Route 66

Celebrate 100 Years of the Mother Road with Music

Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, and Make Music Day is marking the milestone with musical activations along the historic highway. From Chicago to Santa Monica, cities along the route are invited to host special music events honoring America's most iconic road.

How It Works

1. Cities along or near Route 66 organize Make Music Day events with a Route 66 theme
2. A new song competition invites musicians to write and perform original songs inspired by the route
3. Anchor events are planned in Chicago and Santa Monica (the start and end of Route 66)
4. Additional cities are being recruited to fill in the musical map

Why Get Involved?

• 🇺🇸 Celebrate a once-in-a-century American milestone
• 🎶 Enter the song competition with an original Route 66-inspired piece
• 📰 Marketing materials are being developed by the Alliance for maximum press coverage
• 🚗 Tap into the nostalgia and Americana that Route 66 represents

Vermont Connection

While Vermont isn't on Route 66, the spirit of road-trip Americana resonates everywhere. Consider hosting a "musical road trip" themed event — play songs about travel, highways, and the open road!