EDMOND, Okla. — In 2026, history and the open road converge in Edmond as the city hosts a synchronized celebration of two monumental anniversaries: the 250th Anniversary of the United States (America 250) and the Centennial of U.S. Highway 66.

As the western anchor of the "Midpoint Corridor"—the "100 Greatest Miles" stretching from Sapulpa to Edmond—the city is poised to welcome visitors from across the globe. By weaving together the story of American independence with the legacy of the Mother Road, Edmond offers a unique narrative of resilience, mobility, and community.

From the high-energy beach sprints at Arcadia Lake to the nostalgic hum of classic cars in downtown and all the food you could enjoy in between, this guide serves as the essential roadmap to the events defining Edmond’s landscape in 2026.

 

Spring 2026: Festivals and The Road

As the weather warms, the calendar accelerates with major regional festivals and culinary events.

  • Get Your Kicks Edmond Arts Festival (May 1-3): Held in downtown Edmond, this free event honors the highway's centennial with the theme "Get Your Art and Kicks on Route 66." Visitors can browse booths filled with fine art, enjoy delicious food, and listen to live music. (Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Note: Service dogs only.
  • Route 66 Festival Triathlon (May 29-30): Hosted by TRI-OKC at Arcadia Lake, this multisport festival features a Youth Splash & Dash on Friday and Olympic/Sprint distance triathlons on Saturday, utilizing the scenic terrain of Edmond's "Blue Route 66."
  • Route 66 Centennial Birthday Bash (May 30): Linking the Tulsa Capital Cruise from 8-10 a.m. and Oklahoma City’s  Kickin It on Route 66 from 6-10 p.m!
    Spend the day exploring Route 66’s 100 Greatest Miles from Sapulpa to Edmond.
    Visit 11 checkpoints for your chance to win a Route 66 prize pack!

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum- 13 Sahoma Lake Rd, Sapulpa, OK 74066

Caboose Wine & Spirits- 13 Oak St Suite A, Kellyville, OK 74039

Bristow Toy Museum- 118 SH-66, Bristow, OK 74010

D’s Creations- 419 Main St, Depew, OK 74028

Rock Café- 114 W Main St, Stroud, OK 74079

Old Magnolia Garage- 809 Broadway, Davenport, OK 74026

Route 66 Bowl- 920 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834

The Butcher BBQ Stand- 3402 US Rte 66, Wellston, OK 74881

The Orchard on 66- 18755E Hwy 66, Luther, OK 73054

Arcadia Round Barn 107 OK-66, Arcadia, OK 73007

Edmond History Museum- 431 S Blvd, Edmond, OK 73034

 

  • Route 66 Midpoint Corridor Road Rally (June 6) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Buckle up for the "100 Miles Road Rally," a self-paced, high-energy exploration from Edmond to Sapulpa. Participants visit cities to complete challenges and discover hidden gems, making memories on the most iconic stretch of America’s Highway.
  • Blue Hippo Festival (June 6) from 4-9 p.m.: Themed around Edmond’s famous Route 66 novelty, the Blue Hippo, this festival promises a whimsical celebration of local lore with family-fun activities spanning Edmond and the Stephenson Park District.
  • Route 66 Centennial Caravan (arriving in Edmond on June 18): As a national procession of vehicles travel from Chicago to Santa Monica, Edmond will serve as a key waypoint for car clubs and enthusiasts along Broadway and 2nd Street between 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. Locals will line the streets with flags, signs and banners to welcome them. A 1941 Ford Police Cruiser will lead the Centennial Carvan through Edmond.

 

Summer 2026: LibertyFest

Edmond’s premier annual event, LibertyFest, is a massive, multi-day spectacle uniting the city under the 2026 theme: "From 1776 to Route 66: The Freedom of America Rolls On."

  • Concert in the Park (June 25): The festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. on the UCO Campus (Directly North of Mitchell Hall) with live music and free ice cream.
  • LibertyFest Rodeo (June 26-27): Celebrate Oklahoma’s western heritage at 8 p.m. nightly at the Carl Benne Arena with this IPRA/KPRA sanctioned event.
  • Liberty Sprint (June 27): Starting at 8 a.m. at Mitch Park, this family and dog-friendly 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run benefits the Travis Manion Foundation. Patriotic costumes are encouraged.
  • 25th Annual Car Show & ParkFest (June 27): Held at Hafer Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., this silver anniversary event combines a judged classic car competition with free family fun, including live music and food trucks.
  • Liberty JazzFest (June 27): From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stephenson Park Amphitheater, enjoy a free evening of music featuring the Edmond Jazz Orchestra and National Guard Jazz Band.
  • Exploration Edmond (June 28): This "scavenger hunt on wheels" starts at Earl’s Rib Palace at 12 p.m. Teams navigate the city solving clues for prizes. Registration is $15 per vehicle.
  • LibertyTrivia (July 1): Gather at American Solera at 7 p.m. for a free-to-play competition covering American history and pop culture in a spirited atmosphere.
  • Songs & Stripes: Big Band Show (July 3): Hosted by the Edmond History Museum, this "Living Tribute" is a LibertyFest tradition. Attendees will be transported to the World War II era with live musicians and actors reading Old Time Radio-style scripts incorporating Edmond history from the war years. Free tickets for Active Military and Veterans. (RSVP‑required)
  • The Grand Finale (July 4): The celebration culminates with the famous LibertyFest Parade in downtown Edmond at 9 a.m., followed by a Fireworks display at UCO at 9:30 p.m.

 

Summer & Fall: Living History & The Centennial Crescendo

Beyond LibertyFest, the celebration continues with mural dedications and massive outdoor festivals.

  • Route 66 Centennial Muralfest (July 18): Held in conjunction with Oklahoma’s Independent Shopkeepers Association’s “Weekend of Local,” Edmond’s newest mural will be unveiled at Heard on Hurd. Part of a statewide initiative along Oklahoma’s 400-plus miles of Route 66, it brings color, creativity, and hometown pride to the corridor by showcasing local artists and community identity.
  • Meet the Teacher (Aug. 10-12): Taking place in the 1889 Territorial School—the first territorial schoolhouse built in Oklahoma Territory—this living history event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reenactors portraying schoolmarms will showcase Oklahoma's education culture within the authentic setting of a real one-room schoolhouse.
  • Route 66 Beach Sprint Rowing Festival (Aug 29-30): This unique festival and athletic competition at Arcadia Lake plays on the famous "Chicago to LA" lyric. It transforms Edmond's "Blue Route 66" asset into a high-energy arena featuring competitive beach sprint rowing and lakeside festivities.
  • Route 66 Annual Balloon and Kite Festival (Sept. 23-27): Officially approved by the Centennial Commission, this family-friendly event at Parkhurst Ranch in Arcadia features hot air balloons, a kite show, helicopter rides, and tethered balloon rides. Guests can enjoy a market with food trucks and vendors, plus an art walk and live music. Follow the Route 66 Balloon Festival on Facebook for the latest updates.
  • Sounds on 66 (Oct 1-3): Enjoy live music along the 100 Greatest Miles of Route 66 from Thursday, Oct 1 to Saturday, Oct 4. Drive through 11 cities from Edmond to Sapulpa to hear bands from all genres. Find details here: 100 Miles of Music — 100 Greatest Miles
  • Edmond Cycle 66 (Oct. 4): Experience the thrill of the open road at Edmond Cycle 66, the premier urban/rural bicycling tour along the legendary Mother Road. Beginning and ending in the heart of downtown Edmond at Broadway and 1st Street, this event offers four distinct routes (10, 18, 33, and 66 miles) for all skill levels, plus an adrenaline-pumping criterium race. All routes depart at 7 a.m., followed by a 1-mile Kids Ride at 9:30 a.m. on a closed course. Packet pickup is hosted at Frenzy Brewing Co. Join the community, pedal through history, and support the Oklahoma Route 66 Association in this unforgettable ride!
  • Round Barn Roundup (Oct. 17): Join the AHPS and the Round Barn as they partner with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association for a music and arts festival in honor of the 100th Anniversary. Enjoy the Otto Funk Fiddle contest, line dancing, food, and family fun.

 

Holiday Finale 2026

  • Route 66 Gallery (Nov. 5): The Edmond Fine Arts Institute presents a special photography show featuring works inspired by the highway, automotive culture, and Americana, offering a reflective artistic close to the year's visual themes.
  • Official Route 66 Birthday (Nov. 11): Ceremonial acknowledgments will mark the official commissioning date of U.S. Highway 66 on November 11, 1926. This date holds special resonance in Edmond, where the original alignment created a famous "L-turn" at 2nd Street and Broadway. For decades, travelers navigating the Mother Road were funneled directly through the heart of the city. Edmond leaders will open the Eagle’s Nest at The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park at 2 p.m. Edmond will also have Veterans Day Celebrations at 4:30 p.m. at Stephenson Park.
  • Deck the Downtown (Nov. 12): Kick off the most wonderful time of the year in Edmond with the lighting of the downtown 20-foot Christmas tree at Festival Market Place. This festive start to the season features horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, dance presentations, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy hot cocoa and live music as the community transitions from Centennial celebrations to the winter holidays.
  • Turkey Trot (Nov. 26): One of Oklahoma's largest Thanksgiving events returns to downtown Edmond. Featuring a 5K Run and a 1 Mile Family Wobble, the event welcomes strollers and friendly leashed dogs. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest. Proceeds benefit Turning Point Ministries and the YMCA.

As the Centennial year draws to a close, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay tuned for announcements regarding other beloved holiday traditions. Watch for details on the potential return of 2025 favorites like "100 Miles of Christmas" and "Miracle on 2nd St," ensuring the festive spirit continues along the Mother Road well into the new year.

 

Visitor Tips for 2026

  • Book Early: Accommodations for LibertyFest (late June) and the Balloon Festival (late September) are expected to reach peak capacity quickly.
  • Get the Passport: Use the Route 66 Passport to visit 12 attractions like the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse. Snap a selfie and tag #Edmondon66 on social media.
  • Use the Edmond Toolkit: Find logos, photos, graphics and more in the Route 66 Centennial Toolkit. Put the centennial logo on your website, email signature and newsletters.
  • Explore the Corridor: Edmond is the western anchor of the "Midpoint Corridor." Visitors are encouraged to explore the partnering cities to the east, including Arcadia and Luther, for the full "100 Greatest Miles" experience.

For more information and real-time updates, contact Visit Edmond or stop by the Visitor Center.