Illinois Kicks Off $4 Million Route 66 Centennial Celebrations

Springfield and other cities to host festivals, movie premieres, and more to mark the 100th anniversary of the iconic highway.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other state leaders officially launched a series of events and celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. The state has allocated $4 million in grants, with $200,000 going to Visit Springfield, to fund festivals, movie premieres, classic car shows, and other commemorative activities across Illinois throughout the year.

Why it matters

Route 66 has long been an iconic part of American culture and has significantly shaped the communities and economies of the towns and cities it passes through. The centennial celebrations aim to honor this legacy and drive tourism to these local economies.

The details

The kickoff event was held in Granite City, Illinois, and the celebrations will include a world premiere screening of a new Route 66 documentary film that will tour various locations in the state. Springfield will host its own events as part of the statewide festivities, which are expected to generate tourism and sales tax revenue for the participating communities.

  • The Route 66 centennial celebrations officially launched on February 10, 2026.
  • The world premiere of the Route 66 documentary film 'The Main Street of America' will take place from September 3-10, 2026, with screenings in various Illinois cities including Springfield.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who announced the $4 million in grants and kickoff of the Route 66 centennial celebrations.

Cory Jobe

The former Springfield Alderman who is now the CEO of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, which is helping to organize the Route 66 film premiere tour.

Visit Springfield

The tourism organization that received $200,000 in grant funding to support Route 66 centennial events in Springfield.

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What they’re saying

“We will recognize 100 years of this iconic highway that has profoundly shaped the culture and communities of Illinois, and, of course, of places all across this nation.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (capitolcitynow.com)

“September 3rd through the 10th, Illinois will play host to the world premiere of the Route 66 film, 'The Main Street of America,' which is a cross-country film tour down historic Route 66 sites from Chicago to L.A.”

— Cory Jobe, CEO, Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau (capitolcitynow.com)

What’s next

The Route 66 centennial celebrations and events will continue throughout 2026 across Illinois, culminating in the world premiere film tour in September.

The takeaway

The $4 million in state funding and diverse array of events planned for the Route 66 centennial celebrations demonstrate the enduring cultural and economic significance of this iconic American highway. The festivities aim to drive tourism and commemorate the highway's profound impact on Illinois communities over the past 100 years.