By Lookout Staff

August 21, 2026 – Musicians and songwriters have less than one month to submit a song that celebrates Santa Monica's ties to Route 66 as the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the legendary Mother Road.

Contestants, who must be 18 or older, have until Sepember 13 to enter their song in the competition sponsored by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) for the chance to win $10,000. The artists must be based in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“The centennial anniversary of Route 66 is a once-in-a-generation milestone," said Misti Kerns, SMTT's president and CEO. "As the western terminus of this beloved road trip experience, Santa Monica is searching for an original tune capturing the spirit of the Mother Road and our beachside community.

“We invite musicians from around the world to be a part of this historic celebration and honor Route 66 in a creative way,” Kerns said.

Hit songs -- ranging from Roger Miller's "King of the Road" to the Eagles' "Take It Easy" -- have been said to evoke the iconic road. But only "Route 66" by Bobby Troup -- which has been covered by everyone from Nat King Cole (1946) to the Rolling Stones (1964) to Depeche Mode (1987) mentions the road by name.

Its lyrics urging listeners to "Get your kicks on Route 66" note that the road winds "more than two thousand miles all the way" from "Chicago to LA" and mentions a string of towns along the route, but it makes no mention of Santa Monica.

"Route 66 holds a significant place in Santa Monica’s history, marking the terminus of this iconic highway that served as a lifeline for travelers during the mid-20th century," according to SMTT's website.

"As the 'End of the Trail' for Route 66, Santa Monica became emblematic of the American Dream and the promise of the open road."

The Route 66 Song Contest is one of many events celebrating the legendary highway that have included the Santa Monica Welcomes Texas to Route 66 event on the Pier in June, as well as multiple organized caravans beginning or ending their journey in Santa Monica.

More opportunities to celebrate will continue throughout the centennial year, with new festivities announced regularly on SMTT's calendar of events, including the announcement of the songwriting contest winner in November (For the full contest details visit santamonica.com/route66.)

Tourism officials note that the end of Route 66 is commemorated by an honorary “End of the Trail” marker on the Santa Monica Pier, "where visitors can capture the perfect photo to remember their time along the route."

Travelers can also drop by SMTT's Visitor Information Centers for Route 66 souvenirs, Santa Monica merchandise and a free Certificate of Completion celebrating their Route 66 travels.