Travelers on Historic US Route 6 know that every week brings something fresh to discover—from small-town festivals and local markets to large-scale road races and cultural celebrations. If you’re planning a journey between September 18 and 24, 2025, you’ll find Route 6 alive with autumn color and community spirit. Whether you start in New England or head west through the heartland and beyond, this week offers a true slice of Americana.
Retro Rides and Racing Spirit
In Iowa, the week kicks off with a Retro Road Trip Cruise (Sept 18–20). Car enthusiasts will appreciate the freedom of the open road as vintage vehicles and modern classics cruise along the old alignments of Route 6. It’s not just a drive—it’s a celebration of the communities that grew up along the highway. Expect roadside diners buzzing with activity and impromptu gatherings where fellow travelers trade stories about the “longest transcontinental highway.”
Meanwhile, in Ely, Nevada, speed lovers converge for the Silver State Classic Challenge. Beginning on September 18, the town transforms into an open-road festival of horsepower. Drivers from around the globe come to test themselves on a stretch of US-6 that has earned a reputation as one of America’s last true open highways. Even if you’re not behind the wheel, Ely hosts parades, meet-ups, and a sense of excitement that makes it worth the stop.
Literary and Artistic Celebrations in Massachusetts
At the eastern end of Route 6, Cape Cod becomes the center of culture this weekend. The Provincetown Book Festival (Sept 19–21) brings together authors, poets, and readers for three days of engaging conversations, signings, and workshops. Held in a town already known for its artistic soul, this festival is a can’t-miss event for anyone who loves stories.
Just down the road, Truro Treasures Weekend (Sept 20–21) keeps the creative spirit alive with an artists’ fair, flea market, and even a fun run along the dunes. Pair this with the SwimRun Cape Cod event on September 20, where athletes test their endurance across beaches and trails in Wellfleet and Truro. Visitors can easily enjoy both the arts and the outdoors without ever leaving Route 6.
Community Festivals Along the Corridor
Head west to Scranton, Pennsylvania, and you’ll find the West Scranton Fall Festival (Sept 19–21). Local music, food vendors, and neighborhood pride give this festival a genuine small-town feel. It’s the kind of community gathering where visitors are welcomed like locals, making it a warm stop on your Route 6 road trip.
In Sandusky, Ohio, the Osborn Fall Fest takes place September 20. Families gather for live entertainment, games, and classic fall fun, just a stone’s throw from Lake Erie and right off Route 6. Later in the week, Sandusky also plays host to the Ohio SHRM Conference (beginning Sept 24) at the Kalahari Resort—proof that the Route 6 corridor blends both leisure and business events.
Travelers should also take note of Bowling Green, Ohio, home to the National Construction Equipment Museum. During this week, the museum is open for special tours, showcasing historic machines that literally built America’s highways. For road buffs, engineers, and history lovers alike, it’s a unique chance to connect with the industrial heritage that made Route 6 possible. The sight of vintage bulldozers, graders, and cranes brings a whole new appreciation for the work that shaped America’s infrastructure.
A Taste of Autumn: Beer, Food, and Local Flavor
September wouldn’t be complete without Oktoberfest. Denver, Colorado, brings the celebration to life during Weekend One of the Denver Oktoberfest (Sept 19–21). With steins of beer, traditional German fare, and live music, it’s a reminder that Route 6 connects travelers not just to places, but to flavors and traditions from around the world.
Food lovers will also want to stop in Iowa City, Iowa, on September 20 for the Northside Oktoberfest and BrewFest. This day-long event pairs craft brews with local food trucks and the vibrant college-town atmosphere. It’s an authentic way to experience the region while enjoying the crisp fall air.
And if you find yourself in Nevada on September 20, hop aboard the Taste of Italy Dinner Train with the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely. This themed excursion offers passengers an indulgent meal paired with the historic charm of a heritage railroad—a perfect way to savor the evening after the day’s open-road festivities.
Midweek Surprises and Quirky Traditions
While weekends draw the biggest crowds, Route 6 midweek events shouldn’t be overlooked. On Monday, September 22, Provincetown hosts its famous Pet Parade & Pet Tea. Dogs dressed in costumes, cats in strollers, and locals cheering along Commercial Street make this one of the most delightfully quirky traditions in New England. It’s proof that Route 6 isn’t just about landscapes and highways—it’s about community identity and joy.
By Wednesday, September 24, business travelers and professionals will be gathering in Sandusky for the Ohio SHRM Conference. While it might not have the festive flair of a parade, the conference highlights how Route 6 towns serve as hubs for gatherings of all kinds.
Why Travel Route 6 This Week?
The week of September 18–24, 2025, is a microcosm of what makes Historic US Route 6 so special. You can start your journey with books and art on the Cape, celebrate autumn in Pennsylvania and Ohio, toast with a stein of beer in Colorado, explore construction history in Bowling Green, and finish with racing engines under Nevada’s wide desert skies. Few roads offer such variety in a single week of travel.
If you’re planning your Route 6 adventure, consider pairing your drive with one or more of these events. Each stop brings you closer to the heartbeat of America’s small towns and vibrant cities. And with autumn leaves beginning to turn across much of the highway, the drive itself becomes part of the celebration.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to hit the road? Plot your route, mark these events on your calendar, and prepare for a week of unforgettable memories. From coast to coast, Route 6 is more than a highway—it’s a living story of community, culture, and connection.
Visit Route6Tour.com to explore itineraries, bucket lists, and ongoing “Happenings” updates. Let this week’s events inspire your next great American road trip.
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