Route 66's 100th Anniversary Sparks Epic Cross-Country Caravan in 2026
A major celebration is planned for Route 66's 100th anniversary in 2026. John Binns, an American based in Australia, is organising the Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence—a three-week caravan from Chicago to Santa Monica. The event aims to boost small businesses along the historic highway while bringing together thousands of travellers.
The informal caravan kicks off on April 11, 2026, in Chicago and finishes at the Santa Monica Pier on April 30. Binns, who has driven the full route four times in six years, hopes for anywhere between 10,000 and 100,000 participants. He is also creating an online guide, 434 Best Things on Route 66, featuring iconic stops like the Cadillac Ranch and Muffler Men statues.
The Centennial Caravan will include 12 vehicles, each representing a state along Route 66, plus one for the national commission and another for the international community. Public involvement is encouraged, with commemorative events planned along the way. Binns wants motorists to support struggling diners, motels, and shops by flooding them with tourist spending. A separate initiative, the Route 66 Centennial Caravan, is being organised by Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Organization. This event will start in early June 2026. So far, no other official centennial events have been confirmed beyond Binns' convergence and the 2LaneLife tour, though details on the latter remain unclear.
The Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence seeks to revive interest in the historic road while helping local businesses. Binns' efforts include a detailed guide and a call for mass participation. The event could become one of the largest gatherings on Route 66 in decades.
