The 23rd Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, presented by Recon Techs of Springfield, will include its annual cruise through the city, live music, celebrity guests and the downtown show of classic cars. Some highlights:
• The Friday night cruise with hundreds of vehicles begins at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 27 at Capital City Shopping Center (lineup begins at 3 p.m.), goes south on Dirksen Parkway, west on Stevenson Drive, then north on Sixth Street to downtown.
• Up to 1,200 registered vehicles are expected, an increase from 1,039 last year, says organizer Greg "Coop" Cooper.
• Special displays will include Dick Levi's cars near Sixth and Monroe streets and Isringhausen Import's showcase near Sixth and Adams streets.
• Dennis Gage and his crew from My Classic Car will be back Friday and Saturday to film an upcoming episode.
• Special guest Chris Jacobs of the Overhaulin' automotive makeover show will be at the festival on Saturday.
• "Get Your Flicks on Route 66" will feature a variety of movies and unique historical pieces in the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Saturday only.
• Live music will be presented on the Isringhausen Imports main stage at Sixth and Washington streets.
This event has an economic impact of more than $1 million and helps to make Springfield "the Route 66 hub in Illinois," said Dahl of the SCVB. "In 2026, organizers anticipate a record attendance for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, when the Springfield festival will celebrate 25 years."
The downtown event is free for attendees. More details about vehicle registration, a burnout competition, activities for kids and the lineup of bands can be found at route66fest.com.