SANTA MONICA WELCOMES TEXAS TO THE END OF THE TRAIL
Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 with a Special Centennial Event at the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, June 4
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 1, 2026) – Join us in celebrating 100 years of Route 66 at a special, free centennial event on the Santa Monica Pier from 4pm to 8pm Thursday, June 4. Santa Monica welcomes locals and travelers alike to experience the spirit of Texas at the iconic “End of the Trail,” featuring live entertainment, a steak-eating challenge, classic cars and special announcements.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the country-western spirit of Texas to our beach city at the western end of the legendary Route 66,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “From the desert to the coast, Route 66 guides travelers through the great landscapes of our nation, all while celebrating nostalgic Americana, vibrant communities and a spirit of discovery. This event invites everyone to experience the nostalgia, adventure and energy that have made Route 66 an enduring symbol of the American Road trip.”
The event will include a host of Route 66 programming and activities, including a live country-western band and line dancing for a true Texas evening. Take in a lineup of classic cars from the Petersen Automotive Museum for a glimpse of the retro vehicles that took to the open road during Route 66’s heyday. Guests will also enjoy a special opportunity to be among the first to taste Santa Monica Brew Works’ new End of the Trail Pale Ale, a special brew celebrating Route 66 soon available on tap at their Tasting Room.
A highlight of the evening, cheer on the City of Santa Monica Chief of Police and Fire Chief as they attempt The Big Texan’s Steak Challenge, inviting attendees to take on a 72-ounce steak from this famous Lone Star restaurant.
“Santa Monica has always been a place where community, culture, and history come together in a unique way, and hosting this Route 66 celebration on the iconic Santa Monica Pier makes it even more special,” shared City of Santa Monica Chief of Police Darrick Jacob. “We’re proud to join our partners across the city in helping create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for residents and visitors alike. Events like this strengthen connections, celebrate what makes our city extraordinary, and showcase the pride we all share in serving this community.”
“This is exactly the kind of event that makes Santa Monica special, bringing people together, celebrating history, creating memories, and having a lot of fun along the way. We’re honored to be part of a Route 66 celebration that combines community spirit, great partners, classic cars, music, and a little friendly competition,” said City of Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock. “Opportunities like this remind us that public safety is not just about responding to emergencies, it’s also about connecting with the community we’re proud to serve.”
With a host of hotel and business specials, Route 66 merchandise and Certificates of Completion at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Visitor Information Centers and the Santa Monica Route 66 Song Contest inviting musicians to enter an original song honoring Route 66 for a chance to win $10,000 USD, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the route in Santa Monica this year. To learn more, 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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