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Amarillo and other communities are gearing up for a 10-day celebration of America’s most legendary highway as the Texas Route 66 Festival returns June 4–13, 2026. Stretching across communities along the historic Mother Road, the festival honors the spirit of travel, Western heritage, and roadside culture with dozens of events, concerts, parades, cruises, tours, and family activities.
From cowboy rodeos to lowrider cruises and vintage trailer rallies, this year’s lineup turns the Texas Panhandle into a living tribute to Route 66.
Thursday, June 4 — Kickoff Night in Amarillo
The festival opens with a full slate of Western tradition and local arts across Tri-State Fairgrounds and historic Route 66 corridors.
The evening begins with the Coors Ranch Rodeo Kick-Off, featuring BBQ, brews, and live music at 5 p.m. inside the Rex Baxter Building, followed by rodeo action from 7–10 p.m. at the Amarillo National Center. An after-party follows at the concession pavilion.
Across town, visitors can design custom roadside art at STOEX Design Gallery, while “First Thursday on 6th” activates Route 66 businesses with live music, art openings, tarot readings, fashion shows, and late-night shopping along 6th Street.
Families can also catch a nostalgic screening of Cars at Smokey Joe’s during the “Cars at the Cove” event at Cactus Cove Inn & Suites.
Friday, June 5 — Centennial Celebrations & Cowboy Competition
Wolflin Square transforms into a Route 66 celebration hub from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring food trucks, shopping, a petting zoo, and appearances from community mascots.
At 3 p.m., the Texas 66 Celebrity Fast Draw Shoot Out brings local personalities into friendly Wild West-style competition.
The evening returns to rodeo action at the Amarillo National Center with another Coors Ranch Rodeo performance from 7–10 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 — Cattle Drive Through Downtown Amarillo
One of the festival’s most iconic traditions, the CCC Downtown Cattle Drive & Parade, steps off at 10 a.m. from 11th & Polk Street and proceeds through downtown toward the fairgrounds.
Early risers can grab breakfast downtown at the Courtyard Marriott before watching real Texas Longhorns move through the city streets.
Meanwhile, the Amarillo Railroad Museum presents “Route 66 Trains, Planes and Automobiles,” showcasing historic rail layouts, model train operations, and restored railcars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 — Lowriders on the Mother Road
A highlight of the festival, the Lowrider Cruise on Old Route 66, brings classic custom cars to 600 E Amarillo Blvd from 6–8 p.m.
Cars cruise Amarillo Boulevard while an accompanying Chicano art showcase unfolds at Will Rogers Park, celebrating cultural heritage and community expression.
Monday–Tuesday, June 8–9 — Film, Music & Jazz
Festival week continues with a screening by the Amarillo Film Society at Goldenlight Cantina, featuring Samantha Brown’s Places to Love: Oklahoma and Texas.
Live music takes over Smokey Joe’s both nights with performances by Gabe Martinez (June 8) and Ace and Stace (June 9).
On June 9, “June Jazz” fills the night at the Amarillo College Clock Tower from 7–9 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10 — Bus Tours & Courthouse Concerts
Two major Route 66 bus tours launch:
East Texas Route 66 Bus Tour (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), departing from Starlight Ranch Event Center
High Noon on the Square at the Potter County Courthouse, featuring live music and a catered lunch
Stops include roadside landmarks, museums, ghost towns, and iconic attractions such as the Devil's Rope Museum.
Thursday, June 11 — West Route 66 Tour & Vintage Rally Begins
The West Texas Route 66 Bus Tour explores Vega, Glenrio, and historic roadside stops including classic cafés, museums, and neon-era landmarks.
That same day, the Tin Can Tourists Route 66 Centennial Rally begins, bringing more than 60 vintage trailers into Amarillo from June 11–14, with a parade route ending at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & RV Park.
Friday, June 12 — Vintage Trailers & Lowriders Return
Visitors can tour restored trailers during the Tin Can Tourists Open House at The Big Texan RV Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Lowrider Cruise returns Friday evening, once again lighting up Amarillo Boulevard with cruising culture and community art displays.
Saturday, June 13 — 5K Run & Festival Finale
The festival concludes with the KT Black Route 66 5K Run/Walk, beginning at 7 a.m., followed by multiple race events and a VIP after-party featuring live music and food.
The grand finale, the TX 66 Festival Finale Presented by Amarillo National Bank, runs 11 a.m.–7 p.m. in the Amarillo Route 66 Historic District. Expect live music, car and bike shows, vendor booths, contests, Elvis impersonators, and the Miss Texas Route 66 Pinup Pageant.
A Celebration of the Mother Road
From cowboy culture to neon nostalgia, the Texas Route 66 Festival continues to cement Amarillo as a centerpiece of the legendary highway’s legacy. Over 10 days, the Panhandle transforms into a rolling tribute to American road trip history—where every stop tells a story.
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