Live Entertainment
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 8 a.m. CST
TODAY Show 3rd Hour Live!
The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff weekend launches with something truly extraordinary:
NBC’s TODAY will broadcast its nationally televised “3rd Hour” live from the newly completed Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza in downtown Springfield, to align with the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Along with hosts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer, the broadcast will feature live interviews, special segments, and a look at the iconic American landmark. The show is sponsored by the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Live Performances & Activities
As the weekend unfolds, live entertainment takes center stage across the city, offering something unforgettable for every visitor.
A Weekend Illuminated
Both Friday and Saturday nights will dazzle with signature Route 66–themed drone shows, choreographed to music and storytelling that trace the legacy of the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica. Hundreds of drones will paint the night sky with nostalgic neon patterns, classic car silhouettes, and tributes to the communities that have kept Route 66 alive for nearly 100 years.
Entertainment Around Every Corner
Local performers, musicians, reenactors, and community groups will energize streets, plazas, and stages throughout the city. Whether it’s a bluegrass duo tucked under a festival tent, a jazz trio on Commercial Street, a student group showcasing Route 66-inspired art, or pop-up performances honoring America’s 250th birthday, the celebration is alive from morning to evening.
