Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Summer 2026 is officially in its closing stretch, and Katy is determined to go out with a bang. School starts August 12. Tax-free shopping kicks off Friday. And there's a free outdoor movie with a real DeLorean on site, a swing dance on a plaza, and a zydeco night in Sugar Land. Not bad for a last hurrah.
In between all of that, we've got heartening news about a local nonprofit that almost had to make a painful cut – and a Downtown Katy mother-daughter shop that's been open since June and deserves your attention.
Now, in today's edition:
Local charity gets the boost it needs to keep helping seniors (for now)
A new shop on Third Street that's as much a gathering spot as a store
A Mexican restaurant you don’t want to miss
35+ events to close out the summer right
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
A quiet piece of good news for seniors in need
Earlier this year, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels announced that federal funding cuts – more than half the Older Americans Act money they rely on – would force them to reduce home-delivered meals from seven a week to five, starting January 1, 2026. It would have been the first cut in their 50-year history. On July 27, they announced the cut has been postponed through the end of 2026, thanks to community donations, volunteer hours, and local partnerships.
Here's what happened:
The nonprofit serves more than 1,300 homebound seniors across Fort Bend and Waller counties – people who can't get out to buy or prepare food themselves.
Federal Older Americans Act funding was slashed by more than 50%, threatening a reduction of two meals per week per senior.
Community support – donations, volunteers, and local partnerships – closed the gap for now.
Seven meals per week continues through December 31, 2026.
Funding will be revisited going into 2027, so this is a "we bought time" story, not a "problem solved" one.
If you want the seven-meal schedule to stick past this year, there are both donation and volunteer opportunities. Route drivers are the biggest ask – a few hours on a weekday morning, and you're directly putting meals in someone's hands.
A Message from Finance Advisors!
Little Known RMD Strategy Allowed by the IRS
For investors with $1M+ in retirement accounts, the tax code allows specific strategies that can reduce your tax exposure once RMDs begin—but only if used before then.
The window is open for anyone within ten years of 73. A fiduciary advisor can review which may apply, at no cost.
What’s New
Downtown Katy has a new mother-daughter shop
Sookie's Needlepoint opened June 1 at 5627 Third St., and it's exactly the kind of small, personal spot Downtown Katy has been quietly collecting. Dani Kelsey and her mom stock canvases, fibers, scissors, needle minders – everything a stitcher needs – and they run classes and community events for beginners on up.
What to know:
Where: 5627 Third St., Downtown Katy
What's inside: Needlepoint canvases, threads and fibers, small accessories – and a table for group stitching
Classes: Beginner-friendly through experienced; check the website or Instagram for the current schedule
Vibe: Dani calls it "a gathering place where people can learn, create and build friendships through needlepoint" – much more clubhouse than checkout counter
If you've been meaning to pick up a stitching hobby (or you already have half a dozen canvases in a drawer somewhere), swing by and say hi.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
If you've been meaning to try Ferso's, this is your reminder
Rosaura and Fernando Garduno grew up in different parts of Mexico, moved to the Houston area in 2012, and opened Ferso's in 2019 with a specific idea in mind: give Katy-Fulshear something beyond Tex-Mex and fajitas. Six years later, they're running a standalone restaurant on FM 1093 with a menu that pulls recipes from different regions of Mexico – and everything on your plate is built from scratch. Meat processed and marinated on-site, chips and salsa made in-house, mole handcrafted.
Here's the facts to know:
Where: 26440 FM 1093, Richmond, TX 77406 – a standalone spot on the Fulshear/west-Katy corridor. They moved there from Katy Mills mall in August 2024; leaving the mall was a choice, and they doubled down with a full restaurant instead of closing.
What to order: Rosaura's personal favorite is the Pollo con Mole – chicken leg quarter under their handcrafted mole, served with rice and corn tortillas. She calls it a dish that brings a taste of home. The Birria Plate (quesabirrias) and Carne Asada Tampiqueña (Angus beef) are also very solid choices.
When they're open: Every day except Tuesday. Mark Tuesday – it's the one to avoid.
The receipts: Google 4.8, named one of the Best 100 Restaurants in Texas, and featured in Community Impact's 2025 Katy-Fulshear dining roundup.
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
Family Fun 🐣
End of Summer Send-Off | 6:00–8:30 PM, Friday, August 7 | (Free) Details
Location: Woodsland Community Park, 443 Danover Rd., Katy
Description: The City of Katy's west-side community bash – high-energy music, inflatables, yard games, giveaways, and local vendors. Bring lawn chairs, bring the kids, close out summer the right way.
DroneArt Show: Harry Potter | Doors 7:00 PM, Show 9:00 PM, Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Description: 1,200 illuminated drones recreate favorite Harry Potter characters and scenes across a 65-minute open-air show set to John Williams' film score, with a live electric violinist and interactive LED wristbands for the crowd. First-of-its-kind for the region — and yes, Wizarding World costumes are encouraged.
Texas Sales Tax Holiday (back-to-school) | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9 | (Free) Details
Location: Statewide – applies at every Katy-area retailer, online and in-store
Description: Hold off on those back-to-school runs until Friday. Most clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100 per item are exempt from Texas sales tax all weekend – a 6.25% break on every qualifying item. Works for online purchases from Texas sellers too.
Movies on the Square: Back to the Future | 7:00–9:00 PM, Saturday, August 8 | (Free) Details
Location: The Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Free outdoor screening of the 1985 classic on the plaza lawn – and there's a real DeLorean parked on-site for photos before showtime. Bring blankets and low chairs. Perfect excuse to introduce it to someone who's never seen it.
First Day of School – Katy ISD (2026-27) | Wednesday, August 12 | Katy ISD Calendar
Location: All Katy ISD campuses
Description: The 2026-27 school year officially begins. Backpacks on, carpool lines active, first-day photos mandatory. New this year: KISD added a fall break (Oct 9–13, 2026). Mark it now.
Kids Markets at Back To School Bash | 12:00–2:00 PM, Sunday, August 23 | Tickets
Location: Venture Christian Church, 5425 Morton Rd., Katy, TX 77493
Description: A vendor market run entirely by kids ages 5–17, selling handmade goods to fund their school-year projects. Check-in for kid vendors is Saturday Aug 22, 6–7 PM. A sweet community event as the new year kicks off.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Music Bingo at The Social Pub & Grill | 7:00–9:00 PM Thursdays: August 6 & August 13 | Details
Location: The Social Pub & Grill, 1721 Spring Green Dr. Ste. 700, Katy, TX 77494
Description: Every Thursday, the pub runs Music Bingo – you're marking songs, not answering trivia – with a progressive cash jackpot that climbs every week until someone wins it. Show up early; it fills up fast. Reservations: (281) 396-4627.
Garbage Girlfriend | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, August 7 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Katy's own all-female alt-rock band – all high schoolers, four of the five at Katy-area high schools – comes home for a free hometown set and a sneak peek of their self-titled debut album, dropping July 31. Fun bonus: they were just named Houston Chronicle's Best Local Band in the 2026 Best of the Best readers' poll.
Dancing Under the Stars with Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Swing Night | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, August 7 | (Free) Details
Location: The Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479
Description: Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors lead an all-ages, beginner-friendly outdoor swing dance night on the plaza. No partner required — just show up and someone will get you moving. Easygoing and family-friendly.
Latin Nights at Katy Vibes | 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday, August 7 | Details
Location: Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar, 24757 Katy Fwy., Katy
Description: Karaoke 7–11 PM, then the DJ takes over for Latin dancing through 2 AM — the monthly first-Friday party. Drinks à la carte. 21+ for the late-night portion after 11 PM.
The Guess Who: Takin' It Back Tour with Don Felder | 7:30 PM, Saturday, August 8 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman reunite as The Guess Who for the first time in 23 years, with ex-Eagle Don Felder opening. American Woman, These Eyes, No Time, Share the Land — a legitimate classic-rock double header.
Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance Encore | 8:00 PM, Monday, August 10 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Emmy-winning Derek Hough (Dancing With the Stars) returns to Sugar Land with a brand-new production of his Symphony of Dance show — high-energy fusion of ballroom, tap, salsa, and hip-hop, choreographed by NappyTabs.
Live Music: Nowhere But Up at Central Green | 7:30–9:30 PM, Friday, August 14 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Local Katy band Nowhere But Up plays Top 40, Tejano, country, disco, and classic rock outdoors at Central Green. Bring lawn chairs. No glass, pets, or outside alcohol.
Cajun Summer Jams: Zydeco Joseph & The H-Town Players | 7:30–9:30 PM, Saturday, August 15 | (Free) Details
Location: The Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Free outdoor zydeco — accordion, washboard, and infectious Louisiana beats under the plaza lights. Kid-friendly and made for dancing. One of the better free nights in the area this summer.
Hermanos Espinoza – LINAJE Tour | 8:00 PM, Saturday, August 15 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Rising música Mexicana duo (brothers Joel and Leonel Espinoza) bring their debut LINAJE Tour to Sugar Land – accordion and bajo sexto, viral hits like "Prueba de Fuego" and "Dios Por Delante," 6M+ Spotify monthly listeners.
Community & Culture 🏛️
Lily of the Valley Origami | 4:00–5:30 PM, Thursday, August 6 | Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Library
Description: Come learn how to create Lily of the Valley origami flowers. Beginners and experienced folders welcome.
Texana Book Market & Open Mic | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, August 8 (book market 11 AM–2:30 PM · open mic 2:30–4:00 PM) | (Free) Details
Location: Texana Café, 7440 FM-359, Fulshear, TX 77441
Description: Outdoor market with local authors, poets, artisans, and vendors, followed by an afternoon open mic for poetry, spoken word, music, and storytelling. Presented by 724 Press Collective. Family-friendly, free, and café proceeds go toward teaching job skills to neurodivergent adults. Worth the drive to Fulshear.
Learn to Unearth Your Story – West Houston Area Genealogy Society | 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 8 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Drop-in intro to genealogy research with the West Houston Area Genealogy Society. Perfect if you've been meaning to figure out the family tree but don't know where to start. No signup required – just show up.
Tai Chi | 2:30 – 3:30 PM, Saturday, August 15 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: Come join for basic Tai Chi movement focused on gentle, low-impact exercise. Open to all adults regardless of fitness and experience level.
AI 101 for Busy Moms | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday, August 17 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: For those curious about AI but unsure to start, this beginner-friendly class will break it down and help you know how you can use it in your daily life.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10:00–11:00 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is Aug 17 | Details
No Label Brewing Co. | Daily Food Trucks, Monday - Thursday | Details
No Label Run Club | 5:30–6:30 PM, Monday | Details
Walking Group at Mary Jo Peckham Park | Tuesdays, 8 AM | Details
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run | Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green | Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
No Label Ruck Club | Wednesdays, 5:00 PM | Details
Bird Walk | Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Details
Totally Toddler Time | Thursdays, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Details
Adult Watercolor Art Club | Every Other Thursday, Next is Aug 6 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Next is August 6th | Details
Adult Coloring Hour | Thursdays, 6 PM | Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is August 13 | Details
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway | Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
George Ranch Historical Park | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturdays | Tickets
Knotty and Nice Knitting Club | Every Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Details
That's it for today!
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch this week! See you next Tuesday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].