As the 2026 centennial of Route 66 approaches, communities across northern Arizona are already laying the groundwork to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the most iconic highway in American history. With an influx of domestic and international tourists expected to make the pilgrimage along the Mother Road next year, local governments, businesses, and civic groups are preparing to mark the occasion with historic preservation, public art, and community-wide events.
In Holbrook, the Navajo County Historical Society has completed a major renovation of the Route 66 Auditorium housed in the old county courthouse. The restored venue features displays and artifacts that highlight the town’s deep connection to the highway. One of the more unique pieces on display is a World War II-era Route 66 highway sign, originally produced by the Arizona Highway Department, the predecessor to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), using wood and reflective tape to conserve metal during the wartime shortage.
Just a few blocks away, Holbrook restaurateur Aaron Colon is contributing to the effort in his own way. Colon, who owns Colonel Mustard’s Hot Dogs, has been restoring the original gas pumps that once served travelers along Route 66. The building now houses his restaurant, but it once operated as a gas station during the road’s heyday. In honor of the centennial, Colonel Mustard’s will be offering special merchandise for tourists stopping by to experience a piece of the road’s living history.
ADOT is also playing a major role in preparing for the increased traffic anticipated in 2026. ADOT is investing over $30 million in bridge and pavement upgrades along segments of Route 66 and Interstate 40, just east of Holbrook. These improvements will help support the expected surge in tourism but also the long-term infrastructure needs of rural communities along the corridor.
According to Holbrook Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Tafoya, the city has also begun the process of removing the benches along Navajo Blvd. and having students at both Northland Pioneer College and Holbrook High School paint murals on them. Some will be done this spring, but most will be completed by the end of summer. These will include historic Route 66, cultural representations of the area, geographical representations and some with the history of the route. Tafoya said that the city’s Old West Fest will be expanded in celebration of the centennial and there will also be a showing of a film of Route 66.
Holbrook will also be working in conjunction with the City of Winslow and Joseph City to create a sidewalk sale along Route 66, inviting all businesses to line up on the route for a one-day celebration.
Readers of the Painted Desert Tribune may remember a recent story about the revitalization of Ella’s Frontier near Jackrabbit. That will also be made available for tourists traveling for the centennial. There will be a grand opening for the historic trading post on June 20 across the street from the iconic Jackrabbit stop on Route 66.
In Winslow, preparations are well underway, with both infrastructure and entertainment efforts in motion. Bob Hall, the CEO of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, recently attended a multi-state meeting of tourism leaders from across the eight Route 66 states to coordinate centennial activities. At the meeting Hall learned that the state of Oklahoma has already spent over 13 million in preparation of the centennial and the city of Albuquerque has spent over $3 million to resurface the Mother Road in their city. Hall said that the meeting was insightful for learning about potential cross promotions for different sites and events happening for the centennial.
Winslow has several projects in development for the celebration. One of Winslow’s most ambitious projects is the installation of “Road Tunes” on a local street. When drivers travel over the special grooves at exactly 35 miles per hour, the vibrations in their tires will play a musical rendition of the Eagles’ “Take It Easy”, specifically the melody of iconic line, “Standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see.” Visitors and locals traveling along Route 66 will be able to enjoy this as soon as August.
Winslow is also planning a number of artistic and cultural events designed to honor its history and attract visitors.
A large mural downtown is currently under discussion, one that will reflect Winslow’s special place connection to the era. Other celebrations in development include a Route 66 history exhibit from Old Trails Museum, Route 66 scavenger hunt, a kayak race at Clear Creek, a film festival showcasing classic and contemporary Route 66 related movies, and even the creation of a Route 66 musical that draws from the spirit and stories of the highway.
Ever since its completion nearly a century ago, Route 66 has shaped the economic and cultural identity of the towns it passes through. Though the road no longer carries the volume of traffic it once did, its place in American history and its reputation as a symbol of freedom and travel continue to draw visitors from around the globe. For Holbrook, Winslow, and the many other communities along the way, the upcoming centennial is more than just a milestone, it’s an opportunity to share their stories, welcome the world, and celebrate a highway that forever changed their history.
