Planning a 2026 getaway and wondering where to go next? Put Tulsa, Oklahoma high on the list. Between once-in-a-century Route 66 celebrations, new museum openings, and an already strong food and arts scene, Tulsa is set up for a big travel year.

And when you come, Victory Properties has comfortable vacation rentals around the city, so you can stay close to the action and still have a quiet place to land at night.

2026 Is Route 66’s 100th Birthday – And Tulsa Is In The Middle Of It

Route 66 was officially commissioned in 1926, which means 2026 marks its 100th anniversary. Oklahoma is planning a full year of Route 66 centennial events, with Tulsa right in the middle of the celebration. 

Tulsa calls itself the “Capital of Route 66,” and its 28 mile stretch of the Mother Road is packed with neon signs, classic diners, roadside attractions, and photo stops that feel straight out of a road trip movie. 

In 2026, look for:

• Special Route 66 festivals and events statewide
• A major “Route 66 Capital Cruise” classic car parade scheduled for Tulsa in late May 2026 
• Extra buzz around Route 66 attractions, murals, museums, and shops

Staying in a Victory Properties vacation rental puts you in easy reach of Tulsa’s Route 66 landmarks, without the hassle of staying in a busy hotel district. Head out for a day on the Mother Road, then come “home” to a full kitchen, living room, and space to spread out.

New And Reimagined Museums Coming In 2026

If you like history, art, and culture, Tulsa is leveling up in a big way in 2026.

Gilcrease Museum Reopening

The Gilcrease Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts of the American West, has been under construction with a completely new building. The City of Tulsa expects the new Gilcrease to open to the public in fall 2026. 

That means 2026 visitors will be among the first to experience:

• New galleries and updated exhibits
• Fresh ways to explore Native American, Western, and American art
• A modern building designed for community events and cultural programming

Book a Tulsa trip for late 2026 and you can pair a Gilcrease visit with time at other nearby museums, then head back to your Victory Properties rental to relax with a glass of wine on the patio or a cozy night in.

Bob Dylan Center And Tulsa Arts District

The Bob Dylan Center is already open in downtown Tulsa and offers an in-depth look at the music, writing, and creative process of Bob Dylan. 

In 2025–2026, the Center is featuring the “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65” exhibition, running through spring 2026, which dives into one of the most pivotal years in Dylan’s career. 

Within walking distance, you will also find:

• Woody Guthrie Center
• Galleries, murals, and public art in the Tulsa Arts District
• Breweries, coffee shops, and live music venues

Staying in a centrally located Victory Properties rental makes it easy to enjoy nightlife and cultural stops without spending all day in the car.

Outdoor Fun At Gathering Place And Along The Arkansas River

Tulsa’s Gathering Place is often called one of the best city parks in the country. It is a 60+ acre riverfront park with imaginative playgrounds, trails, gardens, and open spaces along the Arkansas River. 

In 2026, Gathering Place will be one of the key hubs for Route 66 centennial experiences in Tulsa, hosting events and activities that highlight the history and culture of the Mother Road. 

A day at Gathering Place is perfect if you are:

• Traveling with kids and teens who need room to run
• Planning a picnic and a slow afternoon
• Wanting a free, beautiful spot to walk, bike, or just enjoy the views

Choose a Victory Properties rental with easy access to the river parks and you can start your mornings with a walk along the river, then head out to explore the rest of the city.

Tulsa’s Food, Music, And Neighborhoods

Big 2026 moments are a great reason to visit, but Tulsa’s everyday vibe is just as appealing.

Food And Drink

You will find:

• Classic Oklahoma comfort food
• Barbecue and smoked meats
• Trendy brunch spots and coffee shops
• Breweries and cocktail bars around downtown and the Arts District

Music And Nightlife

With its deep music roots and growing venue scene, Tulsa offers:

• Live music most nights of the week
• Festivals and special concerts tied to Route 66 and other celebrations
• Intimate venues where you can see up-and-coming artists

Walkable, Character-Filled Districts

Explore areas like:

• Downtown and the Tulsa Arts District
• Cherry Street, with restaurants, bars, and local shops
• Brookside, known for its relaxed, local feel

Victory Properties has vacation rentals positioned so you can pick your preferred vibe - close to downtown action, near Route 66, or in quieter neighborhoods that still keep you within a short drive of everything.

Why Stay With Victory Properties For Your Tulsa 2026 Trip

When you are planning a special year like 2026, where there are big events and plenty to see, where you stay makes a big difference.

Staying with Victory Properties in Tulsa means:

• Space to spread out - More room than a standard hotel room, with multiple bedrooms, living areas, and full kitchens in many rentals.
• Convenient locations - Rentals positioned around the city so you are never far from downtown, Route 66, or popular districts.
• Home-style comfort - Cozy living spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and the little touches that make your stay feel less like a hotel and more like your own place in Tulsa.
• Ideal for families and groups - 2026 is a perfect year to turn a Route 66 centennial road trip into a family or friends getaway with a comfortable home base.

Trip-Planning Tips For Visiting Tulsa In 2026

A few simple steps will help you make the most of your Tulsa trip during this milestone year:

1. Book early
   With Route 66 centennial events and new museum openings, 2026 will be a busy travel year. Lock in your Victory Properties rental dates early for the best selection. (
2. Build a flexible itinerary
   Mix “big” moments like Route 66 events or museum visits with open time for food, parks, and exploring neighborhoods.
3. Plan for different seasons

• Spring and fall: Pleasant weather and lots of festivals.
• Summer: Great for riverfront activities and long evenings outside.
• Late 2026: Time your trip around the Gilcrease Museum reopening for a culture-heavy vacation. 

   4. Use your rental as a true home base
       Stock the kitchen, plan a game night, or schedule a laid-back morning on the patio before heading back out to         explore more of Tulsa.

FAQ: Visiting Tulsa, Oklahoma In 2026

Is 2026 a good year to visit Tulsa?
Yes. 2026 lines up with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, a planned reopening of the Gilcrease Museum, and ongoing exhibits and events at places like the Bob Dylan Center, making it a standout year for culture and history lovers. 

What is special about Route 66 in Tulsa?
Tulsa is often called the Capital of Route 66 and features 28 miles of attractions along the Mother Road, including neon signage, diners, museums, and roadside stops. The state is planning Route 66 centennial events across Oklahoma in 2026, with Tulsa as a key hub. 

What can families do in Tulsa in 2026?
Families can enjoy Gathering Place, a large riverfront park packed with playgrounds and activities, Route 66 attractions, kid-friendly museums, and seasonal events throughout the year. 

Why choose a vacation rental instead of a hotel in Tulsa?
A vacation rental with Victory Properties gives you more space, privacy, and flexibility. You can cook meals, spread out, and enjoy quiet downtime between busy days exploring Route 66, museums, and local districts.

Ready To Plan Your Tulsa 2026 Getaway?

If you have been waiting for a sign to add Tulsa to your travel list, 2026 is it. Between Route 66’s centennial, major museum milestones, and a growing food and arts scene, Tulsa has plenty to offer for a long weekend or a full week away.



Explore Victory Properties’ Tulsa vacation rentals, choose the space that fits your style, and start planning your 2026 trip to one of America’s most interesting road trip cities.