Red, White & Bridge Bash
May 1 & 2 | Mostly FREE
The Red, White and Bridge Bash on Historic Commercial Street is a weekend-long celebration honoring two defining milestones in American history – the National Route 66 Centennial and America’s 250th anniversary – while also celebrating the rebirth of Springfield’s iconic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.
Commercial Street’s beautiful historic character sets the stage as a destination where American transportation, commerce and community have intersected for generations. From daytime festivities to evening entertainment, this blowout bash features live music, classic cars, local food, history, and once-in-a-lifetime events honoring the rehabilitation of the historic Footbridge.
Friday, May 1, 6-9 pM | FREE
Jefferson Avenue Footbridge lighting ceremony and drone show
After the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Parade, join us for a classic car rally, live music and festivities. As the sun goes down we’ll flip the switch on a beautifully choreographed music and light show featuring the Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge followed by a breathtaking drone show lighting up the night sky.
The 2026 Great Race Spring Rally is scheduled to take place in Springfield in conjunction with the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration. The event features 80-90 teams in vintage cars participating in a three-day rally, serving as a practice for the main Great Race in June. Those cars will be showcased Friday, May 1 on Commercial Street following the Parade.
Friday, May 1
Stars & Stripes on Route 66
The historic Savoy Ballroom comes alive for Stars & Stripes on Route 66 during the lighting of the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge and the post-event rally after the Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade. This vibrant event celebrates our nation’s 250th anniversary with bold Americana, iconic Route 66 spirit, and a tribute to the cars, culture, and community that shaped the American road. Guests will enjoy a lively evening featuring a silent auction, drinks, hors d’oeuvres from the C-Street restaurants, and plenty of fun.
Saturday, May 2 | FREE
A Patriotic Streetscape of Food, Music & History
On Saturday, May 2, Historic Commercial Street—Springfield’s other “Main Street”—becomes the vibrant heart of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring both the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th Birthday. From morning to early evening, the entire district transforms into an immersive patriotic experience filled with energy, heritage, music, food, and the unmistakable spirit of America’s great roads and railroads.
- 8 – 2 p.m.: C-Street City Market – Footbridge Plaza
- 8- 1 p.m.: Classic Car Show – Robberson to Benton avenues
- 10 – 11 a.m.: Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Dedication Ceremony
- 11 – 6 p.m.: Live Music, History, Shopping and Food
- Live Music at Footbridge Plaza Main Stage
- History and Railroad Exhibits at Historic Firehouse No. 2 – with history presentations at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Pedalers Bicycle Museum Open – high wheel bicycle photo op!
FREE
Rededicating the Iconic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
The highlight of the day is the ribbon cutting rededication of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, Springfield’s beloved 1902 steel truss structure that has watched more than a century of local life pass beneath its span. Painstakingly restored and newly enhanced with red, white, and blue illumination, the footbridge stands as a monument to American ingenuity, resilience, and connection.
It is the perfect symbol for a celebration that links Route 66, America’s Birthday, and Springfield’s transportation heritage.
FREE
Classic Cars as the Centerpiece of an Americana Celebration
An extraordinary collection of classic automobiles will line Commercial Street, creating a living timeline of American transportation. From early touring cars and mid-century cruisers to chromed-out muscle cars and vintage trucks, these vehicles beautifully echo the theme of the weekend:
The story of how Americans traveled, explored, worked, and dreamed across two and a half centuries.
These classic cars serve not only as a nod to Route 66, but as a tribute to the people who made the road—and the nation—what it is today.
A Railroad Street With a Route 66 Soul
Commercial Street: Springfield’s Other Downtown
Long before Route 66 sped travelers through Springfield, Commercial Street was the region’s bustling commercial center—built and shaped by the mighty railroad. As Springfield’s earliest economic hub, C-Street thrived thanks to:
In many ways, Commercial Street was Springfield’s first version of Route 66—a place where travelers arrived, where commerce thrived, and where America’s love of mobility took root.
As Route 66 emerged in 1926, the transportation identity of Commercial Street laid the foundation for Springfield to become the Birthplace of the Mother Road. The rail lines that fed the city’s growth echoed the same themes that Route 66 later celebrated: mobility, opportunity, connection, exploration, and the destiny of a growing nation
