What We’re Looking Forward To in 2026
Every year has its ups and downs, and sometimes it feels like an accomplishment just to have made it through to January! But 2026 in Tulsa is shaping up to be a banner year, thanks to the Route 66 Centennial and some exciting new additions to our city.
1. Route 66 Centennial
Route 66 was officially established on Nov. 11, 1926, but Tulsa (the official Capital of Route 66!), Oklahoma and the other states along the famous Mother Road are preparing to celebrate all year long! Don’t miss the following Route 66 Centennial events:
- Route 66 Capital Cruise (May 30): This aims to be the largest classic car parade…ever! visittulsa.com/parade
- AAA Route 66 Roadfest (June 27-28): This two-day festival returns to Expo Square with a variety of kid-friendly activities like a classic car show, vintage RVs, Route 66-themed mini-golf and more. route66roadfest.com
- Route 66 Tulsa Birthday Bash + Veterans Day Parade (Nov. 11): Tulsa’s annual Veterans Day Parade (which has already celebrated its centennial year, having been established in 1918) draws people to downtown Tulsa each year. In 2026, parade-goers can also enjoy a day of live music performed at various downtown venues, including a finale concert at Cain’s Ballroom. otrd.travelok.com
- Get Your Kicks Off Route 66: Gathering Place will be honoring the Route 66 Centennial all year long through diverse programming such as a Retro Drive-In Movie Night, Sneaker Decorating Contest, Route 66 Festival and more. gatheringplace.org
We are also very excited about Tulsa Route 66 Main Street’s plans to add a 66-foot-tall dinosaur to Howard Park! The dinosaur is projected to be installed in March, at which time there will also be a naming contest for Tulsa’s newest roadside attraction. Follow @route66mainstreet on Facebook for updates.
Renderings by Studio 45, courtesy Tulsa Route 66 Main Street
2. New Attractions and Upgrades
It seems like the roads are always under construction in Tulsa, but there are also a lot of major construction projects to get excited about! These include:
Tandy Pavilion at Philbrook:
Philbrook Museum anticipates opening its new Tandy Pavilion in spring 2026. This 6,000-square-foot building, which includes a 2,000-square-foot covered patio, is located in the Philbrook gardens and will facilitate nature programs, art education, special events and more.
In addition to this exciting new attraction, Philbrook will continue to host high-quality exhibitions throughout the year. Notable artists who will be featured in 2026 include Gordon Parks (Feb. 11-June 19), Andy Warhol and Marie Watt. And of course, the museum will be doing something special for the Route 66 Centennial as well. philbrook.org
Rendering of the Tandy Pavilion, courtesy Philbrook Museum
Sandbar Park:
River Parks Authority is bringing an all-new playground to 17th and Riverside in 2026. The new park will be a Certified National Demonstration Site, meaning it has been designed using research-based best practices to encourage inclusive play, thoughtfully combine natural and built elements, etc. riverparks.org
Clayton and Gina Hughes Family Giant Anteater Habitat at Tulsa Zoo:
Tulsa Zoo will welcome giant anteaters for the very first time this year! Find the new anteater habitat near the Rainforest; follow @tulsazoo on social media for updates.
Rudisill Regional Library:
In 2025, Tulsa City-County Library celebrated the grand opening of the Bronson Brookside Library — and in fall 2026, the brand-new Rudisill Regional Library should open in Tulsa’s Greenwood District. This innovative new library branch will include a music listening station, BOK Harmony Hall Event Center, Jeanne B. Goodwin Storytime Room, a gift store and other amenities. mylibraryourfuture.org
3. The Arts
Tulsa has an incredible arts scene, from museums to community theatre, and Broadway tours as well! Here are some can’t-miss shows and exhibitions coming up this year:
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (Jan. 27-Feb. 1):
Celebrity Attractions is finishing out their 2025-2026 with a fantastic lineup of shows, including “The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise” in February, “The Wiz” in May and “The Notebook” in June. But this month’s “Beauty and the Beast” production, recommended for ages 6 and up, will delight the entire family. celebrityattractions.com
“The Sleeping Beauty” (Feb. 12-15):
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this romantic and enchanting ballet will bring new choreography, costumes and scenery to the stage. Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s score as Tulsa Ballet’s talented dancers bring the story to life. Other upcoming Tulsa Ballet productions include “Casanova” (March), “Peter and the Wolf” (April) and “Marilyn” (May). tulsaballet.org
Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Tulsa Botanic Garden:
Sean Kenney’s larger-than-life LEGO sculptures return to Tulsa Botanic Garden March 1-May 3, 2026, with an all-new installation exploring the delicate balance and interconnectedness of nature. tulsabotanic.org
Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden/Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO®️ bricks
“Noah’s Flood” (June 5-6):
Taking place at the First Methodist Church of Tulsa, this production of “Noah’s Flood” will be performed by members of the Tulsa Youth Opera — who will also help create props and costumes. The Tulsa Opera Orchestra and Tulsa Youth Symphony will accompany this family-friendly show. Also of note: Tulsa Opera’s “Pirates of Penzance” on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. tulsaopera.com
“Oklahoma!” (July 24-Aug. 26):
In honor of the Route 66 Centennial, Tulsa Performing Arts Center is bringing Oklahoma’s eponymous musical to the stage! Optional ticket add-ons will include a traditional BBQ meal before the show; and you can also look forward to pre-show entertainment from cast members and local musicians. tulsapac.com
