ROUTE 66 MURALFEST
A special Weekend of Local partnership for the Route 66 Centennial
In celebration of the Route 66 Centennial, the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission is partnering with the Independent Shopkeepers Association (ISA) to bring Route 66 MuralFest to communities across the state during Weekend of Local, July 17–19, 2026.
Communities located along Historic Route 66 are invited to incorporate a Route 66–themed mural unveiling into their Weekend of Local programming. These unveilings serve as a creative and community-centered way to celebrate the history, culture and future of Route 66 while encouraging visitors to explore local shops, restaurants and attractions.
By pairing public art with local commerce, MuralFest helps turn community celebration into meaningful support for small businesses.
Participating Communities:
City of Stroud: Three mural unveilings at 201 W. Main (Nicholas Blanchard), 525 W. Main (Collin Birchmier) and 1918 W. Hwy 66 (Stroud Students)
City of Edmond: Unveiling during Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd, Saturday, July 18 on the southeast corner of Broadway and Main Street in Downtown Edmond (Mandolyn Rae Hilbern and Cread Bayliss, Alchemy)
39th Street District Association: 2218 NW 39th St Oklahoma City, OK 73112 United States. Artist Armando Ortiz.
Depew Ladies Auxiliary Club: Malley Ave and Main Street, Depew; Artist: Courtney Paige Lyon; Participating: D's Creations
City of Sayre: This "Barn Quilt Fest" is a collection of 25 wooden 4x4' barn quilts painted last year by various individuals and installed throughout the downtown area by city employees on city buildings. Our featured one has a Route 66 motif and is placed on City Hall facing Route 66.
Yukon 66 Main Street Association: Creative Crosswalk Mural unveiling at 12 S. 5th St. Yukon, OK Artist: Carlos Barboza. Presented by Yukon 66 Main Street Association, City of Yukon & Yukon Chamber of Commerce
Vinita Friends of Route 66: This event will be a celebration of the completion of a community paint-by-number mural project that began in 2024. Five custom designed works by Tulsa artist Rosemary Daugherty based on iconic Route 66 signage from Vinita, Oklahoma were painted by community members using a paint-by-number process and will be ready for public display.
Town of Luther: Five murals to discover on Main Street. 3rd Saturday Market on July 18th on Main Street in conjunction with Mural Fest, featuring local vendors, music, food trucks and chalk art mural areas for all to participate in.
City of Weatherford: Stafford Air & Space Museum, Bobby Marsee, Friday, July 17th @ 7pm
Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce: 16 S. Park, Sapulpa OK artist Bailee Green, 22 N. Water St., Sapulpa, OK, artist Joe Krout
Town of Davenport: Although the Davenport Welcome Center is not yet officially open, visitors are invited to stop by Friday and Saturday afternoon to watch artist Andrew Walker (Ace Walker Art) bring the Welcome Center's immersive Route 66 murals to life. Meet the artist, see the project's progress, and get a first look at scenes showcasing the station's history from 1933 through the 1980s.
Main Street Guymon: TBD
The Elk City Chamber: TBD
City of Tulsa: TBD
What is MuralFest?
Route 66 MuralFest is a coordinated series of mural unveilings across Oklahoma’s Route 66 communities during Weekend of Local.
Each participating town hosts a Route 66-themed mural unveiling event that becomes a focal moment for the weekend, drawing residents, visitors and media while directing foot traffic to nearby independent businesses.
Murals should celebrate:
Route 66 history and heritage
Travel culture and road trips
Local landmarks or stories
The future of Route 66 in your community
How communities participate:
Participating communities will:
Host a mural unveiling
Schedule a public unveiling of a Route 66-themed mural during Weekend of Local.
Gather the community
Invite residents, media and visitors to attend the unveiling celebration.
Encourage local shopping
After the unveiling, encourage attendees to visit nearby independent shops, restaurants, galleries and attractions.
Promote the event locally
Share promotional materials with participating businesses and help spread the word throughout your community.
Even if your mural is still in the planning stages, communities are encouraged to register early!
What participating communities receive
Communities participating in MuralFest will receive promotional support through Route 66 Centennial Commission and ISA’s Weekend of Local, including:
Digital posters and social media graphics
Sample social media copy and hashtags
Promotional guidance for engaging local businesses
Physical swag for shopkeepers (while supplies last)
Event listings on TravelOK.com
Potential inclusion in Centennial media outreach
Mural guidelines
Murals should:
Celebrate Route 66 themes such as history, travel culture and local heritage
Be publicly visible and accessible
Be created with proper permissions from property owners
Follow appropriate safety and accessibility considerations for public events
The Oklahoma Arts Council has created a “how to” manual to help you plan your mural. Here is a link to read through it.
Turn the unveiling into a local shopping moment
Communities are encouraged to pair their mural unveiling with Weekend of Local activities that drive visitors into nearby businesses, such as:
Shop discounts or promotions
Local shopping passports
Photo contests at the mural
Art walks or downtown strolls
Food and drink specials at local restaurants
The goal is simple: celebrate Route 66 while supporting local businesses.
Register your community
Communities along Route 66 can register their MuralFest unveiling as part of Weekend of Local.
When registering, please include:
Mural location
Artist name
Planned unveiling time
Participating businesses
Contact information
If details are still being finalized, you may register with basic contact information and update your event later.
Questions
For questions about Route 66 MuralFest or help promoting your event:
Email:Kerry.Barrick@ltgov.ok.gov
(Please include “ISA Weekend of Local” in the subject line)