(photos and article by Meagan Sullivan)
The inaugural Feels Like Home Festival in Brownwood, Texas, was a bold celebration of country music, Texas barbecue, and community spirit, hosted at Brownwood’s brand-new Events Center. With Texas-bred headliners like Midland and Casey Donahew lighting up the stage, the festival delivered an unforgettable experience that left attendees buzzing with excitement.
The Atmosphere
The Brownwood Events Center proved to be a fantastic choice for the festival's debut, blending modern amenities with a laid-back, open-air feel. The venue’s design allowed for great sound quality and clear sightlines from nearly every vantage point. A grain silo with the festival’s logo and sign created of license plates greeted you as you walked through the gates, giving the event a quintessential Texas vibe perfect for a festival that’s all about feeling like home.
Families, couples, and groups of friends filled the grounds, soaking in the warm sun during the day and cozying up under the stars at night as a cool breeze drifted across the grounds. Vendors set up booths selling locally crafted goods, and the smell of smoked meat wafted through the crowd, courtesy of the many Texas BBQ joints on-site. From the moment you walked in, the energy was infectious—this was a gathering that felt familiar, like catching up with old friends.
The Music
The music started about 45-minutes after the gates opened, giving everyone enough time to grab their favorite beer and check out the various activations including a mechanical bull, giant yard pong and axe throwing. Hudson Westbrook was up first, a rising star I first discovered on TikTok when a video of his song “5 to 9” showed up on my For You Page. Westbrook, a recent Texas Tech grad, was decked out in a Red Raider trucker hat and cowboy cut jeans fit for the likes of George Strait. Westbrook’s ability to connect with his audience through his soulful lyrics and charisma gave his set a special authenticity. Whether performing upbeat, foot-stomping tunes or covering Bart Crow’s “Wear My Ring”, he left a lasting impression that many fans were buzzing about long after he left the stage.
Not every band on the bill hailed from Texas, though. South Dakotan Tyler Halverson took the stage after Westbrook and brought a different kind of cowboy-feel with his self-described “Western Amerijuana Music”. Halverson’s set was one of those rare festival performances where you could feel the audience quiet down to really listen. His music felt like a personal conversation between him and the fans, with storytelling at its core. His authenticity shone through in every song, leaving a strong impression and earning him many new admirers.
Adding a rock-infused edge to the festival lineup, Micky & the Motorcars brought high-octane energy to the stage. Known for their blend of country and rock, the band delivered a set full of dynamic instrumentals and driving rhythms. Songs like “Carolina Morning” and “Long Road to Nowhere” had the crowd dancing and reminding everyone why they’ve been a staple of the Texas music scene for years.
Casey Donahew brought a different, more rugged energy to the stage, with his Texas country grit. Songs like “Stockyards” and “He Ain’t a Cowboy” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while more personal tracks like “Chasing a Dream” off Donahew’s newest album Never Not Love You created an emotional connection with the audience. Donahew’s performance was as much about storytelling as it was about the music, and it was clear the crowd related to his tales of small-town life and love.
When Midland took the stage at the Feels Like Home Festival, the anticipation in the crowd was palpable. The band—comprised of lead vocalist Mark Wystrach, bassist Cameron Duddy, and guitarist Jess Carson—delivered a performance that was nothing short of electric, reminding fans why they’ve quickly become one of the most celebrated acts in modern country music. Known for their ability to blend old-school honky-tonk with contemporary flair, Midland’s set was a masterclass in showmanship and musicianship.
From the opening chords of “Barely Blue,” it was clear that Midland had come to deliver a performance with the swagger and style they’ve become known for. More uptempo numbers like “Cheatin’ Songs” and “Playboys” had the crowd singing along, while slowed down tracks like “Halfway to Heaven had couples two-stepping in both the pit and general admission grass, evoking the kind of energy you’d expect at a packed honky-tonk on a Saturday night.
The Food
If the music was the heart of the festival, the barbecue was its soul. Some of the best BBQ joints from around Texas set up shop, including Fort Worth favorites Hurtados and Olmos alongside renowned pitmasters from Pecos, Tolar, and beyond. From juicy brisket and tender ribs to pulled pork and turkey, the options were overwhelming in the best way possible.
Lines formed quickly at several stalls, but the wait was worth it. Standout plates came from places like Hurtado’s Barbeque, whose hatch chile and brisket mac and cheese was to die for, and Hill City Chop House, where their signature smoked turkey packed a flavorful punch. The Daytripper (Chet Garner) even brought the pitmasters on stage at one point, allowing the crowd to put a face to a name of some of the best BBQ joints in the state. Garner also acted as the master of ceremonies for the festival, indulging festival-goers with stories of some of his favorite one-day adventures exploring the food and culture of Texas.
Overall Experience
Feels Like Home lived up to its name, delivering an event that felt as warm and welcoming as a backyard barbecue with your closest friends. The combination of top-tier country music, incredible Texas BBQ, and a well-designed venue made for a memorable debut. Midland and Casey Donahew were the perfect headliners, representing both the timeless and evolving aspects of Texas country, while the festival's intimate setting of about 4,000 attendees made it feel like a homegrown affair.
For a first-year event, Feels Like Home exceeded expectations and set a high bar for future festivals. With its strong sense of community and celebration of all things Texas, this festival has the potential to become a staple on the Texas music calendar for years to come. Brownwood Events Center may have just found its signature event, and if this year was any indication, the festival's future looks incredibly bright.
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