This weekend, Springfield, Illinois is hosting the 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival from September 25-27! This year, the festival celebrates 100 years of Route 66.
Route 66 was first constructed in 1926 but was far from complete and only had around 800 miles of paved road. The road was finished and completely paved in 1938, and it now stretches from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. It passes through eight states and is one of the Unites States’ first continuous highways.
The event is an annual classic-car show held in downtown Springfield, featuring cars, music and fun for all ages! Several retro and custom cars will be available for viewing, many led by Dave Kindig and Dennis Gage, two designers known for their custom and classic car builds.
Saturday’s schedule for the festival is below:
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Old Capitol Farmers Market
9 a.m.- 10 p.m. - Lightning McQueen in the BOS Center
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Miss and Mr. Mother Road Contest - sponsored by Springfield Vintage
Noon - Sign up begins for Kids Power Wheels races (7th & Washington)
1-2 p.m. - Major League Eating Cozy Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Reisch Beer & Cozy Dog Drive In (7th & Washington)
1 p.m. - Kids Power Wheels Races (7th & Washington)
2-3 p.m. – Live Music - Sugar Davis Band on the ISRINGHAUSEN IMPORTS Main Stage
3 p.m. - ISRINGHAUSEN IMPORTS Burn out contest ( 7th - Washington)
4-5:30 p.m. - Red Hot Rubber Biscuit Rhythm & Blues on the ISRINGHAUSEN IMPORTS Main Stage
6-7:30 p.m. - RT66 Rockabilly Jam with Union Avenue on the ISRINGHAUSEN IMPORTS Main Stage
8 p.m. - Rockhouse on the ISRINGHAUSEN IMPORTS Main Stage with Laser Light Show after the concert
Sunday morning will feature the Route 66 Mother Road 5K Foot race at the Old Capital plaza. Interested participants can register here: https://shorturl.at/r50Dc
