The highly anticipated Celebration of 66 Fest is set to bring a nostalgic wave of ’90s rock music to the in Madison, Illinois, from June 13 to 15, 2025. The festival, which coincides with the ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 NTT IndyCar Series weekend, will feature headlining performances from legendary rock bands Soul Asylum, Cracker and Sponge.
A weekend of racing and rock
The event, organized by Discover Downstate Illinois Tourism, is part of the centennial celebration of Route 66. According to Darlene Chapman, president of Discover Downstate Illinois, “Each event at World Wide Technology Raceway becomes a canvas for extraordinary talent, and the Celebration of 66 Fest is no exception. We’re thrilled the racetrack offers a weekend full of fun, featuring the iconic sounds of ’90s rock ’n’ roll, for all the attendees.”
Alternative rock band Cracker will kick off the music lineup on Saturday, June 14. Following an action-packed day of racing, including the United States Auto Club Silver Crown Series Route 66 Classic and practice and qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series, Cracker will take the stage for an electrifying performance. Fans can expect to hear hits such as “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now),” “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl.” The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, June 15, the pre-race entertainment will kick off at noon with a performance by Sponge. The Detroit-based band is celebrating over 30 years in the music industry and recently released their 10th studio album, “Planet Girls.” Attendees can enjoy classic hits like “Plowed,” “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)” and “Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina).”
After the checkered flag falls on Sunday, Soul Asylum will close out the festival with a highly anticipated post-race concert. The Grammy award-winning band, led by frontman Dave Pirner, is best known for its triple-platinum 1992 album “Grave Dancers Union,” featuring the chart-topping single “Runaway Train.” Other fan-favorite hits like “Misery” and “Black Gold” will round out their set list.
More than just music
Concertgoers will find that their music experience is included in their race ticket, giving them access to both high-speed IndyCar action and live performances. The concerts will occur on the Turn 4 Midway Stage, adjacent to the Bommarito Automotive Group Experience display.
In addition to the headline acts, the festival will feature local bands' performances in a special campground music experience known as The Shed. Agent 99 will entertain campers on Friday, June 13, while Blackwater Acoustic will perform on Saturday, June 14.
On the racing front, fans can look forward to the Indy NXT by Firestone race on Sunday, showcasing the next generation of IndyCar stars. The main event, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, will be the first oval race following the iconic Indianapolis 500. With 676 passes recorded in the 2024 race, the event is expected to deliver thrilling competition between some of the sport’s top drivers.
Get your tickets
The Celebration of 66 Fest offers an unforgettable music, motorsports and nostalgia weekend. Attendees can celebrate the legacy of Route 66 while enjoying the sounds of some of the biggest names in ’90s rock.
For tickets and additional information, or contact the ticket office at 618.215.8888, ext. 1.
