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Snow falling on Historic Route 66 in Williams

What is happening in 2026

Williams events worth planning a trip around.

Rodeo evenings, Old West traditions, Christmas rails and a Route 66 countdown—all gathered in one practical calendar.

Last reviewed July 24, 2026

Plan with the date. Confirm with the source.

Event dates, street closures and departure availability can change. We keep this page readable; organizers and public agencies keep the live details.

Summer nightsRemaining dates: July 24–25, July 31–August 1, August 7–8, 14–15 & 21–22

Williams Night Rodeo

Williams Rodeo Grounds · 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday evenings bring barrels, bulls and a relaxed local rodeo atmosphere. The organizer’s schedule and ticket page are the final word on weather changes and availability.

Old West weekendSeptember 18–20, 2026

Williams Rendezvous Days

Buckskinner Park and Historic Route 66

A weekend centered on frontier-era skills, encampments and community tradition. The City of Williams parade steps off downtown at 6 p.m. Friday, September 18, along Historic Route 66.

Holiday railwayNovember 6–December 30, 2026, plus January 2–3, 2027

The Polar Express

Grand Canyon Railway · 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. departures

The railway’s approximately 90-minute holiday trip departs from Williams on select evenings. Popular dates can fill early, so use the railway’s own booking page for live availability.

Downtown ChristmasNovember 28, 2026

Holiday Tree Lighting, Parade of Lights & Santaland

Downtown Williams

Williams is scheduled to open the holiday season with a Saturday of downtown family activities, a lighted parade and the community tree lighting. Exact times and activity locations should be confirmed closer to the date.

Route 66 countdownDecember 31, 2026

New Year’s Eve Car Drop

Historic downtown · planned for 8 p.m.–1 a.m.

Williams closes the year with its downtown Route 66 countdown and signature car drop. Treat the posted time as planning guidance and confirm the final street schedule before traveling.

Turn an event into a weekend

Stay for the main street before and after the main event.

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