What do you do when you’re in the nation’s capital…surrounded by history…having just celebrated a history-making achievement of your own? You continue the celebration!

That’s what Garth Brooks did at a special event celebrating American music, taking the stage in support of the National Archives Foundation’s efforts to foster a greater understanding of America’s heritage as the nation marks 250 years of existence and independence this year.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) presented Garth Brooks with the first-ever Artist of a Lifetime Award at the RIAA Honors event in Washington, D.C. this week, recognizing him as the #1-selling album artist in history, with more than 200 million certified album sales.  

If you’re headed downtown for CMA Fest, there’s one more stop to add to the itinerary.

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk is rolling out a full week of live music, food specials and late-night energy during CMA Fest. The bar will give fans a place to refuel between shows — and keep the party going long after the stadium’s night-ending fireworks.

Garth Brooks offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the vision behind Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk — emphasizing that his investment in Lower Broadway goes beyond attaching his name to a celebrity bar.

Speaking alongside Strategic Hospitality co-owners Ben and Max Goldberg recently at the Urban Land Institute’s 2026 Spring Meeting at the Music City Center, Brooks explained that he and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, wanted to be involved in every aspect of their four-story honky-tonk.