Mum’s the Word

Several food festivals are happening soon. Plus, it’s time to start thinking about your mom. (You know, because Mother’s Day? Geez.) Here’s an overview of upcoming events you might want to mark on your calendar.

Friday – Sunday, April 24-26, 2026

The annual Lone Star Smokeout is back with an event this spring: three full days of barbecue, beer, and live music from artists like Riley Green, Koe Wetzel, Shaboozey, and more this Fri-Sun in the parking lot of AT&T Stadium (1 AT&T Way, 817-892-8687). Tickets start at $69 at LoneStarSmokeout.com.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

The fourth annual Texas Street Food Festival is taking over the inside and outside of Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117) 2pm-8pm Sat with more than 40 food trucks and restaurants serving fare from around the world priced at $10 or less, including some $5 bites. The live entertainment includes breakdancing showcases, live music on multiple stages, and DJs spinning tunes. Along with the mechanical bull rides and dance lessons always available at Billy Bob’s, other activities include axe throwing, cooking demonstrations, eating contests, and kid-friendly zones. Tickets are $6.99 to $61.99 on Eventbrite.com.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party. The Derby Soiree of Hope at The Kalla (121 S Elm St, 808-435-2552) on Sat, May 2, from 4pm to 7pm includes Southern-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, live race viewing, and casino games. Proceeds will benefit the Community Storehouse, which provides food assistance, educational support, and other essential resources to help North Texas children succeed. Tickets start at $125 at CommunityStorehouse.org/KentuckyDerby.

Now, call your mother!

Saturday – Sunday, May 9-10, 2026

For Mother’s Day weekend, Blue Mesa (612 Carroll St, Fort Worth, 817-332-6372) is celebrating with extended hours and its biggest brunch spread of the year. At 10am-3pm Sat or 8am-4pm Sun, brunch is buffet-style with a grill station (carne asada, garlic-basil pork tenderloin, ginger-chipotle-glazed ham, and red chile salmon); a cook-to-order breakfast station (omelets, huevos rancheros, Belgian waffles with crispy fried chicken or berries and whipped cream); a street-taco station; and classic favorites like the signature Adobe Pie, brisket enchiladas, king ranch chicken, blue corn cheese enchiladas, sweet corn cake, Southwest mac ’n’ cheese, and Chimayo corn. Fruits, salads, and a sweets station are also available. The buffet price is $50 per person ($18 for kids ages 6 to 11) and includes mimosas (21+) and soft drinks. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Reserve your table at BlueMesaGrill.com.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Barrel & Bones (9143 Grapevine Hwy, Ste 620, North Richland Hills, 817-393-3118), which claims to offer one of the largest selections of bourbon and whiskey in North Texas, is also known for “chef-driven interpretations of classics.” For Mother’s Day Brunch (11am-3pm), the twist on a classic is the Brisket Montecristo ($15.99), with chopped brisket, pepper jack, vanilla Texas toast, spicy raspberry preserves, and breakfast taters. Other offerings include chicken and waffles ($16.99) with hand-breaded chicken tenders, spicy maple syrup, and vanilla browned butter; the breakfast burrito ($13.99) with pulled pork pibil, scrambled eggs, potatoes, chorizo, kale, onion, peppers, and chipotle baconaisse; and a stuffed French toast ($13.99): Texas toast dipped in vanilla royale butter with fresh berries, Grade A maple syrup, and whipped cream. Drink specials include Ketel One nitro espresso martinis ($8) and mimosas ($1.99). For more information or reservations, visit BarrelandBonesTX.com.

El Chico is celebrating the holiday with a sweet treat for moms. At select locations, including Pantego (1549 S Bowen Rd, 817-265-8335) and Richland Hills (7621 Baker Blvd,817-589-0737), Mom will receive a free order of Strawberry Nachos with the purchase of an entrée from 11am to 8pm. Available only on special occasions, this dessert features cinnamon chips topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For more information, visit ElChico.com.

Typically closed on Sundays, Silver Fox (1651 S University Dr., Fort Worth, 817-332-9060) will welcome guests from 11am to 8pm on Mother’s Day, offering their signature menu alongside an elevated one-day-only feature. Roasted Beef Tenderloin Benedict ($69) is served with poached eggs plus hollandaise, asparagus, and fingerling potatoes. Drink specials include the Southern Socialite ($19, Garrison Brothers HoneyDew Bourbon, Aperol, Bittermens Burlesque Bitters, Lunetta Prosecco, and strawberries); a Bloody Mary ($18) with Tito’s Handmade Vodka; and mimosas ($12). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant. For more information, visit SilverFoxCafe.com.

If your mom enjoys farmers’ markets, flea markets, and treasure hunting, bring her to Second Sunday at the Fort Worth Community Market. It’s a special Mother’s Day Market from 11am to 3pm at South Main MicroPark (105 S Main St, Fort Worth) with farmers, growers, baked goods, spices, coffee, cheeses, plants, honey, canned goods, health/wellness, bath/body, artisans, and other homegrown/handmade vendors. When you get hungry, visit the food trucks and stands, plus enjoy a MOMosa at the open-air bar. Free parking is available on streets and parking lots, as well as paid parking options. Carpooling is always recommended. Traveling by train? This event is located just one block southeast of the TEXRail station at T&P.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

If the thought of dealing with your parents makes you want to drink, meet me back here next week for Cinco de Madre (yes, we made that up) and check out some Cinco de Mayo events, along with more about options for Mother’s Day.