Charming small towns, friendly locals and quirky roadside attractions draw countless crowds to travel along Route 66 each year. Make the most of your time spent on the Mother Road with a trip to one of these top Route 66 festivals in Oklahoma. From car cruises and wine festivals to chuckwagon meals and music events, these annual happenings embody the very essence of America’s Highway.
Clinton Route 66 Festival – Clinton
Known as the hub of western Oklahoma and home to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the city of Clinton is a time-honored stop along Route 66. If your journey takes you through on the fourth Saturday in May, the Clinton Route 66 Festival is a must-see. This two-day event boasts a burnout contest, stereo competition and battle of the bands on Friday night, while Saturday is packed to the brim with a car and motorcycle show, weiner dog race, hot dog eating contest, poker run and free concert.
Williams Route 66 Marathon & Half Marathon – Tulsa
Head over to Oklahoma’s second largest city for the Williams Route 66 Marathon & Half Marathon held each November. This two-day event features a competitive run past stunning Art Deco architecture in downtown Tulsa, through some of the city’s most impressive neighborhoods and ends at Guthrie Green. Whether you opt to tackle the whole marathon, half marathon, compete in a relay team, participate in the 5K or bring the whole family out to the fun run, there’s something for everyone. After logging your miles along the Mother Road, check out the health, fitness and sustainability expo where you’ll learn healthy practices and be inspired to live a healthier life.
Bethany 66 Festival – Bethany
Make a point to visit downtown Bethany on Memorial Day weekend to celebrate at one of the city’s biggest events. This charming city welcomes visitors with murals of historic Route 66 throughout the downtown area, which adds to the festive feel of the Bethany 66 Festival. This family friendly event kicks off with a car cruise and bluegrass concert on Friday, while Saturday is packed with a car show, arts and crafts booths, live music and a children's parade.
El Reno Small Town Weekend – El Reno
Celebrate the legacy of El Reno and Route 66 with a trip to the El Reno Small Town Weekend celebration in June. Packed with fun events for the entire family, this two-day festival features a car show, a pre-1988 car cruise along a closed section of Route 66 and even Hot Wheels races for the kids in nearby Adam’s Park. On Sunday, guests are invited to a homemade cinnamon roll breakfast, a gospel sing and chuckwagon lunch followed by a poker run and the only legal drag race and burnout on Route 66.
Totem Pole BBQ & Music Fest – Chelsea
Fun roadside attractions, like Totem Pole Park, are just one of the things that make Route 66 unique. This northeast Oklahoma attraction is home to the world’s largest concrete totem pole, as well as the Totem Pole BBQ & Music Fest, held annually the first Saturday in October. Round up the whole gang to explore the on-site, 11-sided fiddle house while tapping your toes to live entertainment. Plenty of great barbecue, craft vendors and children’s activities will ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stroud’s Historic Route 66 Wine & Food Festival – Stroud
Situated along the stretch of Route 66 that lies between Oklahoma City and Tulsa you’ll find the city of Stroud, known as the wine and grape capital of Oklahoma. Follow the Mother Road right into Stroud’s downtown area where Stroud’s Historic Route 66 Wine & Food Festival is held during the second Saturday in June. The 21-and-over crowd can enjoy samples from over 10 Oklahoma wineries, while all ages will enjoy gourmet food, a car and motorcycle show, vendor booths and live music.
Heartland Cruise Car Show – Weatherford
Along the plains of western Oklahoma, Route 66 winds into the city of Weatherford. For over two decades, Weatherford has hosted the Heartland Cruise Car Show, which brings out over 250 classic cars for two days in mid-June. Park your ride and browse rows of cars in Rader Park while enjoying some delicious fair food. The park will also be filled with vendors and games, as well as arts and craft booths to keep you entertained all day long.
AAA Route 66 Road Fest
Held at Tulsa's Expo Square since 2022, AAA Route 66 Road Fest helps fellow Mother Road enthusiasts connect while exploring amazing interactive exhibits that detail the vast history of the iconic roadway throughout the years. Exhibits include the Future of Mobility depicting the history of automobiles from the Model T to modern electric vehicles, the Indoor Drive-In, an oversized movie screen that will bring the nostalgia of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and the RV Experience which will simulate the experience of classic RV parks and rest areas from years past. With so much to do and see, the Route 66 Road Fest is your chance to experience the past, present and future of the Mother Road in one place.
For more things to do along Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66, check out Oklahoma’s Top Attractions Along Route 66.
