This creative competition invites songwriters and musicians over the age of 18 to submit an original song capturing the spirit of Santa Monica and its ties to the historic road for the chance to win $10,000.00 USD. As music speaks many languages, we invite artists based in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to share their original pieces celebrating this globally beloved symbol.
Affectionately known as the Mother Road, Route 66 runs 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica and officially terminates at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard. The end of the legendary highway 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’t miss a stop at our Visitor Information Centers for Route 66 souvenirs, Santa Monica merchandise and a free Certificate of Completion celebrating their Route 66 travels.
The Route 66 Song Contest takes place amidst nationwide centennial festivities in 2026. Santa Monica was proud to host an array of celebrations this year including the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival, Route 66 edition in May 2026, the Santa Monica Welcomes Texas to Route 66 event on the Santa Monica Pier in June 2026 and 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 our calendar of events.
“The centennial anniversary of Route 66 is a once-in-a-generation milestone. 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,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “We invite musicians from around the world to be a part of this historic celebration and honour Route 66 in a creative way.”
The competition will run through September 13, 2026, with the winner to be announced in November 2026. Visit santamonica.com/route66 for the full contest details.
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