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As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, Springfield will host a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA, a new feature-length documentary celebrating the people, places and communities keeping the legendary highway’s story alive.
The screening will take place September 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, 600 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62711. Tickets are available for purchase in advance.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, the documentary follows Route 66 across the country, highlighting the entrepreneurs, preservationists, community leaders and everyday heroes breathing new life into the Mother Road. From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets and historic landmarks, the film offers a heartfelt look at the people continuing to shape the future of America’s Main Street.
“My hope is that this film inspires people to see Route 66 as a story still being written,” said Paget. “The next chapter will be shaped by the people who believe these places—and these stories—still matter.”
“THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA screening is another local co-branded event celebrating the Route 66 Centennial,” said Scott Dahl, Director of Visit Springfield. “Illinois and Springfield are showcased in the documentary, making this a must-attend event at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, which has become a must-stop destination along Route 66 since opening in 2018.”
The Springfield screening is part of the film’s 2026 Centennial Roadshow, a rolling premiere traveling more than 2,400 miles along Route 66 through all eight states. The roadshow features more than 40 screenings as it travels from Chicago to Los Angeles in celebration of the highway’s 100th anniversary.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from director John Paget and several real-life characters featured in the film during a special conversation and Q&A.
Event Details
ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA Screening
Date: September 8, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
Address: 600 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62711
Tickets: Available for purchase in advance
About the Film
ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA is a feature-length documentary directed by John Paget celebrating the centennial of America’s most legendary highway. Through the stories of entrepreneurs, preservationists, community leaders and everyday heroes, the film captures the resilience, creativity and enduring spirit of the people and places carrying Route 66 forward.
About the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. As a department of the City of Springfield, the SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination to Visit. Live. Work.
