Celebrate the golden age of automobiles at the 13th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show, held Sept. 26–28 in Springfield, Ill. This long-running event honoring America’s iconic Route 66 attracts more than 1,000 cars, features live music, and offers a wide variety of food and family-friendly activities.
Organizers work year-round to plan and refine the festival’s offerings. “We strive to bring variety and fresh attractions every year while maintaining the features that have proven to be so popular,” said Kim Rosendahl, president of the festival’s board of directors. “It’s our chance to showcase our beautiful city and its historic sense of place along the iconic Mother Road.”
National judges evaluate vehicles across more than 40 classes, recognizing outstanding restorations, custom builds, and original classics. Spectators can also enjoy high-energy competitions such as the Mickey Thompson Tires Burnout Competition, where the crowd decides which driver produces the loudest and smokiest 30-second burnout. For those who want a technical measure of performance, the Lucas Oil Dyno Challenge provides an at-the-wheels horsepower reading so owners can see exactly how much power their cars deliver.
Beyond contests and awards, the festival offers an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike: show fields filled with vintage and contemporary vehicles, vendor booths, food trucks, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with fellow automobile fans. Whether you come to admire classic restorations, cheer for competitors, or enjoy the atmosphere of a community celebration rooted in Route 66 history, the festival delivers a full weekend of automotive culture and fun.
Attendees should plan for a packed schedule across multiple days, allowing time to explore car displays, catch live performances, and participate in interactive attractions. With a mix of judged classes, crowd-driven events, and technical challenges, the Route 66 Mother Road Festival offers something for every interest level and age group.
Join thousands of visitors and hundreds of cars as Springfield celebrates the spirit of Route 66 with speed, sound, and style during this annual tribute to America’s most famous highway.