Inspired by the 2026 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest/BBQ Homecoming: 10 ways Homecoming Mums & Barbecue are alike
There are few traditions more quintessentially Texan than barbecue (sorry, Kansas City) and homecoming mums.
photo from BBQ Fest 2025. Source: facebook.com/EpicCentralGP
Barbecue (or barbeque, if you prefer) in Texas is meat, wood and smoke combined with fire and time. The homecoming mum tradition is a chrysanthemum, ribbons and embellishments combined with, well, fire and time. Both are rooted in the culture and heritage of place. Both continue to scale up as each generation adds a layer to its practice. Both leave plenty of room for expressing your unique personality.
When I heard that Texas Monthly is bringing those two traditions together for their 2026 BBQ Fest: BBQ Homecoming in Grand Prairie, TX on September 19, I had to learn more. So I reached out to the publication’s Event Manager Madison Maris who also has a passion for both.
South Grand Prairie High School senior and athletic trainer. Mum created by instagram.com/torilainedesigns
Madison said this is the second year for the Grand Prairie iteration of Texas Monthly’s original BBQ Fest, which is held annually in Lockhart, TX. Last year, the participating pitmasters received small homecoming mums to wear at the Grand Prairie event. The mums were so popular that Madison decided to up the ante in 2026 by leaning even more into the homecoming theme. Thus, the idea to build a larger-than-life mum was born. Although its actual size most likely won’t be revealed until the event, you can bet that it will be camera-ready to pose in your selfies with you.
“Homecoming mums are so fun and nostalgic,” Madison said, “and a great way to express your creativity. This year we’re making the small mums available to everyone and leaning into the customization bar!”
In addition to mums, the Texas homecoming theme at BBQ Fest: BBQ Homecoming 2026 will be further accentuated by drum lines, a lawn for tossing around a football and music, of course, for two-steppin’ and slow-dancin’.
Oops, have even I mentioned the barbecue? As Melissa Reese, Texas Monthly Events Manager said, “This event brings together (eight) barbecue joints with long traditions and seasoned reputations… including the ‘very stylish’ Ara Malekian from Harlem Road Texas BBQ and Houston favorite Roegel’s BBQ.”
Hungry yet?
After talking with Madison, I considered all the ways homecoming mums and Texas barbecue are alike, resulting in my ten favorites listed below.
But before you read on, I want to offer an apology of sorts. As a “mumologist”*, I tend to over-explain everything to ensure Texas newcomers are on the same page as native Texans. This is not that kind of list.
So here we go, and IYKYK:
If you share this graphic, please tag me! @txhocomum
10 Ways Texas Homecoming Mums and Barbecue are Alike
Have you seen the size of that thing?
People have opinions.
They look so pretty under the Friday Night Lights.
They’re layered.
This has been going on for generations.
It takes skill to make them right.
It also takes time to do it right.
Years later, you can still scroll straight to their photos on your phone.
They kind of remind you of your mama.
The nostalgia can bring you to tears.
Final note: A portion of all ticket proceeds from the 2026 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: BBQ Homecoming will be donated to Feeding Texas.
*mumologist: a word I made up for someone who studies the on-going evolution of homecoming mums
