Happy Tuesday Katy!
You know what I love about this community? Every week I sit down to put this newsletter together and I end up feeling genuinely proud to live here. This week is no exception. We've got students winning big on the national stage, a new center that was opened by a local non-profit to help members of our community, and a downtown developer who literally built a train for us. That's Katy for you.
Spring is in full swing, the events calendar is overflowing, and there's plenty to get excited about. Let's get into it.
Now, in today's edition:
Katy ISD artists score over $500K at the Rodeo Art Auction
A new center opens to help Survivors of Violence
The Dryer's rideable Katy Train is officially open
A spotlight on an incredible local Katy dining spot
15+ events this week & more
- Grant Hamilton
News
Katy ISD Artists Just Scored $540,000 at the Rodeo Art Auction
Fifteen Katy ISD students just put our art programs on the map in a major way. At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction in March, Katy ISD claimed 13 of only 90 auction spots - plus two premium 3D selections - and their works sold for a combined $540,000. That's not a typo, more than half a million dollars.
Here's what to know:
The numbers are staggering. More than 200,000 entries came in from across Texas. Only 90 made the auction. Katy ISD grabbed 13 of those spots (plus 2 premium 3D picks), bringing the total to 15 students represented.
Year-over-year growth is unreal. In 2025, four Katy ISD students made the auction and earned a combined $125K. This year? Roughly 4× the spots and 4× the revenue.
Tompkins HS led the charge with nine students selected. Jordan HS had three, and Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, and Taylor each had one.
The artworks were displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during rodeo season and are also featured in the HLSR online gallery.
"To have this many students recognized at the highest level, in one of the most competitive art programs in the nation, is remarkable," said Laura Simoneaux, Katy ISD's Assistant Director of Fine Arts. We couldn't agree more. 👏
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New Crisis Housing Opens in Brookshire for Survivors of Violence
Her Well Center, a Brookshire-based nonprofit, has opened Samaria House - a new crisis housing program providing safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held March 25 at Her Well Center's offices on Velasco Street in Brookshire. The actual Samaria House location is kept confidential to protect residents' safety.
Led by Executive Director Candice Reyes, Her Well Center has served more than 150 survivors over the past three years with free, trauma-informed counseling and advocacy. But Reyes says growing demand has led to waitlists - making dedicated housing a critical need.
"This is about giving people a safe place to begin healing," Reyes says.
The organization is currently seeking donations of food, furniture, and clothing, which can be dropped off at Her Well Center in Brookshire.
What’s New
All Aboard the Katy Train! 🚂
The Dryer just added a rideable miniature train to downtown Katy — and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. The custom-built Katy Train by Titan Trains holds 20 passengers and runs 3 laps on a 900-foot track. Rides are $3 per person (kids under 2 free), available every Saturday during the Farmers Market from 9 AM to 1 PM.
It's part of The Dryer's Phase 2 expansion at 5339 E. Third Street, which also includes new green space, a stage with a large TV, and 16 shipping-container vendor stalls. Phase 3 — a three-story building with a food court and co-working space — is still in the works with construction expected to start in 2027.
Click here to: Head to The Dryer this Saturday and take a ride
Business/Restaurant Spotlight
Phat Eatery — Katy's Malaysian Street Food Gem 🥘
If you haven't been to Phat Eatery in Katy Asian Town yet, consider this your sign. This Malaysian street food spot has been a Katy staple since 2018, and the accolades speak for themselves — James Beard Award semifinalist, one of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants, and highlighted as one of "America's Next Great Restaurants" in the suburbs.
Here's what to know:
The must-orders: The beef rendang, curry laksa, sizzling egg tofu, and flaky roti canai are the dishes that built Phat Eatery's reputation. Go family-style and try a little of everything.
The story behind it: Founded by chef Alex Au-Yeung, who drew on his upbringing in Hong Kong and his Malaysian heritage to create something truly special in the Katy suburbs. Au-Yeung passed away in 2024 after a private battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on — the restaurant now operates under Co-Directors of Operations Marvin He and Kevin Lee, and Culinary Director Terry Wong.
They've expanded: Phat Eatery now has a second location in The Woodlands, but the original Katy Asian Town spot at 23119 Colonial Parkway is where it all started.
Next time you're wondering where to eat, skip the chain and go local. This is the kind of place that puts Katy on the map, and it’s one of my personal favs and go-tos. 🙌
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
40th Annual Katy ISD Folk Life Festival | 10 AM–3 PM, Saturday, April 11 | Free (Details)
Location: Kenneth D. Welch Outdoor Learning Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy
Description: A Katy tradition since 1986! Step back in time with pioneer demos, farm animals, blacksmithing, quilting, crafts, and a one-room schoolhouse experience. Perfect for the kiddos — and honestly, the adults too.
Pirate 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | 8 AM, Saturday, April 11 | Tickets
Location: Mason Creek Hike & Bike Trail, 2500 Porter Rd, Katy
Description: Choose your distance and hit the trail. No on-site registration. The course time limit is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Typhoon Texas 2026 Season Opening | 11 AM–5 PM, Saturday, April 11 | Tickets
Location: Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Description: Opening weekend is here! April is weekends only (Sat–Sun), so grab your sunscreen and get in early.
Houston Kids Triathlon | 7 AM, Saturday–Sunday, April 11–12 | Tickets
Location: Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Description: The 11th annual kids triathlon presented by Huntington Bank. Choose from Splash & Dash, Short Course, or Long Course options. A great way to get your little athletes moving.
18th Annual Spring Market of Katy | Sat 9 AM–5 PM / Sun 11 AM–4 PM, April 11–12 | Tickets
Location: Leonard E. Merrell Center
Description: 100+ local and small-business vendors selling gifts, home décor, fashion, and more. Your wristband is good for both days. Free parking.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day | 10 AM–1 PM, Saturday, April 18 | Free (Details)
Location: Mark A. Chapman YMCA at Katy Main Street (also at Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch)
Description: Free community event with activities, interactive booths, games, vendors, and food trucks. Open to everyone — you don't need a Y membership.
Katy Car Showdown | 10 AM-2 PM, Saturday, April 18th | Free (Details)
Location: Historic Town Square, 904 Avenue C, Katy
Description: Join for a day of cars, community and fun. If you have a car you’re proud of, registering it is free!
Dewberry Farm Spring Fest | Weekends through April 26 | Tickets
Location: 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX
Description: 40+ attractions including a Ferris wheel, Gold Rush coaster, barnyard animals, and more. Use code SAVE6 for $6 off admission.
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
Texas Eagles Tribute | ~7 PM, Friday, April 10 | Free (Details)
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: Eagles tribute concert under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a perfect spring evening.
Rock the Night with The Urbans | ~7 PM, Friday, April 17 Free (Details)
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: Latin rock vibes at Central Green. Another great free Friday night on the lawn.
Adrian’s Fault | ~7 PM, Saturday, April 18 | Free (Details)
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: An energetic evening of versatile sounds, Adrian’s Fault is a high-energy group spanning multiple genres. Should be a great night for the whole family.
Smart Financial Centre Highlights (18455 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land):
Dancing With The Stars Live! | 7:30 PM, Thursday, April 9 | Tickets
Air Supply 50th Anniversary | 8 PM, Friday, April 10 | Tickets
October London, Lalah Hathaway & Eric Benet | 8 PM, Saturday, April 11 | Tickets
René Vaca | 8 PM, Saturday, April 18 | Tickets
David Byrne "Who is the Sky" Tour | 8 PM, Friday, April 24 | Tickets
Food & Drink 🍺
Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks | Daily Through April 19 | Details
Location: 13 restaurants across Fort Bend County (Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg)
Description: The inaugural Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks kicks off the week after Easter. Thirteen restaurants across the county are participating, with proceeds benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (a food insecurity nonprofit). A great excuse to try somewhere new while supporting a good cause.
JesterFest Crawfish Festival | April 11, 11AM–5PM | Details
Location: Stars Sports Bar, 414 Grand Pkwy.
Description: Katy’s biggest and longest-running outdoor crawfish festival is back for its 13th time.
🏛️ Community & Outdoors
Don't Mess With Texas Trash Off | 9 AM–Noon, Saturday, April 11 | Details
Location: First Baptist Church Katy, 600 Pin Oak Rd, Katy
Description: Community litter cleanup plus drive-thru recycling (electronics, paper shredding, scrap metal). Gloves, vests, and bags provided. Lions Club collecting used eyeglasses too.
Keep Katy Beautiful Spring Community Garage Sale | Saturday, April 11 | Details
Location: Citywide (register by 5 PM Tuesday, April 7!)
Description: Host a sale at your home and get on the citywide Google Map, published by noon Thursday. Click here to register - deadline is TODAY (April 7th).
Earth Month Fest at Indiangrass Preserve | 9 AM - 1 PM, Saturday, April 11 | Details
Location: Katy Prairie Welcome Center, 31975 Hebert Rd, Waller
Description: Family-friendly celebration with prairie wildflower walks, native plant transplanting, and trail exploration at the newly renovated Welcome Center.
Foraging at Katy Prairie | 9 AM–Noon, Sunday, April 19 | Tickets
Location: Katy Prairie Welcome Center, 31975 Hebert Rd, Waller
Description: Hands-on workshop with Dr. Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen on identifying edible and medicinal plants. Perfect for the outdoorsy-curious.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Farmers Market at The Dryer — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
Farmers Market at LaCenterra — Sundays, 11 AM - 3 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green — Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
Tai Chi on the Green — Saturdays, 8:30 AM | Details
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run — Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria — First Thursday of Each Month | Details
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch! Have a great week, see you next Tuesday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].