The Heart of Historic Route 66: Kingman, Arizona

Published by The Bee News

September 10, 2026

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The heart of historic Route 66, Kingman, Arizona. That is not merely a marketing slogan. This dusty desert crossroads was immortalized in a catchy tune about getting your kicks on Route 66 penned by Bobby Troup in 1946. And in 1932 the city hosted the annual U.S. Highway 66 Association convention. It is also located at the center of the longest remaining uninterrupted section of this iconic highway.

At every turn the city proudly proclaims its connection with the legendary Main Street of America. The only murals outside of Missouri created by acclaimed artist Ray Harvey are located in Kingman. These Route 66 themed murals are located at Mudd on 66, Tin Can Alley on 66, and the historic Old Trails Garage. A panoramic mural that celebrates the Route 66 centennial with a patriotic theme is on the Dunton Motors dealership building on Beale Street.

The Dunton family is celebrating 100 years of doing business on Route 66 in western Arizona. Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner and Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner Giift Shop in the historic Dunton Motors dealership complex are tangible links to that history.

A new chapter in the legacy of Kingman’s association with Route 66 will be written on the evening of October 15 at the Beale Street Theater, 302 E Beale Street. Award-winning documentary filmmakerJohn Paget will be introducing Route 66: The Main Street of America, a feature-length documentary that celebrates the Route 66 centennial. The film is debuting with a road show at select theaters along the Route 66 corridor. 

Recently The Saturday Evening Post included Route 66: The Main Street of America as one of the ten best Route 66 films producd. As the movie has been shown to sold out crowds all along the Route 66 corridor in Illinois it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.

On Sunday, September 13, John Paget will be the guest on Coffee With Jim, the weekly podcast from Jim HInckley’s America. Author Jim Hinckley, host of the program, will be a part of the road show at Beale Street Theater on October 15.

Coming Soon

But Kingman is more than just Route 66. It is a destination city with a vibrant arts community, award winning microbreweries, and an ecletic array of restaurants. A diverse array of events add to the city’s reputation as a weekend getawy destination.

This lsit of upcoming events was provided by Joyce Wiley of the Kingman Office of Tourism.

September 11 – The Atomic Punks: The Tribute to Early Van Halen at Beale Street Theater – The Atomic Punks are a premier Van Halen tribute band, delivering the sound and energy of the band’s iconic David Lee Roth era. With over 1,000 shows worldwide and multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, they’ve earned praise from rock legends—including David Lee Roth himself, who called them “the best tribute to Van Halen ever.” Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $30, $35, $45. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information or tickets visit https://www.bealestreettheater.com/.

September 12 – Day of Caring –Day of Caring invites volunteers of all ages to come together to help improve the community we all call home. It’s part of United Way’s year-round efforts to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. River Cities United Way is coordinating meaningful volunteer activities centered on community clean-up efforts, community support, and beautification projects. Check-in time: 7:30am, clean-up time: 8am – 11am. Location: Foothills Bank / River Cities United Way Parking Lot, 2202 Hualapai Mountain Rd, Kingman. For more information call 928-855-6333 or visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/pRMBnQ?vid=1ramow.

September 12 – Valle Vista’s Annual 2026 Fall Craft Fair – Free admission! Over 60+ artisans, local crafters & vendors — soap-makers, baked goods, candle-makers, jewelry makers, metal creations, wood, wreaths. It’s an indoor & outdoor event. 50/50 raffle. Specials in Valerie’s Restaurant. Hours are 8am – 1pm. Location: Valle Vista Clubhouse, 9686 N Concho Dr., Kingman.

September 12 – Chloride All Town Yard Sale – Come to Chloride in time for the bake sale at 9am in front of the Old Fire Station. There you can pick up a map with yard sale locations or at The Mineshaft Market, Town Hall… or just drive around town! Saturday 8am – 3pm. Location: Chloride, AZ. For more information call 626-483-4571 or visit www.visitchlorideaz.com.

September 12 – Inaugural “Sneak Peek” Event at Desert West Speedway – Come and show your support by joining us for some family fun, action-packed, dirt-slinging race car excitement, and enjoy some great dirt track racing. Please join us and show your support while experiencing the results of our hard work! Even though we’re still under construction, this is an ideal chance to get a preview of what’s coming for all our race enthusiasts! Gates open at 4:30pm. Location: 6840 N Avenida Verde Rd, Kingman. For ticket prices and more information visit https://www.desertwestspeedway.com/news.

September 12 – Mötley Inc.: Mötley Crüe Tribute Show at Beale Street Theater – Motley Inc. brings together top-tier talent for a high-octane Mötley Crüe tribute. Featuring Timmy, the “Voice of The Dirt Movie,” alongside Scott, Daniel, and Frankie of The Atomic Punks, this lineup delivers the look, sound, and attitude of Crüe at their peak. Get ready for an authentic, arena-level rock experience. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $30, $35, $45. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information or tickets visit https://www.bealestreettheater.com/.

September 17 – 20 – Mohave County Fair & Kingsmen PRCA Pro Rodeo – Come join the fun and excitement at the Mohave County Fair & Kingsmen PRCA Pro Rodeo! A countywide livestock & crafts exhibits, live entertainment, tons of vendors, carnival and much more! Along with the Fair there will be two days of Pro-Rodeo action for the whole family to enjoy. Gates to the Fair open at 10am daily. Gates to the Rodeo open Friday at 5pm, Rodeo starts at 7pm. Saturday gates open at 12pm, Rodeo starts at 2pm. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd, Kingman. For more information or to buy tickets for the Fair visit https://parks.mohave.gov/fairgrounds/annual-county-fair/. For more information or to buy tickets for the Kingsmen PRCA Pro Rodeo visit https://kingsmenrodeo.org.

September 18 – John Nilsen at Beale Street Theater – Join acclaimed pianist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist John Nilsen for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. With more than one million albums sold worldwide and a career spanning over twenty releases, Nilsen brings his signature piano style and passionate artistry to the stage in a captivating live performance. Friday at 7pm. Tickets range from $10-$20 for adults and $5-$10 for kids and teens. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information or tickets visit https://www.bealestreettheater.com/.

September 19, 26 – Kingman’s Market in the Park – Join us for Kingman’s Market in the Park! You will find an array of products including baked goods, local produce, clothing, hand-made arts & crafts, and so much more! Saturday 8am – 12pm. Location: Lewis Kingman Park, 2201 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman.

September 19 – The 56th Annual Andy Devine Days Parade – It’s that time of year where the Kingman community comes together to celebrate the Annual Andy Devine Days Parade. Participating in this annual event will make you feel like a part of the legend that has become Andy Devine Days. Each year, entries in this parade celebrate Kingman’s western heritage and its roots in the mining, railroad, Route 66, ranching, and rodeos. Enjoy all that Kingman has to offer as we remember the past and look toward the future. Applications are available at www.cityofkingman.gov; click on Parks & Recreation and look under the Forms and Information section to obtain an entry form. Everyone is welcome to participate and it’s FREE. Participants are strongly encouraged to design and build float entries around the current year’s theme, “Two Journeys, One Celebration.” Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 and 250 Years for the United States of America. Participation plaques are available for purchase to all parade entries for a $35 charge and must be paid at the time of entry. Late entry deadline of September 18th by 4pm. Location: Historic Downtown Kingman, Beale St between 1st St and 5th St. For more information call 928-757-7919.

September 19 – Golden Valley Fire Community Risk Reduction Event and Classic Car Show – This is GVFD’s 5th annual Community Risk Reduction event and classic car show. This is a multi-agency event with an emphasis on prevention, safety, and what to do in an emergency. Our car show will feature cars from all makes, models, and generations. We will have food, raffle prizes, and a bounce house for the kids. The event is free to the public, and any vehicle is $20. Saturday 10am – 2pm. Location: Golden Valley Fire District Training, 423 S Colorado Rd, Golden Valley. For more information call 928-897-9588.

September 19 – Chillin’ on Beale – Bring your car down for a fun time. This month the theme will be “Celebrating Route 66”. Cruise on down to Beale Street at Locomotive Park for classic cars and down-home Kingman atmosphere! Saturday 3pm to 6pm. Free and open to the public – vehicle spots open. Location: Locomotive Park, 310 W Beale St, Kingman. Contact June Painter at 818-606-0411 for more information.

September 22 – 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention & Awareness Walk – Join us for Mohave Mental Health’s 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk. we come together to raise awareness, inspire action, and bring hope to our community. Tuesday 4pm – 8pm. Location: Lewis Kingman Park, 2201 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman.

September 24 – 26 – 2026 Playwright Showcase at Beale Street Theater – Get your tickets to support our 6 playwrights as they gear out to present their plays for you! Shows are at 7pm with 1pm matinee on Saturday. Location: Beale Street Theater, 302 Beale St, Kingman. For more information or tickets visit https://www.bealestreettheater.com/.

September 26 – Museum of the Great Wars’ Family Fall Festival and Car Show – We are excited to invite everyone to our first family fall festival and car show! This history themed event will be free, tickets for games are $2 or less and every kid will play till they win! In There will be a remote control tank obstacle course with tanks for rent for a small donation. We are planning a small petting zoo, venders and even our biplane “war kitty” will be on display. Saturday noon to 4pm. Location: Kingman Church of the Nazarene, 4715 N Stockton Hill Rd, Kingman.

To plan a great weekend getawy in Kingman, the Visit Kingman website is your all inclusive travel planning portal.

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