Inaugural Texas Route 66 Festival Officially Begins
[Amarillo, TX] — The inaugural Texas Route 66 Festival kicks off years of celebrations leading up to the centennial of Historic Route 66 in 2026. This year’s festival is held June 1 - 10, 2023. The ten days are packed with events along the Texas route, including classic car shows, Texas Route 66 bus tours, cattle drives, parades, live music and a grand finale festival in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District.
Highlights of the festival include: Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo | Amarillo National Center | June 1 - 3
Since 1987, the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo showcases the cowboy way of life. Real cowboys compete from working ranches.
Route 66 Celebration Block Party With the Sod Poodles | Hodgetown | 4 PM | June 2
Join us on June 2nd for a one-of-akind celebration of Route 66! Block party, specialty food, auctioned jerseys, in-game promotions, and a spectacular firework show with themed music. Don’t miss out!
Brett Young Live | Starlight Ranch Event Center | 6 PM | June 2
Brett Young takes the stage at Starlight Ranch in Amarillo Texas!
Amarillo Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive & Parade | Downtown Amarillo | 10 AM | June 3
Watch as 60 Texas Longhorns, classic cars and RVs make their way through Downtown Amarillo. Spectators are welcome to line up along the route and cheer on the cattle and riders as they make their way to the fairgrounds.
Route 66 Bus Tour - East | Groom, Jericho, McLean, Shamrock | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | June 7
Take a fascinating journey through Route 66’s rich history and culture with our Texas Route 66 East tour! This exclusive bus tour will take you from Amarillo, TX to Shamrock, TX, stopping at all the iconic landmarks and hotspots that have shaped the history and culture of this legendary road.
Route 66 Bus Tour - West | Vega, Adrian, Glenrio | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | June 8
Join us for an exciting tour of the iconic landmarks and cultural gems of Route 66. This bus tour will take you on a journey from Amarillo, TX to Glenrio, NM, stopping at famous hotspots such as the historic Midpoint Cafe, Dot’s Mini Museum, and the renowned Cadillac Ranch.
The Green Book: The Untold Story of Route 66 featuring Candacy Taylor | Amarillo College Concert Hall | 7 PM - 9 PM | June 8
Join Candacy Taylor for a lively gathering filled with captivating stories and fascinating insights. The Green Book, a historic travel guide for African Americans during times of segregation, will be the centerpiece of discussion.
Amarillo National Bank’s Route 66 Celebration | Route 66 Historic District (6th Ave.) | 11 AM - 7 PM | June 10
Join us for the Amarillo National Bank Route 66 Celebration on June 10th in the Amarillo Route 66 Historic District! Attendees can expect various attractions, including vendor booths, food options, live music, Elvis impersonators, Miss Texas Route 66 Pinup Pageant, kids’ activities, corn dog eating contests, a car show and much more. Admission is free for all attendees.