About this Event
Join us for our biggest event of the year—the Route 66 Festival: Tales of the Mother Road at Gathering Place on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This free community celebration brings the spirit of the Mother Road to life with themed food, hands-on educational activities, live on-stage performances, and a vibrant Route 66 vendor market. The festival is sure to be a day full of nostalgia and summer fun at Gathering Place!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- The Route 66 Festival will take place at the QuikTrip Great Lawn and ONEOK Boathouse.
- The festival is free to attend.
- Due to limited parking, we recommend shuttling, using rideshare services, or walking to the festival. More details about shuttle locations and rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations will be shared soon.
MAIN STREET AMERICA MAIN STAGE
Experience a full lineup of live entertainment, storytelling, music, dance, and interactive performances inspired by the history and culture of Route 66. Stay tuned for our headliner announcement!
What to Expect
- The 66 Kicks — Festival emcees bringing improv comedy and interactive entertainment to the main stage.
- Annette Murray — Inspiring storyteller and Route 66 traveler sharing readings of her children’s books Meet Cyrus Avery, Father of Route 66 and ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66.
- Oklahoma Performing Arts — Student performers presenting The Mother Road – A Route 66 Revue!, a theatrical celebration of America’s most iconic highway.
- Woody Guthrie Center — Musical story times inspired by the life, music, and artistry of legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, complete with sing-along moments for all ages.
- Kyle French — Local ventriloquist taking guests on a comedy-filled journey along the Mother Road with a cast of unforgettable characters.
- Oklahoma Czechs, Inc. — Traditional Czech folk dancing with opportunities for guests to learn a few steps along the way.
- The Oklahoma Swing Syndicate — Beginner-friendly swing dance lessons introducing guests to the energetic world of vintage Lindy Hop and swing dancing.
- Joey Madia — Actor, writer, and historical interpreter appearing as Cyrus Avery, the “Father of Route 66.”
- Muddy Boots Line Dancing — Route 66-themed line dance tutorials led by dance instructor Stephanie Reed.
- Tulsa Performing Arts Center — A special sneak peek performance from Oklahoma! ahead of the production’s July run in Tulsa.
- Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey — Cherokee singer-songwriter blending classic country, blues, and Cherokee musical traditions into a captivating live performance.
- + more to come!
MOTHER ROAD SWEETS & EATS
Fuel your Route 66 adventure with local favorites, comfort food classics, and sweet treats from along the Route.
Food Vendors
- Bussin’ Subs
- Clark’s Smash N Dash
- Frybread Factory
- Ruth’s Chicken
- The Dogfather
- The Italian Ice Co.
- Viva La Vida Antojitos
- + more to come!
ROUTE 66 ROADTRIP ADVENTURE ZONE
Step into hands-on activities, educational experiences, and interactive fun for travelers of all ages. More details about these activities and demonstrations is coming soon!
What to Expect
- Discovery Lab
- Native Sky | Native Earth
- Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom
- Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation
- Oklahoma Department of Transportation
- Rainbowland Arts
- Woody Guthrie Center
- Temporary Tattoo Station
- + more to come!
TRAVELERS & TREASURES TRADING POST
Shop handmade goods, nostalgic artwork, Route 66 souvenirs, and unique finds from local vendors and artisans.
Vendors
- Across the Prairie — Tulsa-based native plant shop offering pesticide-free milkweed, pollinator plants, gardening goods, and nature-inspired gifts.
- Kayla Anley Art — Artwork inspired by nature, life cycles, and the beauty of the natural world through thoughtful, reflective pieces.
- Southwest Trading Company — Native-owned family business featuring Native American made apparel, jewelry, candles, gifts, and handcrafted goods along historic Route 66.
- The Nut House — Iconic Route 66 destination from Claremore serving up Made in Oklahoma products, souvenirs, homemade fudge, roasted nuts, and gourmet treats.
- Tonya Madia Art — Mid-century and Atomic Age-inspired artwork blending Route 66 nostalgia, quirky cryptids, and vintage Americana.
- + more to come!
CRUISIN’ WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Connect with local organizations and community resources helping keep the Mother Road and the festival moving.
Community Partners
- Visit Tulsa
- City of Tulsa Water Trailer
- Emergency Medical Services
The Route 66 Festival: Tales of the Mother Road is a part of the Explore & Imagine program at Gathering Place, which is funded by the Public Service Company of Oklahoma Foundation, a charitable private foundation of Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
Learn more about Gathering Place’s Route 66 Centennial celebration here!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Quiktrip Great Lawn, 2650 South John Williams Way, Tulsa, United States
USD 0.00
