Downtown Owensboro’s 2nd Street will come alive with music, food, and family fun once again as the Fam Jam Street Dance series kicks off this Friday and runs weekly through October 10. The free, family-friendly event will take place every Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m., culminating with the annual Blocktoberfest on October 11.
Originally launched last year, the event quickly gained traction, and organizers are hopeful for even greater attendance in 2025. Andy Brasher, owner of Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville and one of the founding Fam Jam partners, said the series aims to bring more foot traffic and energy to a vibrant but sometimes overlooked stretch of downtown.
“We’re part of downtown Owensboro, too, and we want to provide fun, cool things for the community,” Brasher said. “This gives people a chance to explore businesses they may have never eaten or had a drink at before.”
In addition to Brasher’s, other local businesses helping to organize and fund the event include Don Mario’s, The Pub on Second, Famous Bistro, and Mellow Mushroom. Each week features a new live musical performance on an outdoor stage, which this year will be repositioned to Allen Street to enhance flow and visibility. The series will debut with a performance by Blackford Creek.
Brasher said organizers are especially focused on keeping the event welcoming for families, including activities like sidewalk chalk art, kid-friendly games, and interactive areas safely enclosed on Second Street from Allen Street to St. Ann Street.
“We have a lot of family-run businesses here, and it’s important to us that kids can come out, run around safely, and have fun,” he said. “As a performer myself, I’ve had fans say they’d love to come see live music but can’t because they’ve got their kids. Fam Jam solves that.”
The refreshed 2025 edition also brings a new look and name. Previously branded “2nd Street Fam Jam,” the event has been rebranded as the Fam Jam Street Dance, inspired by traditional block party-style “street dances” popular out West. Organizers hope the name better conveys the festive, music-driven atmosphere.
“The term ‘street dance’ really captures what we’re doing here — live music, dancing, a safe and fun atmosphere — all in the heart of downtown,” Brasher said.
A silent disco is also in the works for select nights later in the season.
Organizers are seeking additional sponsors to help grow the event. Interested businesses can learn more or reach out through the event’s official Fam Jam Street Dance page on Facebook.
Weather permitting, Fam Jam Street Dance will be held every Friday through early fall.
