ROUTE 66 MURAL FEST

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.

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.

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)

Interested? Sign up below!