SANTA MONICA SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON ROUTE 66 THIS SPRING
Santa Monica celebrates Route 66 with National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert and more commemorative events
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 30, 2026) – As the western terminus of Route 66, Santa Monica steps into the spotlight today with a landmark live event to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, showcasing the iconic destination’s storied connection to the historic highway and the legacy shaping its identity today.
This evening, Santa Monica will appear in the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert in Springfield, MO, featuring a special performance by musician Dan Navarro streamed to thousands of concert attendees live from our very own McCabe’s Guitar Shop. Santa Monica is proud to participate in the showcase hosted by John Goodman and Callie Carroll, inviting concertgoers to jam with stars like Little Big Town and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. Santa Monica reflects the spirit of the open road through live music in this once-in-a-lifetime event alongside fellow Route 66 Official Satellite Cities Joliet, IL; St. Louis, MO; Amarillo, TX and Albuquerque, NM. To view the performance, check out Santa Monica Travel & Tourism on YouTube.
Santa Monica also welcomes artists to join in celebrating the route through music with the Route 66 Song Contest. Songwriters over the age of 18 are invited to submit original songs creatively expressing the spirit of Santa Monica and its deep ties to Route 66 for a chance to win $10,000. The competition runs through September 13, 2026, with more information available at santamonica.com/route66.
“Route 66 is such a special symbol of travel and exploration, and Santa Monica is thrilled to join communities along the Route in celebrating this milestone anniversary,” said Misti Kerns, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President/CEO. “Our community is so proud to share our beach destination’s beautiful sights, amazing dining, hotel and event options and local talent with audiences today. At the celebratory western end of the open road and over the open sea, we welcome the world to find a spirit of discovery in Santa Monica creating memories and stories that will last for centuries to come.”
The Route 66 Centennial festivities continue into the summer season, beginning with the inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival, Route 66 edition taking place May 1-9. With this year marking the 100th anniversaries of Route 66 and jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the festival will feature Grammy award-winning headliner Kamasi Washington alongside a stellar lineup of musical talent performing across the city at iconic locations including Third Street Promenade, Tongva Park and the BroadStage. Enjoy a special edition of Locals’ Night on the Santa Monica Pier on June 4, where attendees are invited to enjoy nostalgic tunes by a Route 66 DJ, line dancing, an art zone, classic cars and a Route 66 Steak Challenge where contenders will compete to devour a delicious, 72 oz. steak dinner from the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Don’t miss the launch of an all-new brew celebrating Route 66 debuting at this event with the “End of the Trail Ale” by Santa Monica Brew Works, coming to a limited number of retailers in Los Angeles County and on tap at the Santa Monica Brew Works Tasting Room.
This exciting event precedes the departure of the Main Street of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan departing the Santa Monica Pier on June 6. Organized by the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, this caravan will embark across the full length of the Mother Road, celebrating communities along the way. Continue supporting local art with Make Music Day on June 21, a citywide celebration featuring free, community-led musical performances, workshops and activations with creative nods to the Route 66 Centennial. Meanwhile, the beloved Santa Monica 4th of July Parade invites all to join us for this year’s special Route 66 edition by celebrating the holiday and this major milestone.
To learn more about Santa Monica’s centennial celebrations, visit santamonica.com/route66.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email [email protected], or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
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