If you like classic cars, music, motorcycles, parades, ice cream, movies, games, food, books, history, art, fireworks or baseball, mark your calendar for the sixth annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival Aug. 12-14 in Springfield.
The festival that drew an estimated 23,000 people to downtown Springfield last year offers family fun and entertainment revolving around classic car and motorcycle shows, concerts and parades. Live music is a big part of the festival with local, regional and national acts on various stages throughout downtown Springfield.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven is underwriting the two-day classic car show that kicks off with the City of Springfield’s Birthplace of Route 66 Parade on the historic roadway (St. Louis Street) from Glenstone Avenue to Kansas Expressway.
The Gillioz Theatre is hosting its Route 66 Signature Concert Series Aug. 12-13 with iconic bluegrass and country artist Rhonda Vincent and Asleep at the Wheel playing Aug. 12 and The Marshall Tucker Band taking the Gillioz stage Aug. 13. Tickets for the Rhonda Vincent and Asleep at the Wheel show are on sale at gillioztheatre.com. Tickets for The Marshall Tucker Band concert go on sale March 25.
KY3 will stage a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a free ice cream social on Park Central Square Aug. 12 hosted by Barry Williams, who played the role of Greg Brady on “The Brady Bunch.” The social includes a full lineup of Branson entertainers, including Clay Cooper.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a drive-in movie in the lot on the north side of the Expo Center. Other 2016 festival events include the 6.6-mile Run/Walk through downtown Springfield; the Ozarks on Two Wheels motorcycle village offering live music, games, stunts and shows; and a poker run benefiting local veterans.
The annual confab of authors, artists, collectors and associations affiliated with Route 66 returns to the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13-14 at The Old Glass Place. This portion of the festival includes displays with information about products and services and product sales.
Along with the festival, the Springfield Cardinals will have home games at Hammons Field Aug. 12-14 with a fireworks show following the game Aug. 12.
2015 Route 66 Parade/Concert Highlights from SGF CityView on Vimeo.
The City of Springfield and Birthplace of Route 66 Festival partners KY3; Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C.; and Ozarks On Two Wheels announced the 2016 festival event lineup at a press conference March 22.
For more information, visit http://route66festivalsgf.com and learn more about things to do in Springfield at www.SpringfieldMO.org or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767.
