosted by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. But this is a celebration that illustrates the unique nature of the Route 66 community. And for 2026, this will be made evident more than at any time in the events 35 plus year history.

The centennial version of the Fun Run will be a festival wrapped in an array of events. Just take a look at the jam packed Yodel AI powered events calendar on the Kingman Tours website. As the Fun Run overlaps the always dynamic First Friday event, together they will highlight what makes Kingman a destination.

The two events also highlight why there is an international allure to the discovery of America through the road trip. To learn more about Fun Run weekend events in Seligman, Peach Springs, and Oatman, check out this article in The Bee.

Here We Go

Acclaimed photographer Efren Lopez will be unveiling his gallery in the historic Dunton Motors complex, now Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner Gift Shop. I will stop by around noon to sign books and to answer questions about road trips as well as Jim Hinckley’s America.

Sam Murray, owner of Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours, is leading a group of automotive and Route 66 enthusiasts from New Zealand. They will be attending the Fun Run, along with several thousand people from throughout the United States and a dozen countries. This ensures an event vibrancy not often found in small towns.

Passionate about building a sense of community and preserving history, the fine folks at Kingman Main Street and a few volunteers have been rather busy. They have worked tirelessly to add some polish to a tarnished gem before the big event. The first steps in Hotel Beale facade renovation has begun. And for the first time in more than 70 years, the towering neon sign on the roof will be relit during the Fun Run.

Several venues will be providing live music, including the venerable 1906 Sportsman’s Club. And a full day of music and entertainment at Hive Five Meadery will add a distinctive twist.

The Main Street of America

From this nations inception, in towns large and small, Main Street mirrored the diversity that continues to evolve as the American cultural tapestry. That rich, colorful story is made manifest in every mile of a Route 66 experience. And it is refined into something quite spectacular during the Fun Run.

On Saturday evening, before the relighting of the hotel’s neon sign, Yasuhiko Shigemura will be performing at the renovated Beale Street Theater. Shigemura is an internationally acclaimed musician. He is known for his story-driven performance that is a unique blend of folk rock, acoustic rock, and West Coast Sound. His close cultural ties with Native American communities in the Southwest seep into his music assuring a one of a kind experience.

Centennial celebrations on the Main Street of America promise an endless array of opportunities for making memories. And as this is also the 250th anniversary of the United States, they will be a once in a life time celebration.

So, in 2026, discover America with a road trip. And add a Route 66 centennial celebration if you have an opportunity. Even better, it’s not to late to join us for the Route 66 Fun Run. This willbe epic.