Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
This week we're pulling up a chair at one of Katy's most quietly remarkable restaurants — where the chef once Skyped his mother in South Africa to learn her recipes by heart. It's the kind of story that's easy to drive past and miss, but that’s exactly what makes this place special.
We've also got news on a major north-side gathering spot taking shape, plus a county-wide mosquito mission you'll want to know about. And of course, all the best 4th of July festivities this week you won’t want to miss.
Now, in today's edition:
North Katy's new walkable village
How Fort Bend tackled the mosquito surge
A mother's recipes, served on Mason Road
30+ events & more
– Grant Hamilton
Community News
North Katy's New Gathering Spot
If you live on the north side of I-10, you've probably had to cross the freeway just to grab a sit-down dinner. That's about to change. A 46-acre walkable shopping and dining village called The Green at Katy Park is rising at Morton Road and Katy Hockley Cut-Off Road — right across from the busy H-E-B.
The main details:
Who's behind it: Houston developer Read King, the same company behind the H-E-B center across the street.
What's coming: More than 60,000 square feet of shops and restaurants in the early phase, plus a roughly 10,000-square-foot open-air plaza with a kids' play area, outdoor concerts, and movie nights.
Walk it off: The center will connect to about 3 miles of trails looping a pond-side park.
The big idea: Think of it as a north-Katy cousin to LaCenterra — a "restaurant village" where neighbors linger, not just run errands.
When: Early site work is underway, with most construction wrapping by spring 2027 and businesses opening soon after.
As Read King's Cort King put it, north-side families have had to "cross I-10" just to grab dinner out. Soon, that trip may get a lot shorter.
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.
City Updates
The County Takes Aim at Mosquitos
After weeks of rain left puddles all over town, the mosquitos came out swinging — and Fort Bend County didn't wait. On June 16, County Judge Daniel Wong declared a local public health emergency, and planes sprayed designated areas June 22–24.
Here's what to know:
The numbers: The county got 1,505 mosquito complaints between May 1 and June 2 — more than double what followed Hurricane Beryl. Some traps caught up to 5,000 mosquitos in a single check.
Is it safe? Officials say the EPA-approved spray, used as directed, doesn't pose a health risk. You can stay indoors during spraying, but you don't have to.
How areas get picked: Spraying follows trap data and virus testing, not neighborhood requests — so some streets get treated while others don't.
Your best defense — the 4 Ds: Avoid Dusk & Dawn, Drain standing water, Dress in long sleeves, and Defend with bug spray.
Even after the planes fly, the simplest fix is in your own yard. Dump anything holding water. Less standing water means fewer bites for everyone.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Cape Town Comes to Mason Road
You've probably driven past 1590 S. Mason Road dozens of times without stopping in. This is your sign to change that. Astor's Table is a chef-driven restaurant with a story as warm as the food — and one of the most unexpected dining experiences in town.
Here are the important details:
The chef's story: Owner Casey "KC" Castro grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, raised by a single mom who worked as a private maid and cook. When his Katy customers started asking for authentic South African dishes, he did something extraordinary — he video-called his mother and learned her recipes one by one.
The signature dish: "Grandma Lovinggood Oxtail" — slow-braised oxtail with white rice and sweet plantain, made from a family recipe passed down for generations.
For the curious: Start with the Table Mountain Sampler — biltong (spiced dried beef), boerewors (a coiled farmer's sausage), bobotie (a savory spiced-beef bake under egg custard), and cream-cheese-stuffed peppadew peppers.
What else to try: You'll also find prime steaks, fresh seafood, peri-peri chicken wings, candlelit dinners with live music, and a popular Brunch Social starting at 9 AM Thursday through Sunday.
Chef Casey still works the room most nights, swapping stories with regulars and first-timers alike. Go in hungry. Leave a little more curious about the world.
P.S. Know someone who loves trying new cuisines? Forward this their way.
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!
🎆 Fourth of July
Fulshear Freedom Fest | 7:00–10:00 PM, Friday, July 3 | (Free) Details
Location: Fulshear High School, 9302 Charger Way, Fulshear
Description: An America 250–themed celebration officially on the national America250 calendar — live music by Emotions, food trucks, vendor booths, a kids' area, a drone show (with Fulshear EDC), and a fireworks finale by Savant Energy. The Fulshear Regional Chamber goes big on this every year.
Red, White & BOOM at Typhoon Texas | July 3–4, fireworks ~9:00 PM each night | Tickets
Location: Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Description: Two days of carnival activities, live entertainment, the Typhoon Texas Skydivers, stilt walkers, face painters, and live music — capped each night by the official City of Katy fireworks finale (~9 PM). If you don't want a day pass, those fireworks are also visible free from the Katy Mills Mall parking lot.
VFW Post 9182 July 4th Auction & Lunch | 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 4 | Details
Location: VFW Post 9182, 6206 George Bush Dr., Katy
Description: Silent and live auctions, a gun raffle, a 50/50 raffle, kids' games, and a BBQ lunch — all benefiting local veterans. Silent auction at 10 AM, live auction kicks off at 12:15 PM. A great way to celebrate the holiday with real local impact.
4th of July Celebration | 10 AM - 12 PM, Saturday, July 4th | (Free) Details
Location: Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic Fitness Center
Description: Celebrate freedom, fun, and summer vibes at this 4th of July Celebration! Don't miss out on great music, games, crafts and the festive atmosphere Peckham staff has to offer!
250th Celebration Fireworks | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday, July 4th | (Free) Details
Location: Fields next to 1603 Norwalk Dr., Katy
Description: Put on by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this free family evening includes music, a professional fireworks display starting at 9 PM, and more — should be a fantastic patriotic evening.
🐣 Family Fun
Harris County Pollution Control Family Program | 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 7 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: A hands-on family program about air and water quality, with simple ways your household can cut down on pollution. No tickets needed — just walk in and learn together.
Pitch Your Story for the Stage — Theater Workshop | 4:30–5:15 PM, Tuesday, July 7 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Tweens and teens in grades 4–12 turn improv ideas into story concepts and "pitch" them like a streaming series. A creative outlet that doubles as great practice in confidence and storytelling.
Frosty Fridays | 10:00–11:30 AM, Friday, July 10 | (Free) Details
Location: VFW Park
Description: Free frozen treats, Parks & Rec swag, and the latest on summer programs – basically the easiest way to start your weekend on a high note. These will be happening each Friday in July starting with the 10th at different parks across Katy. This first one comes with a drone demo.
Fire Truck/EMS Visit – Houston Fire Department Meet and Greet | 4:00 PM - 5 PM, Friday, July 10 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Join for a special visit from Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Fire-EMS! Kids will have the chance to meet real firefighters and first responders, learn about fire safety, and even explore a real fire truck up close.
Special Preschool Storytime — Americana Music Show | 10:15 AM, Saturday, July 11 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: "Classical Sing, Move and Play" celebrates America's 250th with kid-friendly classical music. Preschoolers welcome to wiggle, dance, and sing along.
Special Preschool Storytime — Dinosaur Theater | 10:15 AM, Tuesday, July 14 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Express Children's Theatre brings "Tyrana Saurus Rex" to the library – an interactive prehistoric storytime that's part of this summer's "Unearth A Story" theme. Perfect for ages 3 to 5 and the grown-ups who love watching little ones go wide-eyed.
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
Lemon Yellow Sun | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, July 10 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: A Pearl Jam tribute band brings '90s grunge-rock to the lawn under the stars. Pack a blanket, some lawn chairs, and prepare to nod along to "Even Flow."
Los Clásicos del Vallenato | 7:30 PM, Saturday, July 11 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: Traditional Colombian vallenato – lively, accordion-driven folk music that's almost impossible to sit still through. A great excuse to bring the whole family out for the evening.
Flashback Funk Fest | 7:00 PM, Saturday, July 11 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Old-school funk all night long with Morris Day & The Time, Zapp, Con Funk Shun, and The S.O.S. Band. If you grew up dancing to "Jungle Love" or "More Bounce to the Ounce," this one's for you.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
FIFA World Cup at NRG Stadium (Round of 16) | Noon CDT, Saturday, July 4 | Tickets
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston
Description: Houston's final World Cup match of the tournament — a Round of 16 game on the Fourth of July itself. Big patriotic energy guaranteed. If you don't have tickets, the official free FIFA Fan Festival in EaDo (2301 Dallas St.) is open daily through July 19 for free watch parties.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Albuquerque Isotopes | 7:05 PM nightly (2:05 PM Sunday), July 7–12 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Description: Triple-A baseball on a six-game homestand. Don't miss Fireworks Friday on July 10 (with a free Texas Flag jersey for the first 2,000 fans) or Sunday's Blippi Meet & Greet plus Kids Run the Bases postgame.
Eagle 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at Katy | 8:00 AM, Saturday, July 11 | Tickets
Location: Mason Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Katy
Description: An out-and-back trail race in three distances, with costume awards for the bold. Packet pickup opens 30 minutes prior and closes 10 minutes before the start — no on-site registration.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10:00–11:00 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is July 20 | Details
No Label Brewing Co. | Daily Food Trucks, Monday - Thursday | 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
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 July 9 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Next is July 2nd | (Free) Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is July 9 | 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].