Events - Event View

Route 66 on the Air

"Route 66 on the Air" allows amateur radio operators to relive the historic journey of Route 66 while celebrating its 100 anniversary. Originally organized by the Northern Arizona DX Association, this on-the-air special event is now managed by the Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club (CBARC) in San Bernardino, California, and has grown into a major annual special event. Operators use special 1×1 callsigns from cities along or near the historic route, aiming to contact as many participants worldwide as possible. The event combines nostalgia, history, and amateur radio culture, offering a unique way to honor the Mother Road.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which was officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The centennial will be celebrated nationwide with parades, festivals, and special events, highlighting the road’s historical significance and cultural impact. The Route 66 Centennial Commission Act established a commission to recommend activities across the eight states the highway crosses, ensuring a coordinated celebration.

For 2026, there will be 22 ham radio stations participating with “one-by-one” callsigns.