Tulsa’s Gathering Place Announces Plans for Route 66 Centennial Celebration in 2026
The Gathering Place, open since 2018, attracts millions of visitors to Tulsa each year.
Tulsa’s Gathering Place will join partners across the city, state, and country to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Known as the Capital of Route 66, Tulsa will play a central role in this milestone, with Gathering Place serving as one of the key sites offering immersive experiences and community events that highlight the Mother Road’s history, culture, and enduring spirit.
“The Route 66 Centennial is an opportunity for locals and visitors from around the world to connect with one another through the spirit of the Mother Road,” said Julio Badin, Executive Director of Gathering Place. “Tulsa sits at the crossroads of this iconic route, and Gathering Place will host free events and experiences that inspire discovery, foster learning, and celebrate the history and culture of Route 66 throughout the year.”
The park will feature a robust calendar of programs and activities that bring the nostalgia of Route 66 to life. Highlights include a Route 66 Festival, a sneaker decorating contest inspired by iconic Americana, a retro “drive-in” movie night, sand sculpture showcases, and themed fitness classes like swing and western dance. An exhibit inside ONEOK Boathouse will immerse visitors in Tulsa’s deep connection to the road, with engaging displays and experiences that tell the story of why Tulsa holds the title as the Capital of Route 66.
As part of its centennial storytelling, Gathering Place will weave the story of Route 66 into the park’s natural elements, using the landscapes as a canvas to connect history, culture, and nature. Through intentional marketing and seasonal storytelling—like cherry blossoms reflecting the colorful spirit of Route 66, wildflowers highlighting the living landscapes along the Mother Road, and pollinator-inspired experiences linking road trips to natural journeys—the park will celebrate the Mother Road in a way that is both authentic and unforgettable.
Gathering Place is proud to partner with and support the efforts the Route 66 Alliance, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Travel Oklahoma, Visit Tulsa, and statewide initiatives to create an unforgettable centennial experience that honors the past, drives tourism, and inspires future generations.
Admission to many events will be free to the public, with select curated experiences available through ticketed programs. More details, including a full calendar of events, will be announced at a later date.
The Gathering Place is a 66-acre park created by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and gifted to the City of Tulsa, making it the largest private gift to a community park in United States history. The park is situated along the Arkansas River, about two miles southeast of Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
