Fall here is not just a season; it is an experience of connection, celebration, and discovery. Visitors can spend the morning on a quiet lakeside trail, the afternoon browsing local shops, and the evening dining before gathering for some of the city’s most anticipated fall events. October in Brownwood brings the Feels Like Home Festival and Corks & Caps, but a trip here offers much more than tickets to a concert or tasting. It is an invitation to experience Central Texas at a pace that feels both refreshing and memorable.
Feels Like Home Festival is returning October 4th to the Brownwood Event Center. Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III.
Lake Brownwood State Park: Where the Season Shines
Just a short drive from downtown, Lake Brownwood State Park provides a front-row seat to autumn in Central Texas. Its network of hiking trails winds through oak and mesquite, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife or pause for views of the lake.
Explore scenic trails and soak in the fall colors of Central Texas at the Lake Brownwood State Park. Photo by Bill Sallans.
Anglers will find plenty of action with bass, crappie, and catfish common in the water, while families can take advantage of picnic areas, campsites, and quiet coves. Trails range from short, easy walks along the shoreline to more rugged routes that climb through rocky terrain. Fall mornings offer pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring the outdoors or enjoying time by the water. Whether you are an experienced outdoorsman or simply looking for a scenic backdrop to unwind, the lake offers a natural escape that balances recreation with relaxation.
Cast a line and enjoy a peaceful day on the water at Lake Brownwood State Park. Photo by Bill Sallans.
Dining, Shopping, And Historic Charm
In Brownwood, dining options reflect a mix of tradition and creativity. Lucille + Mabel serves elevated plates in a setting that feels both stylish and welcoming, while Pioneer Tap House offers a rotating menu of Texas craft beers alongside shareable favorites. The Runaway Train Café dishes out classic comfort food and milkshakes that have become a favorite for families and travelers alike. The Turtle Enoteca provides a more intimate experience with a menu featuring fresh, high-quality dishes and a thoughtfully curated wine selection.
From craft brews to hearty bites, downtown Brownwood offers flavors for every appetite. Photo by Bill Sallans.
Shopping is equally inviting, especially in the heart of downtown. Shaw’s Marketplace, located inside a restored historic building, is part boutique and part market, with local goods and artisan finds that make browsing an experience in itself. Intermission Bookshop, set in a building with remnants of its original theater, encourages visitors to linger among the shelves and enjoy the space’s unique history. Several boutiques downtown offer a mix of fashion, accessories, and home décor, providing plenty of reasons to explore on foot.
Unique lodging options also add to the city’s appeal. Guests can book a stay in a restored Santa Fe caboose, transformed into a one-of-a-kind retreat with fire pits, cozy seating, and a private setting that makes a trip feel special from start to finish.
Book your next getaway in a restored Santa Fe Caboose by Hometown Hospitality. Photo by Bill Sallans.
Feels Like Home Festival – October 4, 2025
At the heart of Brownwood’s fall calendar is the Feels Like Home Festival, hosted at the Brownwood Event Center Complex. The festival is more than a concert, it is an all-day experience where music, food, and community converge. The 2025 lineup includes headliners Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue, Bottomland, Graham St. Clair Band, and Joe Peters, each bringing their own Texas sound to the stage.
Music, barbecue, and community energy make this event a highlight of the season. Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III.
Food plays a central role in the event. Barbecue is a highlight, with VIP ticket holders sampling from some of the best pitmasters in the state, while all attendees can add a barbecue experience to their tickets. As the evening unfolds, festivalgoers gather under the open sky, creating an atmosphere that reflects the event’s name. Feels Like Home is more than a title; it is the spirit of the festival, where strangers connect, neighbors catch up, and everyone is welcomed like family.
The night before the festival, the city hosts a downtown preview evening where local businesses come together to showcase downtown and welcome visitors. It is a great way to explore restaurants, shops, and boutiques, and sets the stage for the following day’s main event.
Chet the Daytripper with BBQ legend Brandon Hurtado of Hurtado Barbecue at Feels Like Home Festival.
CORKS & CAPS – A TOAST TO FALL
Corks & Caps brings a different flavor to Brownwood each October. The evening combines regional wines and craft beer, food from local vendors, and live music in a festive atmosphere. Guests can sample a wide variety of drinks from across Central Texas, discovering new favorites as they make their way through tasting areas.
The live music adds to the energy of the event and keeps the evening vibrant and engaging. Corks & Caps has become a highlight of the season, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy a night of drinks, music, and community in the heart of Brownwood.
A Season to Experience
Fall in Brownwood is about more than events on a calendar; it is about the experiences that come together to create lasting memories. From a morning hike at the lake to an evening shared over food, wine, or live music, the season captures the essence of the city. Brownwood welcomes visitors with open arms and an easy pace, inviting them to explore, connect, and take part in traditions that continue to grow year after year.
For those planning a fall getaway, Brownwood offers the best of both worlds: the calm beauty of the outdoors and the energy of a community that knows how to celebrate the season.