Route 66 Turns 100 With Three Car Shows East of L.A.

Victorville's show expects more than 110 cars; Ontario's two-day reunion on Euclid Avenue promises more than 1,000.

Route 66 turns 100 this year. The first of three Southern California centennial car shows opens Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Old Town Victorville. It runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 7th Street, which is Route 66 itself. Expect more than 110 show cars, plus live music and food, according to an August 31 news release from the City of Victorville.

Here's the part worth planning around. The road's western end is the Santa Monica Pier, and not one of these three parties is in Los Angeles. They're inland, in Victorville, Ontario and Barstow. Two of the three start in the morning, so budget the drive and budget it early.

Victorville: Saturday, September 12

The block party sits on 7th Street in the heart of Old Town. The city also lists it on its events calendar. Admission is free, according to Secret LA, which published a roundup of six centennial events on September 11, 2026. The city's own announcement doesn't list a price.

Four hours, one street, and it's over at 2 p.m. Show up by 11 or you're walking the tail end of it.

Ontario: September 18 and 19

The Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion returns to historic Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 2026. It's the 13th year. The organizer, Greater Ontario California, says on the event site that the show spreads across more than 22 square blocks. More than 1,000 classic cars turn out, from Model Ts and Woodies to custom builds.

Start and end times aren't posted on that site. Plan on the two days rather than a specific hour.

Free is the default here, with one asterisk. Secret LA lists free concerts both nights: the Cherry Poppin' Daddies on Friday, Lou Gramm on Saturday. The organizer sells tickets for the Friday breakfast and the poker run. Buy those before you drive out.

If you can only make one of the three, I'd make it this one. Two days beats four hours, and the music costs nothing.

Barstow: October 9 and 10

The Main Street USA Centennial Festival takes over downtown Barstow on Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 2026. Friday brings the National Miss Route 66 Pageant. Saturday brings a car show of classics and modern builds, Secret LA reported. That roundup lists days, not hours, so plan around the dates.

Barstow is a month out. Victorville is the one you can still make: 10 a.m., 7th Street, September 12.