Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is hosting the Route 66 Song Contest as part of the iconic highway’s centennial celebrations, with submissions open until September 13, 2026. The creative competition invites songwriters and musicians aged 18 and above to submit an original song capturing the spirit of Santa Monica and its connection to the historic road, with a chance to win $10,000. Artists based in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are invited to participate, reflecting the road’s global appeal.
Known affectionately as the Mother Road, Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, officially terminating at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard. The end of the historic highway is marked by an honorary “End of the Trail” sign on the Santa Monica Pier, a popular photo spot for travellers marking the completion of their journey. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by Santa Monica’s Visitor Information Centers for Route 66 souvenirs, local merchandise and a complimentary Certificate of Completion celebrating their trip along the route.
The song contest is being held amid a broader wave of nationwide centennial festivities throughout 2026. Santa Monica has already hosted several related events this year, including the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival’s Route 66 edition in May, the “Santa Monica Welcomes Texas to Route 66” event held on the Santa Monica Pier in June, and multiple organised caravans beginning or ending their journeys in the city. Additional celebrations are expected to be announced throughout the remainder of the centennial year.
Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, described the centennial anniversary of Route 66 as a once-in-a-generation milestone. As the western terminus of the iconic road trip route, she said Santa Monica is seeking an original song that captures the spirit of the Mother Road and the city’s beachside community, inviting musicians from around the world to take part in this historic celebration through a creative and musical tribute.
The competition will remain open for submissions through September 13, 2026, with the winning entry set to be announced in November 2026. Full contest details are available at santamonica.com/route66.