Upcoming Hug-a-Thon Aims to Unite Texas Political Divide with Awkward Side Hugs

Sponsored by Hardee’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, this ambitious event promises sweaty embraces, forced smiles, and free burgers.

Move over, political debates—Houston is about to embrace bipartisanship, literally. The Hug-a-Thon 2025, sponsored by Hardee’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, is coming to town, promising to unite Democrats and Republicans through the power of (uncomfortably damp) physical contact.

The event will make stops in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, with the Houston Hug-a-Thon scheduled for next weekend at Discovery Green. Organizers say the goal is to “put the touch in bipartisan outreach,” a phrase already raising eyebrows across the city.

Event Details

• When: Next Saturday, 11 AM - 5 PM

• Where: Discovery Green

• What: Democrats and Republicans hugging it out for unity

Participants will be required to sign a waiver, acknowledging that “side hugs are acceptable alternatives” and that any refusal to hug is “not necessarily an act of partisan aggression.”

“It’s About Coming Together—Literally”

Organizer Lisa Touchman says the idea came to her after a heated Thanksgiving dinner at her house. “After three hours of yelling about politics, my family hugged it out and realized nobody changed their mind about anything—but we did stop yelling. That’s when I knew America needed this.”

Corporate sponsors were quick to jump on board. Hardee’s will provide free burgers to participants who complete three hugs (proof of hug completion is determined by a volunteer referee). Dick’s Sporting Goods is donating sweat-resistant t-shirts emblazoned with the event slogan: “Hug It Out, Houston!”

Dale Winters: Hugging Is for Patriots

Not everyone is convinced, but Republicans like Dale Winters, a self-proclaimed “hug enthusiast” and father of four, are cautiously optimistic.

“Hugging’s good for the soul,” Winters told The Houston Throb while browsing shotguns at a local Dick’s Sporting Goods. “But I’ll tell you this—if a Democrat tries to make it a two-handed hug, I’m out. That feels like socialism to me.”

Winters plans to attend with his wife, Karen, who is reportedly preparing for the event by “watching tutorials on neutral facial expressions.”

Democrats Prepare to Hug Across the Aisle

Local Democrat Marissa Yanez says she’s attending the Hug-a-Thon because “it’s time for healing.” She admitted, however, that the event’s tagline—“America’s Great Embrace”—felt “a little too much like a Hallmark movie written by Mitch McConnell.”

Yanez plans to bring a sign that reads: “I Hug Conservatives Because I’m a Giver.” When asked how she’ll feel hugging someone wearing a MAGA hat, she said, “I’ll do it, but only if it’s over quickly. Like, less than three seconds.”

Free Burgers and Free Feelings

Event organizers hope the promise of free Hardee’s burgers will attract attendees who might otherwise avoid a public hugging spectacle. “Look, we get it,” said Touchman. “People are hesitant. But if we’ve learned anything from American politics, it’s that free food brings people together—even people who hate each other.”

The Hardee’s marketing team has gone all-in on the event, unveiling a limited-time burger called the Double Bipartisan Bacon Hugger. A portion of proceeds will go toward organizing future Hug-a-Thons in other politically divided cities.

Will It Work?

Critics have been vocal about their skepticism. Political analyst Dr. Linda Gripe said, “If people think a sweaty hug in a public park is going to heal America’s deep political divide, they’ve clearly never been on Twitter.”

Meanwhile, Hug-a-Thon optimists are just happy to see people trying something different. “It might not solve everything,” said Touchman, “but if we can get one Democrat and one Republican to hug for five seconds without rolling their eyes, that’s progress.”

Join the Hug-a-Thon

Want to hug it out for Houston? Pre-register online at HugathonUSA.com, or sign up on-site the day of the event. Waivers, political patience, and deodorant are mandatory.

Because in a city as big as Houston, there’s always room for one more awkward hug.

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