Route 66 Cruise, Tunes & Taste is a three-day community celebration taking place July 17–19, 2026, throughout Wildwood’s historic Route 66 corridor in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66.
Rather than a traditional car show, Wildwood is creating a Route 66 road trip through the community—inviting visitors to cruise, park, explore, shop, dine, listen, and discover the places, businesses, and history that make this stretch of the Mother Road unique.
Set among rolling hills, historic roadside landmarks, and one of the most scenic stretches of Route 66 in the St. Louis region, the celebration showcases Wildwood’s blend of small-town character, historic preservation, and vibrant community gathering spaces.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music, classic cars and motorcycles, museum tours, historic exhibits, Route 66 presentations, local shopping, food and beverage destinations, family activities, and themed gathering spaces spread across six activity nodes connected by free trolley service.
Public attendance is free. Classic vehicle registration is $10 per vehicle.
FRIDAY – TUNES
July 17 | 6:45–9:15 p.m.
Kick off the celebration at Village Green with a free Route 66-themed concert featuring The Rockwood Boys, tours of the historic Essen Log Cabin, history exhibits, classic vehicles, and family-friendly police, fire, and ambulance displays.
SATURDAY – CRUISE
July 18 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Official Cruise at 10:30 a.m.)
Experience the heart of the celebration as Wildwood’s historic Route 66 corridor comes alive with classic vehicles, live music, museums, food and beverage destinations, shopping, family activities, historic displays, games, and entertainment throughout six activity nodes. Free trolley service connects destinations including Historic Grover, Good News Brewing, Old Pond School, Big Chief Roadhouse, Historic Bethel Wildwood Church, and Stovall’s Grove & the Wildwood Historical Society.
SUNDAY – TASTE
July 19 | Throughout the Day
Conclude the weekend with Route 66-themed dining experiences, brunch specials, National Ice Cream Day at Singers Ice Cream, a historic marker unveiling at Big Chief Roadhouse, and a special presentation by Route 66 author, photographer, and radio personality Joe Sonderman at Living Word Church, along with additional activities hosted by local businesses throughout the corridor.