Classic cars, live music, contests, food and family activities will take over Old Town Victorville on Sept. 12 in celebration of 100 years of the Mother Road.

One of America’s most recognizable highways is turning 100, and Victorville is celebrating with a community event dedicated to the history, cars and culture of Route 66.

The City of Victorville will host its Route 66 100th Anniversary Car Show & Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along 7th Street in Old Town Victorville.

The free, family-friendly celebration will transform a section of historic Route 66 between C Street and Forrest Avenue into a showcase of classic vehicles, live entertainment, food, art and activities inspired by decades along the Mother Road.

Cars will naturally take center stage during the centennial celebration, with more than 110 show vehicles already expected to line 7th Street.

Due to interest in the event, the City has extended vehicle registration through Sept. 5, or until the maximum capacity of 200 vehicles is reached.

Registration costs $30 and includes a commemorative T-shirt and custom challenge coin. Car judging begins when the event opens at 10 a.m., with trophies scheduled to be presented at 1:30 p.m.

The celebration will also bring the sounds of past decades to Old Town.

Rock ‘n’ roll revival band Acme Time Machine will perform three sets throughout the day, beginning at 10:15 a.m. The band’s performances will feature popular music spanning the decades and complement the nostalgic atmosphere surrounding the Route 66 anniversary.

Visitors are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing in their favorite styles from the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s.

A costume contest begins at 11 a.m., followed by a dance competition at noon. Both children and adults can participate in the dance contest, with categories open to individual dancers and duos. Registration for both contests will be available at the Recreation Booth near the stage.

The celebration extends well beyond cars and music.

Visitors can stop by a food truck hub, browse themed shopping vendors or visit a beer garden operated by the Kiwanis Club of Victorville. Younger attendees can participate in a coloring station while families watch local artist Vanessa Gomez create a live mural installation during the event.

Victorville’s Animal Care & Adoption Center will also join the festivities with a doggie fashion show featuring adoptable pets at 1:10 p.m.

With activities happening throughout the four-hour celebration, the event is designed to offer something for Route 66 enthusiasts and families alike.

Route 66 has long held a special place in Victorville’s history. The famous highway helped connect communities across the country while becoming synonymous with road trips, roadside businesses, classic automobiles and American travel culture.

A century later, historic 7th Street provides a fitting backdrop for Victorville to commemorate that legacy.

The day’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the official welcome and start of car judging. Acme Time Machine performs at 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with the costume contest at 11 a.m., dance competition at noon, doggie fashion show at 1:10 p.m. and car show trophy presentation at 1:30 p.m. The celebration concludes at 2 p.m.

The Route 66 100th Anniversary Car Show & Block Party takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 7th Street between C Street and Forrest Avenue in Old Town Victorville.

Event details, contest information and car registration are available through the City of Victorville Route 66 event page. Questions can also be directed to the City’s Public Information Office at (760) 955-1681.