BROWNWOOD, TX - The debut of the Feels Like Home Fest in Brownwood’s brand-new Event Center on Baker Street was a welcome addition to the Texas festival circuit, and we were thrilled to attend as media guests. Organized by the same team behind Conroe’s “Big As Texas Fest,” this new event felt like a fresh take on Texas music and community spirit.
First Impressions
Our day began with a road trip from Fort Worth—a manageable 2.5-hour drive each way—and our first-ever visit to Brownwood. We found parking nearby and were greeted by an exceptionally friendly Brownwood PD officer, who gave us a complimentary ride to the festival gate. Along the way, he provided some colorful local insights, explaining the tax-related reason behind the neighboring towns of Brownwood and Early staying separate. He joked that Brownwood was home to the down-to-earth locals, while Early attracted folks with a taste for the finer things—a perspective I’ll let you interpret!
Upon arrival, we noticed fresh patches of sod around the Event Center, a clear sign of the venue’s newness. The setup was inviting and had a true hometown festival vibe, with various attractions spread across the grounds.
Festival Attractions: Good Eats and Family Fun
The festival offered an array of food choices with Texas BBQ heavyweights like Hill City Chop House and Hurtado Barbecue drawing steady lines. We noticed a few food trucks as well, although one serving seafood was, shall we say, unexpectedly fragrant, prompting most to keep a safe distance (not exactly the top choice for a landlocked festival, but it added to the experience!).
For activities, the axe-throwing trailer was a hit, drawing a lot of families, while the mechanical bull station sat largely unused, a surprising miss for a Texas event. There was also a small “community” stage nestled in a corner, featuring local artists, which lent a nice hometown feel to the festival.
Daytime Performances: Texas Artists in the Spotlight
The musical lineup had a range of Texas favorites to keep the crowd entertained. Tyler Halverson and Micky & the Motorcars each put on fantastic daytime sets, keeping spirits high under the Texas sun. The crowd was lively and enthusiastic, creating a warm and upbeat atmosphere for the festival's first year.
Evening Highlights and Headlining Acts
As the sun went down, Casey Donahew took the stage, but his performance was, in all honesty, a bit polarizing. While he performed his music well, his lengthy political commentary between songs felt out of place for a crowd there to unwind and enjoy a Saturday night.
Between performances, Texas favorite Chet Garner, “The Daytripper,” kept the audience entertained with lighthearted giveaways. He hosted a musical chairs game onstage with the grand prize of a Kohler toilet and a quirky belt-collecting contest, adding a fun and memorable twist to the evening.
The highlight of the night, however, was the headlining set by Midland. True to their neo-classical country style, Midland delivered a top-notch performance, blending fan favorites with some new material that seemed to resonate well with the crowd. The energy was electric, and while I might have preferred a few more classic hits in the mix, there’s no denying that Midland knows how to captivate an audience and close out the night in style.
Observations: Room for Improvement
Despite the overall success, a few safety concerns arose as the evening progressed. With some attendees visibly over-served, it felt necessary to move to a safer distance as a few drunken interactions became a bit too rowdy. For future events, I hope the organizers increase security presence and monitor alcohol consumption more closely to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The inaugural Feels Like Home Fest in Brownwood was a solid addition to Texas’s diverse lineup of music festivals. With a bit more focus on crowd safety and perhaps some adjustments in food options, this festival could become a favorite annual destination for fans of live Texas music and community spirit. Brownwood, you’ve got a gem in the making here, and we’re excited to see what next year has in store!
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