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Cruise into Nostalgia:

Join Us for the 13th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 in San Bernardino!”

Celebrating 35 Years of Rendezvous History in Downtown San Bernardino

Get ready to rev your engines and cruise down memory lane at the 13th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66!

 

On October 10th, 2026, downtown San Bernardino, California, will transform into a vibrant celebration of classic cars, live entertainment, and family fun. From 9 AM to 9 PM, car enthusiasts and families alike will gather to admire an array of stunning vehicles, enjoy local vendors, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of America’s most iconic highway.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned car aficionado or just looking for a fun day out, this event promises something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the spirit of Route 66!

Drone video by
Steven Taylor Smith
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Registration

Get ready for the 13th annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66! This exciting event, set to take place on October 10, 2026, in downtown San Bernardino, California, promises a day filled with classic cars, and family fun. Registration for this iconic car show is open!  **REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO ALL 1999 CUSTOM VEHICLES AND OLDER ~ ALL MOTORCYCLES ~ NO BICYCLES PERMITTED ANY OTHER TYPE OF ENTRY MUST BE PRE-APPROVED.**

Whether you’re looking to showcase your vintage ride or simply enjoy the festivities, this event is a must-attend for all car lovers. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this nostalgic journey back to the golden age of Route 66!

35 Years of Route 66 Tradition:
Celebrating Our Past. Driving Our Future.

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For 35 years, the Route 66 Rendezvous has been woven into the fabric of Downtown San Bernardino.

Since making its move to downtown in 1992, the Rendezvous became one of the Inland Empire's most recognizable events, celebrating San Bernardino's place on historic Route 66 while welcoming classic car enthusiasts and visitors from across the nation. During its peak years, the event grew into a four-day festival spanning dozens of city blocks, supported by strong sponsorships, community partners, and funding from the City's Redevelopment Agency. Those resources helped create the large-scale experience that many longtime attendees remember with pride.

Like many community events, the Rendezvous faced significant challenges as economic conditions changed and redevelopment funding disappeared. By 2012, the future of this beloved tradition was uncertain.

Rather than allowing one of San Bernardino's signature events to become a part of history, the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce stepped forward to keep the tradition alive. Through the dedication of Chamber leadership, volunteers, sponsors, city partners, and countless supporters, the Rendezvous was revived and preserved for future generations.

The event may look different today than it did during its largest years. While many fondly remember the four-day celebrations of the past, the continued success of the Rendezvous is a testament to a community that refused to let an important tradition disappear. The Chamber's commitment ensured that the spirit of the event—and the pride it brings to Downtown San Bernardino—would continue.

For 35 years, the Route 66 Rendezvous, now the Rendezvous Back to Route 66, has celebrated more than classic cars. It has showcased our city's history, supported local businesses, brought visitors to downtown, and strengthened community connections. Most importantly, it has demonstrated what can happen when people come together to preserve something worth passing on.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor the founders who launched the event, the organizations and sponsors that helped it grow, and the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce for carrying the torch and ensuring that the Rendezvous remains part of San Bernardino's story.

Thirty-five years later, the Rendezvous continues to remind us that traditions endure not because they stay the same, but because each generation chooses to keep them alive.

The 2026 Artwork

🌅 The 13th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 poster is a vibrant tribute to two intertwined milestones — the 100th Anniversary of “The Mother Road” Route 66 and 35 years of the Rendezvous Car Show in Downtown  San Bernardino.

At its heart, the artwork captures the timeless spirit of American cruising. The sunset over Cajon Summit symbolizes the golden era of travel, while the Historic Route 66 shield grounds the viewer in nostalgia — reminding us that San Bernardino was one of the original gateways to the legendary highway.

 

Three classic cars — a 1926 Ford, 1955 Ford truck, and 1964 Buick Wildcat — represent the evolution of automotive history across the century, each echoing the craftsmanship and pride that define car culture. 

 

The directional signs listing iconic Route 66 cities (from St. Louis to Barstow, and we can't forget San Bernardino) trace the journey of generations who cruised westward in search of freedom and adventure.

The phrase “Where It All Began” celebrates San Bernardino’s deep roots in Route 66 history — the city where the Rendezvous tradition was born and continues to thrive. The Santa Fe sign, San Bernardino National Forest, and vintage architecture evoke the local landmarks that make this celebration uniquely Southern California.

Together, these elements form a visual anthem of community, heritage, and horsepower — honoring a century of the open road and 35 years of the event that keeps its legacy alive. 🚗✨

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Our Wonderful Sponsors

Join Us And

Rendezvous

Enjoy live entertainment in the comfort of one of the two beer gardens.  

Continuing the fun, there are also plenty of food vendors with a diverse range of options to choose from. Many of them are local to the area and provide a unique taste of the city. Additionally, there are craft vendors for you to enjoy. Don't miss your chance to experience a slice of the local culture at the Rendezvous!

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