Get ready to gas up the car and cruise through history—the Texas Panhandle is once again turning back the clock and cranking up the fun with the return of the Texas Route 66 Festival, running June 5 through June 14, 2025. Spanning ten days and stretching across multiple towns along America’s most legendary highway, this event is more than a festival. It’s a full-on immersion into the culture, character, and charisma of life on the open road.
This year, locals and visitors alike will gather to honor the spirit of the Mother Road—Route 66—with a wide range of events that blend vintage Americana, Texas cowboy grit, and that unmistakable roadside charm. From classic car shows and rodeos to film screenings, live music, and neon-lit evenings, this festival pays homage to a piece of living history in a way that’s lively, interactive, and fun for all ages.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Built in 1926, U.S. Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in the country, stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Texas claims only about 178 of those miles—but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in attitude. The stretch between Shamrock and Glenrio is packed with vintage gas stations, retro diners, quirky museums, and larger-than-life roadside attractions.
The Texas Route 66 Festival captures that nostalgic atmosphere and amplifies it with authentic, community-driven experiences that celebrate everything from local arts and culture to barbecue, jazz, and bootscootin’ boogie. Whether you're a road-tripper chasing stories, a history buff exploring the old highway, or just looking for summer fun with family and friends, this festival is a can’t-miss.
Festival Schedule & Highlights: A Journey Through the Heart of the Panhandle
Each town along the route brings its own flavor to the party—literally and figuratively. You might find yourself watching a parade one moment, enjoying handcrafted tacos the next, then later slow-dancing under the stars to a local band strumming Johnny Cash. It’s all part of the experience.
Here’s a closer look at the festival day-by-day:
Thursday, June 5 – Opening Night, Western Style
Coors Ranch Rodeo | 7–10 PM | Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds
Saddle up! This official kickoff delivers bareback riding, barrel racing, and a full lineup of rodeo action. Expect cowboy hats, fried fair food, and the unmistakable smell of fresh-cut arena dirt.
First Thursday on 6th | All Day | Amarillo
Amarillo’s historic 6th Street will come alive with art gallery openings, live street music, antique browsing, and open-late local shops. It’s the perfect evening stroll.
Karaoke on Route 66 | 7 PM | Old Tascosa Brewery
Round out the night with a mic in hand, singing your heart out at this family-friendly karaoke night hosted by local favorite DJ Andy Martinez.
Friday, June 6 – Fast Draws & Neon Dreams
Celebrity Fast Draw Shoot Out | 3 PM | Rex Baxter Building
Watch Old West history come alive as costumed reenactors and celebrity guests face off in friendly (and safe!) fast-draw competitions.
Night Under the Neon | 6–9 PM | U-Drop Inn Café, Shamrock
Few sights capture the spirit of Route 66 like neon signs glowing at dusk. With live music and food trucks, this free event promises small-town magic in a historic setting.
Bull in Bloom | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | Cactus Cove Inn
Sip a mimosa, browse floral vendors, and enjoy lunch while basking in the cowboy-meets-cottagecore vibes.
Saturday, June 7 – Parade Day & Rodeo Nights
CCC Downtown Cattle Drive & Parade | 10 AM | 11th & Polk Street, Amarillo
Real cowboys drive real cattle through the heart of Amarillo—yes, this actually happens. A perfect blend of heritage and spectacle.
Route 66 Celebration on the Square | 10 AM–4 PM | Wolflin Square
Vendors, artisan crafts, food trucks, and kids’ activities in a market-style setting perfect for a Saturday stroll.
Coors Ranch Rodeo Dance | Time TBA | Amarillo National Center
After the rodeo, kick up your boots and dance the night away. Think string lights, live country music, and cold longnecks.
Sunday, June 8 – Racing & Rolling
Run the Gap 5K Challenge | 9 AM | Jericho Gap, Clarendon
Not just a run, but a scenic jog through one of Route 66’s most historic—and dusty—stretches. Bragging rights included.
Lowrider Cruise | 6–7:45 PM | 600 E Amarillo Blvd
These rolling works of art glide through Amarillo in style. Come for the chrome, stay for the culture.
Monday, June 9 – Film Night
Amarillo Film Society Screening | 6:30 PM | Goldenlight Cantina
Featuring “In Open Air: Episodes II and III,” this screening spotlights independent storytelling rooted in the wide-open landscapes of the West.
Tuesday, June 10 – Jazz and Vibes
June Jazz | 7–9 PM | Amarillo College Clock Tower
Spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy cool jazz under a warm Texas sky. The soundtrack for a perfect summer night.
Wednesday, June 11 – Explore the East
TX 66 East Bus Tour | 8:30 AM–5 PM | Departs from 1000 S. Polk St.
A full day of curated stops, history, lunch, and stories. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned Route 66 fans.
Big Texan Soiree | 5–7 PM | The Big Texan Beer Garden
Home of the 72 oz steak, The Big Texan offers live music, drinks, and good times in true Amarillo fashion.
Thursday, June 12 – Comedy, Karaoke & Culture
TX 66 West Bus Tour | 8:30 AM–5 PM | Same format, different direction.
Comedy Night on 6th | 8:30 PM | Bliss 66
Laugh out loud at a free showcase of local comics.
Texas Route 66 Visitor Center Celebration | 5:30–7 PM
Food trucks, music, beer, and wine—it’s the kind of chill Thursday we all dream of.
Friday, June 13 – Hot Rods & Showdowns
Hot Rods & Hollywood | Tascosa Drive-In | Details TBA
Expect classic car displays, movie screenings, and mid-century vibes.
Bomb City Bar Fights Wrestling | 9 PM | Bliss 66 | $15
Loud, rowdy, and unforgettable—an underground favorite in Amarillo nightlife.
Saturday, June 14 – Finale & Fiesta
Fitness @ KT Black 5K Run/Walk | 8 AM | Route 66
Start your finale day off right by walking or running along the historic road.
TX 66 Festival Finale | 11 AM–7 PM | Amarillo Route 66 Historic District
Free admission and packed with fun:
Live Music all day
Elvis impersonators
Classic Car & Bike Shows
Miss Texas Route 66 Pin-Up Pageant
Corn Dog Eating Contest
Vendor Booths, Kid Zones, Food Trucks, and more
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Travel—Experience
The Texas Route 66 Festival isn’t about passively observing—it’s about jumping in, getting dusty, singing out loud, and remembering what it feels like to chase a sunset. It’s about family and community, old stories and new memories.
So, whether you're a local planning your summer or a traveler chasing nostalgia, get your kicks in Texas this June. After all, the road still calls—and Texas is ready to answer.
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