“They’ll fall in love” Brownwood businesses prep for ‘Feels Like Home’ fest crowds

BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – After a successful inaugural launch in 2024, the Brownwood Feels Like Home festival is well on its way to becoming an annual tradition. Organizers say there’s more in store for 2025, including the downtown preview, which will take place one day before the festival on Friday, October 3. Local businesses will offer deals, specials, live music, and refreshments for attendees to enjoy, ensuring a great time is had both on and off the festival grounds.

KTAB/KRBC spoke with Kobe Cisneroz, the manager of Pioneer Tap House. In addition to their regular offerings, Cisneroz mentioned that the staff has organized multiple local bands and artists to perform on the side stage during breaks in the headlining shows. Some of these performers will also play at the tap house after their main stage appearances.

“Oh geeze, I don’t think anything really comes close to it. There’s a lot of people that come into town… We will have live music that night, Gage and the Live Rounds. They played here before. A great group of kids, and we’re looking forward to that,” Cisneroz said.

This opportunity to spotlight local talent is one Cisneroz said he and his staff relish. The inclusion of homegrown musicians really feeds into the “Feels Like Home” vibe.

“I love what I do. Just to bring local music more on the forefront. And I hope, exciting for the bands y’know? To be out there performing on a stage where possibly you could have the ears of some big names hearing you out there,” said Cisneroz.

Kori Fallon works next door to the taphouse at the Baker Street Boutique. She told KTAB/KRBC that she was unable to attend last year’s festival, which has made her even more excited to see visitors come and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“It’s definitely exciting. I love seeing how much we’ve grown as a community in the last few years…We’ve had a ton of renovations and changes downtown, and I think people seeing how beautiful it is down here will encourage people to come back,” Fox said.

“Give them an experience to where they’ll fall in love with Brownwood. That’s our heart; is to grow Brownwood,” said Cisneroz.

The Downtown preview is not a new feature of the festival this year, but it is being promoted more widely for the first time. This initiative aims to increase the city’s economic impact and support local businesses by drawing larger crowds throughout the weekend.