As 2026 has entered the second half of the Gregorian calendar, the summer cheer is ramping up as Dodge fires up a nationwide tour celebrating 60 years of the Charger. Festivities will begin at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Pennsylvania (which will have finished by the time you are reading this) and will continue through September.

Originally a show car-inspired fastback with a dose of personal luxury interior style, the 1966 Dodge Charger evolved into one of the most stylish and beloved American cars of the 1960s. The 1970s brought even more zoomy style before the Charger evolved into a true personal luxury model. After a brief respite, the Charger was reinvented for the 1980s as a compact coupe with new-age turbo power before going back to hibernation until 2006, when it was revived as part of Dodge’s plan for putting a Hemi Charger in every American driveway. Yes, it appears to have been a roller coaster of a ride, yet it’s also the perfect lead-up to a summer road trip celebrating  the Charger’s 60^th anniversary.

“From its debut in 1966, Dodge Charger has stood as a symbol of bold design, unapologetic performance and unmistakable American attitude,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “As we mark 60 years, we’re bringing that legacy to life nationwide and connecting generations of enthusiasts. Today’s Charger continues as a modern muscle car led by the 550-horsepower Scat Pack with its gasoline-burning, twin-turbo, SIXPACK engine, proving performance remains at its core.”

Here’s what you can expect next:

• Route 66 Centennial Parade (July 12):  Santa Monica, California is the endpoint of Route 66, which is celebrating 100 years, so it’s only fitting that a parade led by a gaggle of Dodge Chargers (both late-model and classic) will head from the Petersen Automotive Museum to the Santa Monica Pier. The parade will also include a fleet featuring key moments in automotive history.
• All-American Cruise-In (July 26): You’ll be able to find eight generations of Charger history at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s All-American Cruise-In, a celebration of automotive culture coinciding with America’s 250^th anniversary.
• MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge (August 8): Competitors racing 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack muscle cars down Detroit’s Woodward Avenue will be a highlight of the Roadkill Nights horsepower festival (now in its 11^th year). For those who wish to pause and admire, there also will be a huge car show celebrating the Charger’s 60^th.
• Woodward Cruise (August 15): Dodge returns to Metro Detroit for what just may be the largest automotive event in the world: the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise. Of course, you’ll find late-model SIXPACK Charger R/T and Scat Pack muscle cars there for the nameplate’s diamond jubilee.
• Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals Presented by Mopar (September 18-20): Yup, another wordy event! Dodge and Mopar will sponsor the first NHRA event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan to close the summer season. It will be highlighted by a pre-race cruise departing from Auburn Hills.

 What is your favorite Charger? Tell us in the Comments section below!