In an exciting development for families across the United States, the beloved children's program, Sesame Street, is embarking on an extensive cross-country journey. This ambitious tour, commencing on July 27, 2025, at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, aims to bring the magic and educational values of the show directly to communities nationwide. Cookie Monster himself will inaugurate the tour by serving as the Grand Marshal for the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Cup Series, a testament to the scale and unique nature of this outreach.
The announcement of this monumental road trip featured a playful exchange between NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and Cookie Monster, highlighting the whimsical spirit of the upcoming events. Wallace, expressing his fondness for road trips, was comically invited by Cookie Monster to accommodate a motley crew of characters including other monsters, a fairy, chickens, Big Bird, and Snuffy, underscoring the inclusive and fun-loving nature of Sesame Street.
Organized by Sesame Workshop, the driving force behind Sesame Street, this nationwide tour is built upon a core message: the universal relevance of Sesame Street's values of intelligence, resilience, and compassion, irrespective of background or location. It represents a proactive effort to demonstrate how Sesame Street and Sesame Workshop continuously contribute to children's holistic development, fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. This initiative also serves as a prelude to the 56th season of Sesame Street, which will be available on Netflix and PBS KIDS later in the year. The timing of this tour is particularly pertinent, as PBS faces financial challenges, making the direct engagement with audiences even more critical.
The tour's itinerary is diverse and far-reaching, ensuring that a wide audience can participate in the festivities. Interactive digital booths, engaging photo opportunities, vibrant coloring stations, and exciting giveaways are planned for various state fairs in regions like Tennessee, Kansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas. Utah's Hogel Zoo will also host these attractions, providing additional opportunities for families to connect with their favorite characters.
Beyond traditional venues, Sesame Street is innovatively partnering with over 30 local farms to create unique Muppet-themed corn and sunflower mazes. These agricultural collaborations are expected to draw millions of visitors throughout the fall season, offering an immersive and entertaining experience for all ages. Furthermore, baseball enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy special Sesame Street experiences at Major and Minor League games. These events will feature virtual character greetings, custom merchandise, spirited seventh-inning stretch activities, and interactive in-stadium games, blending the joy of sports with the charm of Sesame Street. Key baseball stops include Milwaukee, Fayetteville, Fort Wayne, Pittsburgh, Albuquerque, New York, Cleveland, and Sugar Land, offering numerous chances for fans to join the celebration. For those eager to find an event nearby, the official Road Trip Across America website provides a convenient search function by state. This tour revives a tradition, with the last similar large-scale road trip having taken place in 2019, commemorating the show's 50th anniversary.
This widespread outreach by Sesame Street highlights its enduring legacy and commitment to enriching the lives of children and families. By transforming communities into vibrant hubs of learning and entertainment, the tour reinforces the show's foundational principles and adapts its educational mission to contemporary settings, fostering a deeper connection with its audience across the nation.