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

Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 at Gathering Place on July 18 with live music, themed eats, family activities, vendors, and summer fun!
About this Event

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 including a headlining performance by Marc Broussard, and a vibrant Route 66 vendor market. The festival is sure to be a day full of nostalgia and summer fun at Gathering Place!

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Youth Programs | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Performances, Story Times, Demonstrations, and Activities | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendor Market | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Food Trucks | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Concert | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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 Cowboy Foundation

• 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.
• Heaven Pahsetopah

• Muddy Boots Line Dancing — Route 66-themed line dance tutorials led by dance instructor Stephanie Reed.
• Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus — Award-winning women’s barbershop chorus representing Tulsa through high-energy a cappella performances, four-part harmony, and regional and international competition excellence.

• Tulsa Performing Arts Center — A special sneak peek performance from Oklahoma! ahead of the production’s July run in Tulsa.
• Tulsa Country Western Dance Association
• Ann Bell and the Tulsa Sound —Tulsa-born musician and original member of the Tulsa Sound, recognized as the “Queen of the Tulsa Sound” for her lasting contributions to the city’s music culture.

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

• HEADLINER: Marc Broussard — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Marc Broussard is known for his rich, soulful voice and signature blend of Southern soul, blues, rock ’n’ roll, and R&B. Broussard first gained national recognition with his breakout hit Home and has since built a celebrated career defined by heartfelt storytelling, powerful performances, and a sound deeply rooted in the musical traditions of the American South. Known for his authenticity and emotional depth, Broussard continues to captivate audiences around the world with his distinctive style and timeless music.

MOTHER ROAD SWEETS & EATS (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

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
• Cutie Pies Concessions
• Frigid Whips

• Frybread Factory
• Kettle Masters Old Fashioned Soda Wagon
• My Okie Heart Pizza

• Ruth’s Chicken

• The Dogfather

• The Italian Ice Co.

• Viva La Vida Antojitos
• Plus, a very special appearance by Steakhouse

ROUTE 66 ROADTRIP ADVENTURE ZONE (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

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
• Gathering Place horticulturists
• Mike McUsic

• Native Sky | Native Earth
• Oka' Water Institute

• Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation

• Oklahoma Department of Transportation
• Partner Tulsa
• Public Service Company of Oklahoma

• Rainbowland Arts
• Surge Mini Golf
• Tulsa Girl Power

• Woody Guthrie Center

• Temporary Tattoo Station
• + more to come!

TRAVELERS & TREASURES TRADING POST (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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.
• Arcadia Round Barn
• Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66
• Ges Portugal
• GroweFlowers
• Ida Red General Store

• Kayla Anley Art — Artwork inspired by nature, life cycles, and the beauty of the natural world through thoughtful, reflective pieces.
• Mythic Press
• Pottery by Jezz
• Retrospective Photography
• Route 66 Pottery

• 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.

CRUISIN’ WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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

Community Partners

• Visit Tulsa
• Oklahoma Historical Society
• Route 66 Alliance

• 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!

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Youth Programs
🕑: 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Performances, Story Times, Demonstrations, and Activities
🕑: 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Vendor Market
🕑: 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Food Trucks
🕑: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Concert

Info: 3:15 p.m. | Agalisiga "Chuj" Mackey; 4 p.m. | Ann Bell and the Tulsa Sound; 6 p.m. | Marc Broussard