On April 1, 1981, Billy Bob’s Texas opened its doors to the public, offering 100,000-square-feet of entertainment. The live music venue, with its ample bars, bull riding arena, and Texas-sized dance floors, quickly became known as the “world’s largest honky-tonk,” a moniker the legendary space holds to this day. Here are four ways to celebrate 40 years of fun at Billy Bob's Texas. 

 


Attend A Concert

To celebrate 40 years of memorable performances, consider booking tickets to these shows. The Grammy Award-winning trio known as the Gatlin Brothers — famed for their chart-topping single “Broken Lady” — were the first performing act when Billy Bob’s Texas opened 40 years ago. Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin return April 1 to bring that performance full circle for Fort Worth audiences.  

April’s star-studded lineup continues with Hank Williams Jr., who performs April 2-3. The recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee blends southern rock, blues and country for a one-of-a-kind, electrifying show. Grammy-nominated trio Midland, whose album "On the Rocks" was declared the “year’s best country album” by The Washington Post, performs April 8-10. With a mercurial slate of songs that range from smooth country to rollicking honky-tonk jams, Midland’s sound is as diverse as it is pristine.

Legendary singer-songwriter Dwight Yoakam is a familiar name to Fort Worthians. Over his decades of performing and recording, Yoakam influenced countless young musicians and songwriters, including Tennessee Jet, who later developed an alt-country style that builds on the works of Yoakam, Willie Nelson and other luminaries of the country music world. You can catch Yoakam and Jet mid-April for three consecutive daily concerts. 

Win a Pair of Justin Boots

As part of the 40th-anniversary festivities, Justin Boots is giving away one pair of boots per month. Contestants can sign up for the giveaway online via the Sign Up Now page. If you aren't feeling as lucky, a special run of coffee table books commemorating the history of the venue will be made available April 1. 

Dine at the Honky-Tonk Kitchen

As concerts slowly return to the area, Billy Bob’s Texas has a new draw — the Honky Tonk Kitchen, which serves up burgers, barbecue, chicken-fried steak and other Texas favorites. It's a great place to refuel before a night of two-stepping.

Learn to Line Dance

There's no better place to learn how to line dance and two-step than the world's largest honky-tonk. You'll scoot your boots with the best of 'em during Billy Bob's weekly dance classes: Couples Lessons on Sundays and Mondays at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. ($10 per couple); Line Dancing Lessons on Thursdays at 7 p.m. (free w/ general admission); and Lunch & Line Dancing at High Noon on Saturdays (free w/ general admission | 20% off lunch for dancers in the Honky Tonk Kitchen).