The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau (SBCVB), a non-profit California corporation, conceived the Route 66 Rendezvous in 1990 and remains the owner and sole producer of the event. The Bureau, the official destination sales and marketing representative of the City of San Bernardino, owns the Route 66 Rendezvous name and registered trademark. Route 66 Rendezvous is not only a fund raising
activity, but is also designed as an economic development project. The Bureau’s primary objective is to create a significant economic impact in the San Bernardino region through tourism by creating and producing innovative special events, like the Rendezvous. The first Rendezvous took place in 1990 at Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore with 300 vehicles and about 4,000 spectators enjoying the cars. A cruise down “E” Street and a concert were highlights of that first event. In 1991, the event moved to the National Orange Show grounds and expanded with the help of the Over the Hill Gang. The Rendezvous moved to the heart of downtown San Bernardino in 1992. That year, more than 700 vehicles filled the streets in celebration of the 66th anniversary of Route 66 “The Mother Road.”
The turning point that put the Rendezvous on the map as a major celebration for nostalgia buffs nationwide came in 1997. Market, a locally owned supermarket chain, came on board as the title sponsor. Attendance has continued to grow each year with a estimated attendance of over 500,000 at last year’s event. The Cars Are The Stars
Car buffs from all over the country gather in San Bernardino to get their “Kicks on Route 66.” The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous is a 4-day and 3-night cruisin’ classic car show that encompasses 35-blocks of downtown. Open to vehicles from 1900-1974, classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and trucks cruise the historic streets of San Bernardino. Spectators at the Rendezvous enjoy not only the beautiful vehicles but also activities such as: Neon Light Cruise & Contest, Open Header Cruise & Contest, the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino Poker Run Contest, Model Car Contest, Free Live Entertainment, IEHP Rad Rider Bicycle Stunt Show, Celebrities, Awards, Vendors, and so much more!
