2026 Brewed & Branded Three Session Series
About this Event
These three aren’t just random cultural elements—they overlap in meaningful ways:
- Work and craft: Coffee fuels labor, leatherworking embodies craftsmanship, BBQ requires patience and technique.
- Community: Coffee shops, leather markets, and BBQ joints all serve as gathering spaces.
- Tradition + evolution: Each has deep roots but continues to evolve with new generations.
Put simply, coffee keeps Texans moving, leatherworking reflects where they came from, and barbecue shows how they come together
July 10 - BBQ Basics
Texas barbecue is one of the state’s most well-known culinary traditions, valued not only for its flavor but also for its role in bringing people together. Styles such as Central Texas brisket—often slow-smoked over oak—are widely recognized and appreciated across the region.
Barbecue traditions in Texas reflect a blend of diverse cooking techniques and influences that have evolved over time. These methods highlight different approaches to preparing and preserving meats, resulting in a variety of flavors and styles enjoyed today. Barbecue experiences can range from large community gatherings to local restaurants, where people share meals, connect with others, and exchange ideas about different cooking methods and flavors.
Speaker: Drew Cassens Ph.D. | Assistant Professor & Meat Specialist-Department of Animal Science | Texas A&M AgriLife
July 17 - Leather Working
Leatherworking in Texas traces directly back to ranching and cowboy traditions. Saddles, boots, belts, and tack weren’t decorative—they were essential tools. Over time, craftsmanship became a point of pride, with handmade leather goods representing durability, independence, and skill. Towns across Texas still host artisans who keep these traditions alive, and brands rooted in cowboy culture continue to influence fashion well beyond the state. Leatherworking is essentially a living link to Texas’s frontier past.
Speaker: Tom Feldman | Store Manager
Tandy Leather Houston
July 24 - Seed to Cup
Coffee culture in Texas has shifted from purely functional (fuel for ranchers, oil workers, and early risers) into something more communal and artisanal. Cities like Austin and Houston have thriving specialty coffee scenes, with independent roasters and cafés acting as social hubs. But even beyond trendy shops, coffee still carries that “get up and go” symbolism tied to long workdays and self-reliance. It’s both a modern lifestyle marker and a continuation of a work ethic culture.
Speaker: Eric Brenner | Program Coordinator, Latin America and Caribbean| Assistant Director Center for Coffee Research & Education
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20 to USD 108.55
