Milestone celebrations in 2026 will be epic. According to a recent report published by AAA, “Route 66 turns 100 years old this year, and according to a AAA survey, 41% of Americans plan to visit at least part of the “Mother Road” during the 2026 centennial celebration.” Many Route 66 centennial events will be linked to another milestone celebration, the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This makes 2026 the perfect time for discovering America with a road trip or two. And that also makes Kingman, Arizona a perfect road trip destination. Aside from it’s association with America’s most famous highway through a song about getting your kicks on Route 66, this historic desert crossroads is fast developing a reputation for its vibrant arts commmunity, as well as picturesque mountain bike and hiking trails, and dynamic events and attractions.

This list of upcoming events from Joyce Wiley of the Kingman Office of Tourism will provide added incentive for a road trip and for making Kingman a destination.

March 6 – Improv Group: TBD at Beale Street Theater – Improv group “TBD” is rehearsing hard to bring you the best improv show! You don’t want to miss this event full of laughs! Come out and support TBD on Friday at 7pm! Tickets are $10! Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information call 928-530-8432 or to purchase tickets https://bst.ludus.com/index.php.

The Beale Street Theater in the heart of an historic district in the midst of an exciting renaissance host an array of diverse programs that ensure an evening of entertainment after a delightful dinner, a visit to the wine bar or one of the award winning microbreweries, or perhaps the Meadery. And if you want to really make the weekend getway seem like a vacation, the stylish and quirky Tin Can Alley on 66 is idealy suited for memorable lodging. As a bonus, it is just one block from the Beale Street Theater.

Here is an example ot the diverse programming at the historic Beale Street theater.

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Canadian Trio Cécilia Performs Traditional Celtic and Quebecois music in Kingman on March 17 – Kingman, AZ – Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, Cécilia brings the best of many musical worlds together in their explorations of traditional, Celtic, and Quebecois music. Featuring Timi Turmel on accordion, Erin Leahy on piano, and Xavier Leahy on fiddle, Cécilia comes to town for a one-night-only performance at the Beale Street Theater at Kingman Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 pm. Cécilia’s recent debut album Accent is an impressive offering full of vibrant rhythms and melodies, all resonating with a unique warmth and richness of expression. Every one of their pieces is skillfully arranged and highlighted with influences from contemporary, classical, jazz, and swing styles.

Each performance by Cécilia is a call to come out and share – not only in the joy of three dedicated musicians making music together but also in creating a unique and memorable musical experience. Audiences will have a smile that lasts long after the final notes of Cécilia’s accordion, piano, and violin have melted away. Date: Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 pm Location: Beale Street Theater at Kingman Center for the Arts, 302 E Beale Street, Kingman AZ 86401 Tickets: https://kingmanarts.org/see-whats-on-stage  

Artist Website: https://canismusic.com/artist/cecilia/

And here are examples of why Kingman is on hte fast track to becoming a weekend getawy destination.

March 6 – Krisy Thompson at Sundowner Saloon – Clock out, show up and grab a seat for Krisy Thompson taking over the stage bringing all the good energy! Friday starts at 5pm. Location: The Sundowner Saloon, 4400 Stockton Hill Rd, Kingman. For more information visit https://sundownersaloon.com/.

 March 6 – 7 King-Con: Kingman Comic Con at Beale Celebrations – The Spring Break 2026 theme is “All things fun and geeky, but this year King-Con is playing with a mashup of the Route 66 Centennial.” General admission is $10, VIP admission is $25 for 2 days (includes early panel admission, special VIP badge/lanyard, and exclusive t-shirt). Friday and Saturday 12pm – 7pm. Location: Beale Celebrations, 201 N. 4^th St, Kingman. For tickets https://kinglandstudios.com/pages/king-con-kingman-comic-con2026.

March 7 – Baritone Robert Sims at Beale Street Theater – When Robert Sims steps onto the stage, America’s story finds its voice anew. “Celebrating America with Robert Sims” is more than a performance; it is a vibrant journey across the heart of a nation. Sims, renowned for his rich baritone and magnetic stage presence, curates a program that weaves together spirituals, Broadway favorites, patriotic classics, and the best of contemporary classical composers-each selection a thread in the nation’s grand tapestry. Through his artistry, Sims transcends boundaries of genre and generation, uniting listeners in a shared experience of hope and belonging. Whether performing “America the Beautiful,” a stirring gospel hymn, or a quietly powerful ballad, he kindles a sense of unity and pride. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear one of America’s great baritone voices. Tickets are $35, $25 and $15. Student are $15. Saturday at 7pm. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. Tickets available at https://bst.ludus.com/index.php.

March 8 – “The Sound of Love” Concert – Kingman Concert Band proudly presents “The Sound of Love”. This is a free community band performance and open to the public. Location: Kingman High School Auditorium, 4182 N. Bank St, Kingman. Sunday at 2pm. For more information call 928.853.3846 or visit www.kingmanconcertband.com.

March 12 – Coffee with the Mayor & City Manager – The City of Kingman invites people to connect, learn, and share ideas during Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager. Held every second Thursday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., this informal gathering will offer the community the opportunity to enjoy coffee while engaging in open conversation with Mayor Ken Watkins and City Manager Tim Walsh. Location: Council Chambers, 310 N. 4^th St, Kingman.

 March 12 – 14 – Davenport Deceptions at Beale Street Theater – Join us for our Beale Street Youth Theater production of Davenport Deception. Wealthy hotel owner Max Davenport thinks he’s met the love of his life – on a blind dating website. Their train station meet up goes awry when Max picks up the wrong girl – a mysterious woman who is hiding a secret. Smith, Max’s best friend, and Jane, the hotel restaurant’s waitress, vow to uncover the mystery woman’s lies. We also meet guests and employees, many of whom aren’t exactly as they initially appear. Is Max being conned? Will Jane and Smith solve the mystery before it’s too late? Come discover the secrets of the Manor in Davenport Deception. Adult tickets are $15, $12, and $10, Teens (12-17) are $12, $10, and $8, Kids (4-11) are $10 and $5. 7pm with a 1pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets: https://kingmanarts.org/see-whats-on-stage. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman.

 March 13 – 90’s Throwback Rave at Rickety Cricket Brewing – Turn up your Walkman and throw on your Jnco jeans, because we’re roller skating back to the 90s! Come on down to Rickety Cricket for a night of brews and tunes reminiscent of the old school summer kickbacks. With music ranging from the electronic underground raves to punk, grunge, hip hop and more. This is a night you won’t want to miss! With a new performance by Rick SKA bringing back the amazing sounds of vinyl! Friday starts at 6pm. Location: Rickety Cricket Brewing, 532 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information call 928-263-8444 or visit http://www.ricketycricketbrewing.com/.

 March 13 – GoodHeart at Black Bridge Brewery – Come on out and see the band and have a fabulous time! Friday 6pm – 9pm. Location: Black Bridge Brewery, 421 E Beale St, Kingman. For more information call 928-377-3618.

 March 14 – Saturday Market Arts & Crafts – Join us for our Saturday Market Arts & Crafts show in Kingman! The event will be held on the second Saturday of each month. Saturday 9am – 3pm. Location: Kathryn Heidenreich Adult Center, 1776 Airway Ave, Kingman.

March 14 – Spring Fling Easter Thing – Free egg hunt for kids! Hay rides $5, petting zoo $2, horse rides $5, and snacks $1. Saturday 12pm – 3pm. Location: Rising Hope Farms, 7070 N Parker St, Kingman.

March 14 – Chloride St Patrick’s Day Celebration – The streets of Chloride will fill up with decorated cars and folks celebrating the Irish holiday. Festivities begin on Saturday with a Bake Sale at 9am. Horseshoe Tournament starts at 10am at Chloride Park. Parade registration 9:30am – 11am at Town Hall. Silver Sage Gunfights at 11am and 1pm, Cyanide Springs. Parade starts at high noon. After the parade, awards are given out to winners of various categories and tickets are pulled for the amazing raffle prizes from vendors around the area. Free to attend. For more information visit https://www.visitchlorideaz.com/about-3.

March 14 – DePuy Auction – One day auction at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. Expect a full day. Bring your lunch or order from local eateries. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., Expo Building, Kingman. Saturday, 9:30am start, 8am preview to 5pm. For more information contact Dave & Fran DePuy, Auctioneers at 928.692.9404 or visit www.depuyauction.com.

March 18 – Alash at Beale Street Theater – Alash are masters of traditional Tuvan instruments and Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches simultaneously. These talented musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new but still true to their Tuvan musical heritage. Experience this unique musical journey with the Beale Street Theater. Performance begins at 7pm. $35, $25 and $15. Students are $15. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. Tickets at https://bst.ludus.com/select.php.

March 20 & 21 – Big Sandy Shoot 2025 – The Big Sandy Shoot is a twice-a-year, weekend of friends, targets and gear in Arizona’s high, western desert. With a quarter-mile-long firing range, populated by hundreds of shooters, The Big Sandy Shoot is the largest machinegun shoot in the United States. This NFA shooting range will test you, your weapon and your sights. Held in Northwestern Arizona, outside of Kingman, and approximately 10 miles northeast of the town Wikieup, you can get some distance on your targets. Shooters: $400, Spectators: $50 at the gate, and Vendors: $175. Friday, Shooters meeting: 11:15am Mandatory! Shooting from 12 noon to 4pm. Night shoot: Dark to 9pm. Saturday, Shooters meeting: 8:30am Mandatory! Shooting from 9am – 12/1pm – 4pm. Night shoot: Dark to 9pm Location: Big Sandy Range 12000 Back Rd, Kingman, AZ 86401. For more information call 928-266-6566 or visit https://bigsandyshoot.com/events/.

March 20 – 22 – 4^th Annual Mesquite Weekend – At Mesquite Weekend you’ll eat native desert foods, hear speakers on permaculture topics, engage in a FREE seed exchange of seeds, plants, and trees, and buy from local vendors. Bring the kids! We’ll have games for the family. Everyone is welcome. Star Party Friday at 7:30 pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm. Location: 4100 Hwy 68, Golden Valley. For more information call 323-596-1843 or visit https://gvmesquiteweekend.com/.

March 21 – Cars & Coffee Event – Peach Springs a Cars & Coffee event! Participants receive free coffee and prizes with categories, food and beverage specials. Enjoy Hualapai vendors, Hualapai DJ, Singers, and Dancers. Walapai 100.9 – live event MC. Saturday 8am – 10am. Registration begins at 7:30am. Location: Route 66 Park / Hualapai Lodge, 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs.

 March 21 – Spring Craft Show – Shop ‘til you drop! Enjoy crafters, artisans, bakers and more vendors! Unique gifts and awesome food! Saturday 9am – 2pm. Location: Valley Vista Clubhouse, 9686 N Concho Dr, Kingman. For more information call 360-609-1586.

March 21 – Misfit Market at Sacred Soap Shoppe  – Join us for a day of magical fun, shopping, music, entertainment, oddities and more! Saturday 10am – 6pm. Location: Sacred Soap Shoppe, 519 Hall St, Kingman. For more information call 928-565-1485.

March 21 – Spring Youth Concert Band Performance at Beale Street Theater – Join us for our Beale Street Youth Concert Band Spring performances! These young musicians have prepared 5 breathtaking music pieces for you and additional surprise pieces. Led by student conductor and director Damien Valdez. Performance begins at 1pm. Adults range from $12-$8, teens $8-$6, and Kids ages 4-11 $5. Kids 3 and under are free. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. Tickets at https://bst.ludus.com/select.php.

March 21 – “Paperback Writer” The Beatles Experience at Beale Street Theater – Featured at Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, 4 major cruise lines, theaters, and casinos worldwide, Paperback Writer -The Beatles Experience from Los Angeles, California has taken their show to 33 countries and over 29 states to standing ovations audiences worldwide. Hear the hits from the Ed Sullivan Show through the colorful Sgt. Pepper’s years and on to the roof tops of Let It Be performed with “spot on” vocal, look and sound alike ability. How about the national critics? “Paperback Writer is guaranteed to bring audiences the most precise experience of The Beatles as humanly possible”- Disney Entertainment. “Heads above the Beatles shows I’ve heard!” -Eagle Press Cleveland, Ohio. “Sensational show for all ages” Arizona Daily Star “Remarkably authentic! Amazing vocals!” – Bloomingdale (Chicago) Times Don’t miss the Paperback Writer Show, a true Beatles Experience”- A good time will be had by all! Performance begins at 7pm. $35, $25 and $20. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. Tickets at https://bst.ludus.com/select.php.

And if you are looking for a great way to discover the story behind public art and historic sites in downtown Kingman, check out Kingman Tours. This self guided walking tour uses QR code technology and narration from author, humorist, and historian Jim Hinckley of the Jim Hinckley’s America network to bring history to life.