San Bernardino Hosted Rendezvous Back to Route 66

The annual car show returned to downtown San Bernardino to honor the centennial celebration of Route 66.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Civic

San Bernardino Hosted Rendezvous Back to Route 66

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Downtown San Bernardino showcased hotrods, custom vehicles, and classic cars during the annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 event. This year, the gathering took on special significance as it coincided with the 2026 centennial of the historic highway.

Why it matters

The event serves as a community tribute to the cultural legacy of Route 66, which has played a pivotal role in the development of American road travel over the last century.

The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce has served as the event organizer since taking over management in 2013. The show continues to honor the Route 66 centennial, which marks 100 years since the iconic road's establishment.

The players

San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce

This organization represents local business interests and has managed the car show since 2013.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

This sovereign tribe provided key financial sponsorship to support the organization of the event.

The details

Dozens of city blocks throughout downtown San Bernardino were lined with vehicles for the showcase, which also included artisan vendors, local food, and live entertainment. The event was made possible through a collaboration between the local chamber and the city, with sponsorship provided by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.

Original iterations of the car show began in the 1990s.
The Chamber of Commerce took over event management in 2013.
Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026.
The Rendezvous Back to Route 66 event was held on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This car show aligns with the nationwide Route 66 centennial, reflecting a broader trend of local municipalities leveraging historic infrastructure to boost regional tourism. Such events demonstrate how cities capitalize on heritage assets to maintain competitive cultural relevance against modern, digital-first entertainment.

Residents and visitors were able to engage with the automotive history through open access to the vehicle displays throughout the downtown district. The event provided the public with an opportunity to support local artisan vendors and food establishments while experiencing the car show.

The takeaway

The event highlights the enduring popularity of classic car culture as a means of strengthening local community bonds and celebrating regional history. Attendees can look forward to future iterations of the show as it continues its long-standing tradition of managing city-wide car gatherings.