HONKY-TONK ROYALTY AND MERLE HAGGARD TRIBUTE LEAD 3RD ANNUAL ROBERT’S WESTERN WORLD FAN FAIR BLOCK PARTY

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Lower Broadway is gearing up for one of Music City’s richest celebrations of traditional country music as Robert’s Western World officially unveils the full lineup for its 3rd Annual Fan Fair Block Party. Set for Monday, August 3, the free, all-ages, all-day festival will take over Lower Broadway between Fourth and Fifth Avenues outside the legendary honky-tonk from 10:00 a.m. until midnight.

A Star-Studded Lineup and Legendary Tributes

At the heart of this year’s musical programming is a special tribute to country icon Merle Haggard, performed by his sons Ben and Noel Haggard. Honorably carrying forward their father’s defining sound, the brothers join a stacked roster of roots legends and honky-tonk traditionalists.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Hayes Carll, country icon Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers, and honky-tonk stalwart Dale Watson & His Lone Stars headline the main stage lineup alongside house band favorite Sweet Megg & The Westernaires, Kelley’s Heroes, and the Nashville School of Rock. Keeping the momentum going throughout the 14-hour marathon, as always, is Broadway’s longest-running house band, JesseLee Jones & Brazilbilly.

A major hallmark of Fan Fair is its series of exclusive collaborative showcases:

  • Women In Country Showcase: Featuring Clare Bowen, Emily Ann Jones, Sweet Megg, Sarah Gayle Meech, Wendy Newcomer, Becky Hinson, Val Story, and Briley King, backed by The Game Changers.
  • Hillbilly Honchos / Robert’s Western World All-Stars: An all-star honky-tonk jam uniting Josh Hedley, Brandon Birkedahl, Paul Kramer, Chris Casello, Perley Curtis, and Scott Hinds.
  • Robert’s Western World Song Swap: A round-robin session featuring Moot Davis, Robbie Muzick, John England, and Dave Cox.
  • Wanted for Steelin’: A tribute honoring the building’s historic legacy as the former headquarters of Sho-Bud pedal steel guitars, featuring Larry Gatlin, house musicians, and guest steel guitarists.
Western Artisans, Tattoos, and Iconic Eats

Beyond the non-stop live music, Lower Broadway will transform into an open-air marketplace showcasing western craftsmanship, vintage fashion, and local artisans. Attendees can shop custom handcrafted hats from Standard Hat Works or snag an exclusive, limited-edition Fan Fair T-shirt designed by Any Old Iron. Additional pop-up vendors include Headline by MM jewelry, Briley King’s Little Bird Trucking with custom trucker hats, Rusty Rags Antiques & Vintage, and No Good Vintage. For those wanting an indelible piece of honky-tonk history, artist Adam the Kid will return to offer real tattoos of Robert’s signature “R” door stamp.

Families can take advantage of free face painting, balloon twisting, and glitter tattoos. Attendees of all ages can enter raffles for signed Fender guitars and custom swag bags supplied by Jack Daniel’s, Lone Star Beer, and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Naturally, no visit to Robert’s Western World is complete without indulging in their famous Recession Special: a fried bologna sandwich, potato chips, a MoonPie, and a cold PBR for just $6.