August 10, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) is excited to announce that Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin will perform a free community concert and night of worship at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Brownwood Event Center’s outdoor stage, 601 Baker St.
The event, originally scheduled for April, was postponed because of severe weather. Since then, HPU has worked closely with Chris Tomlin’s team, the City of Brownwood and community partners to secure a new date and create an opportunity for the community.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible response from our community and the enthusiasm surrounding this night of worship,” said Dr. Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University. “Rescheduling an event of this scale required close coordination with Chris Tomlin's touring team, venue availability and the schedules of many valued community partners. We are thankful for everyone who worked together to make this event possible. God is doing great things at Howard Payne and throughout our region.”
The concert is free and open to the public. Unlike the original event, no tickets are required. Admission will be first come, first served. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, and food (no coolers) will be permitted inside the venue.
“On behalf of the City of Brownwood, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Cory Hines and Howard Payne University for their vision and leadership in bringing this incredible Chris Tomlin concert to our community,” said Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes. “Events like this enrich the life of our city, welcome visitors to Brownwood and remind us of what can be accomplished when we work together.
“The City of Brownwood is thrilled to partner with Howard Payne University in making this event possible, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of guests for what promises to be an unforgettable evening,” Haynes said.
TIME magazine has described Chris Tomlin as the “most often sung artist in the world,” reflecting his widespread influence on contemporary Christian worship. A Grammy Award winner, Tomlin has earned 21 No. 1 singles, more than 12 million albums sold, more than 8 billion global streams and 30 Dove Awards, while becoming one of the most successful touring artists in Christian music.
“We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with Mayor Stephen Haynes and the City of Brownwood in hosting Chris Tomlin on Sept. 20,” President Hines said. “We are especially grateful for the generosity of the Bruner Auto Family in making it possible to provide this event free to the whole community. We are praying that God will use this event to make a lasting Kingdom impact throughout our city and region.”
Additional event details will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest information, visit www.hputx.edu/ChrisTomlin.