Free event features classic cars, live country music, and a 72-ounce steak challenge.
The City of Santa Monica is inviting the public to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 with a free festival at the Santa Monica Pier this Thursday.
The event, scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 4, marks 100 years of the historic highway at its iconic “End of the Trail”. This year’s celebration adopts a distinct Texas theme, offering attendees live entertainment, historical automotive displays, and regional culinary promotions.
A live country-western band and guided line dancing will provide entertainment throughout the evening. To highlight the highway’s automotive heritage, the Petersen Automotive Museum will showcase a curated lineup of classic cars from the road’s midcentury peak.
The festival will also serve as the public debut for Santa Monica Brew Works’ new “End of the Trail Pale Ale.” The commemorative beverage will soon be distributed to local retailers and taprooms across Los Angeles County.
The event has a Texas-style challenge from Amarillo’s famous Lone Star restaurant, The Big Texan, which is hosting its signature 72-ounce steak-eating challenge. Santa Monica’s police chief and fire chief are scheduled to participate in the food competition.
“This is exactly the kind of event that makes Santa Monica special, bringing people together, celebrating history, creating memories, and having a lot of fun along the way. We’re honored to be part of a Route 66 celebration that combines community spirit, great partners, classic cars, music, and a little friendly competition,” said City of Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock. “Opportunities like this remind us that public safety is not just about responding to emergencies; it’s also about connecting with the community we’re proud to serve.”
Tourism officials are pairing the event with broader, year-long centennial programming. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is offering hotel discounts, commemorative merchandise, and “Certificates of Completion” for travelers at its local visitor centers.
Additionally, the city has launched the Santa Monica Route 66 Song Contest, an international musical competition inviting artists to submit an original song dedicated to the highway for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize. You can get all of the information to enter the contest here.
