By Tara L. Simmons

The biggest fall festival in the area will take place September 26-28 when the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, presented by Recon Techs, rolls into town for its 24th year, bringing three epic days packed with classic cars, live music, family fun, and all the Route 66 vibes you love!

The show is locally managed by Greg “Coop” Cooper and his wife Sue. Operations are headed up by Shane “Shaner” McDermith.

“Keeping the show local and focused on a community feel with much of the tradition that the Mother Road Festival has become known for, is top priority in 2025,” Coop said.

Probably the biggest feature is the car show, and car related events (cruise in, light show, burn out competition), but all three days of the festival are packed with something to do or see.

“There are registration fees for the car show, Miss Mother Road Contest, etc… but it’s free for spectators. So pick your favorite day to join us, or make a weekend of it and come every day!” Coop added.

New this year are the Route 66 Cos Players (Batman, Spiderman, Ironman and more), a dance off and a family-friendly street with unique car displays and demos. I could add a lot of fluff here, but getting right to the schedule will probably be the easiest way to let you know the details.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 26

11am – 8pm – Onsite car show registration @ 630 S. 6th Street  ($60)
6pm – Cruise night to benefit Crime Stoppers. There is no fee or registration for the cruise but a $5 suggested donation to Crime Stoppers is appreciated.
8 – 10pm Friday Night Lights, sponsored by Ace Sign Company. If you have a vehicle that lights up the night, this qualifies you to with a neon light trophy! Between 8-10 pm all lighted vehicles will be videoed. Ace Sign Company will review the videos on Saturday and announce the winner at the award ceremony on Sunday. You must meet with Coop to qualify to get your contact info.
8 – 10pm – Live music by Lady Luck (70’s, 80’s, 90’s)

SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 27

8am – Noon – Onsite car show registration open @ 630 S. 6th Street ($60)
9am – 8pm: Car Show

  • Special guest Adrienne Janic, well known for being the host of TLC’s  hit show, Overhaulin’, will be at the festival with a meet and greet at 10-am @ 5th and Adams. She will also visit the Miss Mother Road contest and burn out competition. AJ will be cruising around Picking her favorite vehicle for her HUGE cup trophy and assisting picking out her favorite MOVIE / TV themed vehicles
  • Recon Techs will be giving away a $2000 Tsunami Coating to registered participants. Jaren Industries invites you to check out their showcase on the south side of the Old State Capitol
  • Landmark Ford will have a drawing for five bicycles for kids. Be sure to register and check out their showcase on the north side of the Old State Capitol.

8am – 12:30pm – Old Capitol Farmers Market
11:30am – 12:30pm – Miss Mother Road contest, sponsored by Springfield Vintage, If you are interested in entering call Linda at 217-652-8413.
1 – 3pm – Live music by The 66 Ramblers (50’s & 60’s)
3pm – Isringhausen Imports  burn out contest (7th – Washington)
5 – 7pm –  Live music by Rosie & The Rivets (Rockabilly)
8 – 10pm – Live music by Bon Journeyed (Bon Jovi & Journey)

SUNDAY -SEPTEMBER 28

7:30am – Route 66 Mother Road festival 5K Foot race (Old Capitol plaza)
Noon – Awards on the main stage. Awards are sponsored by the Powerlight radio show which airs Sunday nights 8-10pm on 98.7 WNNS with Coop & Sue from the Mother Road show!

You can view the complete event schedule @ visitspringfieldillinois.com and route66fest.com. There is a map on the website that shows where everything is located: vendors, car show, parking, etc.  Snap a photo of it with your phone to keep with you while you enjoy the festival.
Updates are posted at Facebook/International Route 66 Mother Road Festival.  You can also call or text Coop at 217-553-5271.

Looking for live music, fun and a place to eat while you are in Springfield? Of course there is plenty of that at the festival but several local businesses are also helping to sponsor the Mother Road Show, so be sure to check them out too.

  • The Railyard – 2242 South 6th St.
  • Route 66 Mother Road Diner – 625 E. St. Joseph (Southern View)
  • Obed & Isaacs – 500 S. 6th St. Downtown
  • Motorheads Rt 66 Bar & Grill – 600 Toronto Rd
  • Cozy Dog Drive In – 2935 S. 6th St.
  • Bloom Wine Bar & Florals – 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza

And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 2026 International Route 66 Mother Road Festival (September 25-27) when the Mother Road herself will be celebrating her 100th Anniversary – it’s going to be epic!