Feels Like Home Festival 2025: More Music, More BBQ, More Fun

The City of Brownwood has announced an expanded experience for the second annual Feels Like Home Festival, returning Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Brownwood Event Center. Building on the success of its debut year, the festival will feature a brand-new secondary stage curated by Pioneer Tap House, alongside an all-star Main Stage lineup and an expanded weekend of community programming.

Expanded Music Lineup

Festival organizers are doubling down on live music this year. In addition to headliners Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, and Stoney LaRue, the new Pioneer Tap House Stage will spotlight Central Texas talent with deep ties to the community. Several acts are returning after making their mark at last year’s festival, bringing local pride and high energy to the second stage.

The Pioneer Tap House Stage lineup includes:

• The Cadillac Thieves (Brownwood, TX): Southern rockers delivering gritty guitar riffs and electrifying shows.
• Ripken (Brownwood, TX): Indie rock favorites blending heartfelt lyrics with big hooks.
• Brian Pounds (Austin, TX): Americana singer-songwriter with soulful storytelling.
• Mason & The Mercenaries (Brownwood, TX): Local favorites serving up Texas country, rock classics, and party anthems.

Downtown Preview Night

The weekend kicks off on Friday, October 3 with the return of Downtown Preview Night, a community-wide celebration that invites visitors to explore Brownwood’s vibrant downtown. Local businesses will offer extended hours, food and drink specials, live music, and exclusive deals. A full schedule of participating locations will be shared soon via the festival’s social media channels.

A Taste of Texas Barbecue

Music isn’t the only highlight of the weekend. The festival continues its mission to celebrate Texas culture with a world-class BBQ lineup featuring some of the state’s most celebrated pitmasters. From Netflix-featured favorites like Victorians Barbecue to Texas Monthly Top 50 honorees including Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue and Hurtado BBQ, attendees can look forward to a feast of brisket, ribs, and inventive sides. Local gem Up In Smoke BBQ and West Texas legends like Pody’s BBQ round out the mouthwatering lineup.

A Community-Driven Festival

Hosted at the Brownwood Event Center, a renovated 1920s industrial building with a sprawling open-air lawn, Feels Like Home Festival offers the perfect setting for two-stepping, relaxing outdoors, and soaking in the sounds and flavors of Texas. Visitors can also enjoy artisan vendors, family-friendly activities, and the signature small-town hospitality that made the festival an instant fall tradition.

Final Thoughts

With the addition of the Pioneer Tap House Stage, a stellar main stage lineup, award-winning barbecue, and the return of Downtown Preview Night, this year’s Feels Like Home Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. The energy of live music, the flavors of Texas barbecue, and the small-town charm of Brownwood all come together to create something truly special. It’s clear that the second annual festival is going to be bigger, better, and even more memorable.

With tickets already on sale and prices set to rise as the date approaches, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early. The full festival schedule and set times will be announced soon on the website.