Gathering Place Presents — Route 66 Festival: Tales of the Mother Road

Join us for our biggest event of the year—the Route 66 Festival: Tales of the Mother Road at Gathering Place on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This free community celebration brings the spirit of the Mother Road to life with themed food, hands-on educational activities, live on-stage performances, and a vibrant Route 66 vendor market. The festival is sure to be a day full of nostalgia and summer fun at Gathering Place!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• The Route 66 Festival will take place at the QuikTrip Great Lawn and ONEOK Boathouse.

• The festival is free to attend.

• Due to limited parking, we recommend shuttling, using rideshare services, or walking to the festival. More details about shuttle locations and rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations will be shared soon.

MAIN STREET AMERICA MAIN STAGE

Experience a full lineup of live entertainment, storytelling, music, dance, and interactive performances inspired by the history and culture of Route 66. Stay tuned for our headliner announcement!

What to Expect

• The 66 Kicks — Festival emcees bringing improv comedy and interactive entertainment to the main stage.

• Annette Murray — Inspiring storyteller and Route 66 traveler sharing readings of her children’s books Meet Cyrus Avery, Father of Route 66 and ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66.

• Oklahoma Performing Arts — Student performers presenting The Mother Road – A Route 66 Revue!, a theatrical celebration of America’s most iconic highway.

• Woody Guthrie Center — Musical story times inspired by the life, music, and artistry of legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, complete with sing-along moments for all ages.

• Kyle French — Local ventriloquist taking guests on a comedy-filled journey along the Mother Road with a cast of unforgettable characters.

• Oklahoma Czechs, Inc. — Traditional Czech folk dancing with opportunities for guests to learn a few steps along the way.

• The Oklahoma Swing Syndicate — Beginner-friendly swing dance lessons introducing guests to the energetic world of vintage Lindy Hop and swing dancing.

• Joey Madia — Actor, writer, and historical interpreter appearing as Cyrus Avery, the “Father of Route 66.”

• Muddy Boots Line Dancing — Route 66-themed line dance tutorials led by dance instructor Stephanie Reed.

• Tulsa Performing Arts Center — A special sneak peek performance from Oklahoma! ahead of the production’s July run in Tulsa.

• Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey — Cherokee singer-songwriter blending classic country, blues, and Cherokee musical traditions into a captivating live performance.

• + more to come!

MOTHER ROAD SWEETS & EATS

Fuel your Route 66 adventure with local favorites, comfort food classics, and sweet treats from along the Route.

Food Vendors

• Bussin’ Subs

• Clark’s Smash N Dash

• Frybread Factory

• Ruth’s Chicken

• The Dogfather

• The Italian Ice Co.

• Viva La Vida Antojitos

• + more to come!

ROUTE 66 ROADTRIP ADVENTURE ZONE

Step into hands-on activities, educational experiences, and interactive fun for travelers of all ages. More details about these activities and demonstrations is coming soon!

What to Expect

• Discovery Lab

• Native Sky | Native Earth

• Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

• Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation

• Oklahoma Department of Transportation

• Rainbowland Arts

• Woody Guthrie Center

• Temporary Tattoo Station
• + more to come!

TRAVELERS & TREASURES TRADING POST

Shop handmade goods, nostalgic artwork, Route 66 souvenirs, and unique finds from local vendors and artisans.

Vendors

• Across the Prairie — Tulsa-based native plant shop offering pesticide-free milkweed, pollinator plants, gardening goods, and nature-inspired gifts.

• Kayla Anley Art — Artwork inspired by nature, life cycles, and the beauty of the natural world through thoughtful, reflective pieces.

• Southwest Trading Company — Native-owned family business featuring Native American made apparel, jewelry, candles, gifts, and handcrafted goods along historic Route 66.

• The Nut House — Iconic Route 66 destination from Claremore serving up Made in Oklahoma products, souvenirs, homemade fudge, roasted nuts, and gourmet treats.

• Tonya Madia Art — Mid-century and Atomic Age-inspired artwork blending Route 66 nostalgia, quirky cryptids, and vintage Americana.
• + more to come!

CRUISIN’ WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Connect with local organizations and community resources helping keep the Mother Road and the festival moving.

Community Partners

• Visit Tulsa

• City of Tulsa Water Trailer

• Emergency Medical Services

The Route 66 Festival: Tales of the Mother Road is a part of the Explore & Imagine program at Gathering Place, which is funded by the Public Service Company of Oklahoma Foundation, a charitable private foundation of Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

Learn more about Gathering Place’s Route 66 Centennial celebration here!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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