(Joplin, MO) – Downtown Joplin Alliance invites the community to attend the Route 66 Fest at April’s Third Thursday on April 16, 2026. Join our sponsor, Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm to celebrate the Great American Road!
This season’s events are made possible thanks to KSN/KODE and JoplinRecycles.com: “From plastic bottles to metal cans, recycling in Joplin is easy. Get rolling—request your recycling cart today. Recycling benefits us all. Learn more here. Recycle. It’s how we roll.”
April’s sponsor is Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center. Visit their array of feature booths on the 600 block for giveaways, free bottled water, and activities for kids. Ozark Center will have their new Mobile Mental Health Clinic onsite. This state-of-the-art vehicle will be providing critical services to rural communities in Barton and McDonald counties. Visitors can tour it during the event. Also, stop by for more info on their upcoming Will’s Place Block Party on Thursday, May 14, Ozark Center, invites everyone to gather in Mercy Park. Connect with the community, enjoy great food and and have an amazing time, all while supporting Will’s Place youth and families. This event is free and open to the public.
The evening’s events include:
- Live music all evening, including from Eric & Erica French and Analog Frogs.
- 130+ vendors who will be lining Main Street, plus 20+ food trucks and food booths.
- A celebration by Joplin Area Woodturners, who will be celebrating National Woodturning Month by exhibiting their air and demonstrating on two working lathes and grinders.
- Lots of Route 66 merchandise and art at The Boutique Marketplace Too (613 S. Main Street).
- A Wine Garden provided by Vino Noir and set up in front of 528 and 530 S. Main Street.
- A free photo booth made up of thrifted items and props from The Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton Counties’ family store.
- A vintage car cruise and DJ on the 100 block (complete with trophies).
- An artisan market on 500 block.
- A bounce house and face painting for kids.
Lori Haun, executive director of the Downtown Joplin Alliance, states, “Third Thursday and Route 66 go together naturally. We hope to see locals and travelers alike come out to celebrate the thrills of the Mother Road!”
Third Thursday is held from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month from March through October.
Sponsors, volunteers and vendors are all being sought for the remaining events of the season. More information can be found on the Third Thursday Facebook page or on the Downtown Joplin Alliance website.
References:
Lori Haun, Executive Director
Downtown Joplin Alliance
lori@downtownjoplin.com
417.529.3888
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