- Tulsa will host the Route 66 Capital Cruise: Classic Car Centennial Parade on May 30, 2026, celebrating the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.
- The parade aims to be the largest classic car parade in history, featuring cars from model year 1996 or older.
- Registration has already attracted drivers from eight different states, including California, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, just a month after opening.
- The event includes a high-traffic Expo at Expo Square and a Capital Cruise Tailgate the night before, featuring food trucks and vehicle previews
On the 99th birthday of Route 66, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is preparing to host the Route 66 Capital Cruise: Classic Car Centennial Parade on May 30, 2026, marking the historic road’s centennial. Registration for the event, which aims to be the largest classic car parade in history, opened just over a month ago and has already attracted drivers from eight different states.
Registrations have been received from Oklahoma, as well as states as geographically distant as California, North Carolina, and Indiana, highlighting significant nationwide interest in the celebration. Christian Bengel, Route 66 Commission Vice-Chair, noted that the strong early sign-ups underscore the desire for a once-in-a-lifetime centennial event in “The Capital of Route 66®.”
The parade will feature cars from model year 1996 or older, with a valid driver’s license and auto insurance required for participants. The event includes a full weekend of activities. The day before the parade, May 29, 2026, will feature the Capital Cruise Tailgate, offering food trucks and car previews. On the day of the parade, a large Expo will take place at Tulsa’s Expo Square, serving as a high-traffic showcase for vendors and vehicles before the cruising begins. Mother Road Market is serving as the official adjudicator sponsor.
