Happy Tuesday, Katy!
If your calendar looks anything like mine this week, you might wish there was time to squeeze in a nap. Between Katy Sip N Stroll wine tasting for a good cause, a Beatles tribute, a 5K, a David Byrne concert, and a splash bash - Katy is absolutely not messing around this week.
But before we get to the events, we've got some stories that'll make you smile. Let's go.
Now, in today's edition:
🎨 Two Katy Students are headed to Carnegie Hall, plus five others recognized on the national stage
🛒 $75 can change a family's week - how to help before school ends
🌿 Spotlight on a fantastic local restaurant with a great story
30+ events & more
- Grant Hamilton
What’s New
🎨 Seven Katy ISD Artists Earn National Honors — Two Headed to Carnegie Hall
Two Tompkins High School students are about to see their artwork displayed at Carnegie Hall — and they're bringing their teacher with them. Shian Belen and Aadriyan Das each won Gold Medals in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the nation's most prestigious competitions for young creatives. They'll be celebrated at a Carnegie Hall ceremony on June 10.
Here's what to know:
Seven students across five campuses — Tompkins, Freeman, Jordan, Katy, and Seven Lakes — earned Gold and Silver medals for drawing and painting. That's a district-wide sweep.
The numbers are staggering. The Scholastic Awards received 335,000+ works from 110,000+ teens nationwide. Only about 2,500 earned national medals. These seven are in that group.
Belen's Serene Night and Das's Colors of the Sky, the gold medalists, will be featured at Carnegie Hall alongside the best young artists in the country.
Fun fact: The Scholastic Awards have launched the careers of Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Amanda Gorman — so remember these names.
"This recognition places our students among the top young artists in the nation," said Laura Simoneaux, Katy ISD's Assistant Director of Fine Arts. We couldn't agree more. Congratulations to all seven students and their teachers! 🎉
P.S. Know one of these students or their families? Share this with them — they deserve all the love.
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Community Update
🛒 $75 Can Change a Family's Week — Spring Campaign Is Live
Here's something you can do in about 60 seconds that'll make a real difference: Katy ISD's Partners in Education just launched the Spring 2026 Food for Families campaign, and they need your help to get $75 grocery gift cards to 300 secondary-level families before the school year ends. Donations are open now through May 8.
Here's what to know:
This round targets junior high and high school families — older students who are often juggling academics, jobs, and caring for siblings while navigating food insecurity.
Last fall's campaign raised $39,179 and served 665 families across all ~80 Katy ISD campuses. This spring, 300 more families need help.
Every gift card is hand-delivered by campus staff, often with a handwritten note of encouragement. It's personal, not anonymous.
Nearly 40% of all Katy ISD students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The need is real and it's right here in our community.
The program has been running for 24 years and has served more than 10,600 families since 2002. $75 sponsors one family. Any amount helps.
Click here to get involved and donate. Checks can also be sent to "Katy ISD Food for Families," 6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy, TX 77494. 💛
P.S. Share this with your neighborhood group chat — sometimes the easiest way to help is just spreading the word.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Katy's Only Michelin-Recommended Restaurant Is a Family Comeback Story
Johnny Cheung grew up doing homework by the register while taking orders at his parents' Bellaire Boulevard restaurant in Houston's Chinatown. The family ran Hong Kong Food Street 365 days a year, 15 hours a day, for nearly two decades. When COVID hit in 2020, his parents — both in their mid-60s — retired and closed the doors. But it never sat right with Johnny. Regulars kept reaching out. Then former chefs returned to town and wanted back in — not as employees, but as partners. Johnny posted old newspaper clippings his mother had saved from 2003 on Facebook with one line: "Mama didn't raise no quitter. I'll see y'all soon." The new Hong Kong Food Street opened in Katy Asian Town in late 2024, and it's already the only Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant in Katy.
Here's what to know:
The must-orders: The Famous Fish Sauce Chicken and Crispy Roasted Pork Belly are the signatures. The Black Truffle Fried Rice and Wonton Noodle Soup are worth the trip alone. Everything — the tofu, chili oil, seasoning sauces — is made from scratch. Average meal runs about $30 or under per person.
The recognition is wild: Michelin Guide Recommended (2025) - the only restaurant in Katy on the list. #19 on the Houston Chronicle's Top 100. One of Houston's Best 10 New Restaurants in 2024. Eater Houston's Best Chinese Restaurants list. OpenTable Diners' Choice 2024 and 2025. For a spot that was built out from an empty box less than two years ago, that's a staggering run.
The family keeps growing: Johnny recently expanded the brand with Hong Kong Food Court, a casual tea café concept in Missouri City with self-ordering kiosks. The original Katy location launched a new menu in early 2026 and was featured in a Michelin Guide story about Texas restaurants telling bigger cultural stories.
This is one of those restaurants that makes you proud to live in Katy. A family legacy, a COVID comeback, Michelin recognition, and prices that won't break the bank - all right here in Katy Asian Town. 🙌
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 🐣
Naomi's Grace Splash Bash | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Sat April 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Memorial Parkway Clubhouse, 21600 Cimarron Pkwy, Katy
Description: Free water-safety and drowning-prevention event with demos, vendors, and kids' activities. With pool season right around the corner (or maybe here already!), this is worth showing up for — especially if you have young swimmers. Spread the word.
Movies on the Square: How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) | 7:00–9:00 PM, Fri May 1 (Free) Details
Location: Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Free outdoor movie night on the lawn. Bring blankets and chairs. Concessions available. A solid kick-off to the weekend. Worth the drive.
Sounds of Summer Festival | 2:00–5:00 PM, Sat May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: School of Rock Katy, 3750 S. Mason Rd #800, Katy
Description: Student bands, face painting, King of Pops popsicles, tie-dye, friendship bracelets, and gear giveaways. All ages, all free, all fun.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Blue Sky Project — Live Music at Central Green | 7:00–9:00 PM, Fri April 24 (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: Free outdoor concert on a Friday night. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy the evening breeze. Food and drinks available at LaCenterra restaurants.
David Byrne: Who Is The Sky? Tour | 8:00 PM, Fri April 24 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The Talking Heads legend brings his latest tour to Sugar Land. If you know, you know — this one will sell.
The FAB 5 Beatles Tribute | 7:00–9:00 PM, Sat April 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: Free outdoor Beatles tribute concert on Saturday night. Bring chairs, a blanket, and the whole family. Hard to beat free live music under the stars.
Aleks Syntek: Total Syntek 35th Anniversary Tour | 8:00 PM, Sat April 25 | Tickets
Location: The Grand Venue Event Center, 25600 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy Description: Nine-time Latin Grammy nominee celebrates 35 years of hits — right here in Katy. A major Latin pop concert without the downtown Houston drive.
Il Volo Live in Concert | 8:00 PM, Sat April 25 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The Italian operatic pop trio brings their powerhouse vocals to Sugar Land. A big night out for fans of classical crossover.
Katy Vibes Katy Idol | 4:00 PM, Sat April 25 | Details
Location: Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar, 24757 Katy Freeway, Katy
Description: Audition rounds for a $1,000 grand prize singing competition. Free to watch even if you're just there for the food and entertainment. Also runs Sat May 2.
Mel Robbins: Let Them Tour 2026 | 7:30 PM, Tue April 28 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The bestselling author and motivational powerhouse brings her "Let Them" philosophy to the stage. If the book hit home, the live show will too.
An Evenin' at The Ranch with Trent Willmon | 6 PM, Wed April 29 | Tickets
Location: George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond
Description: Cocktail hour, seated dinner, live concert by country artist Trent Willmon, and a first look at the new Coastal Cowboys exhibit. Only 120 tickets available — intimate and upscale.
Carlos Vives: Tour Al Sol | 8:00 PM, Fri May 1 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Colombian music icon and multiple Latin Grammy winner brings his high-energy tropical sound to Sugar Land. A fantastic Cinco de Mayo weekend kickoff.
Food & Drink 🍺
Katy Band Jam | 6 PM-9 PM, Wed April 22 | (Free) Details
Location: Midpoint Bar and Eatery, 25600 Westheimer Pkwy, Ste 400, Katy
Description: Katy Band Jam is more than just a typical open mic night. This fun event includes live full band jams on the main stage, acoustic sets in a dedicated room, business networking, food, drinks and a whole lot of fun.
Katy Sip N' Stroll | 6:00–9:00 PM (VIP 5:00 PM), Sat April 25 | Tickets
Location: The ARK by Norris Event Center, 21402 Merchants Way, Katy
Description: The 31st edition of Katy's biggest wine and food night — 200+ wines, 35+ restaurants competing for Premier Culinary Awards, a Spirits Patio, Sweets District, live music, and an artisan vendor market. All proceeds benefit Christ Clinic, which handles ~12,000 patient visits per year with an all-volunteer physician staff. VIP gets you in an hour early with premium pours, exclusive food, and a swag bag. Must be 21+. ⚠️ Tickets ONLY at sipandstroll.com — not on social media or resale sites, so watch out for scams!
Sports & Fitness 🏃
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Round Rock Express | Home games Tue April 21 through Sun April 26 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Six-game home stand all week long. Highlights: Silver Stars Night (Tue), Waggin' Wednesday with $1 hot dogs (Wed 11:05 AM), Thirsty Thursday with discounted drinks (Thu 7:05 PM), Fireworks Friday with halfway-to-Halloween jerseys (Fri 7:05 PM), Emo Night with postgame pop-punk tribute (Sat 6:05 PM), and Youth Sports Day with Kids Run the Bases (Sun 2:05 PM). Something for everyone.
Smilin' Rylen Run (5K / 10K / 1-Mile) | 7:30 AM, Sat April 25 | Tickets
Location: Cane Island / University of Houston-Katy area, Katy
Description: The 9th annual run benefiting organ-donation awareness and families in crisis, honoring Rylen Grace Walton. Packet pickup is Fri April 24, 12–6 PM at Good Times Running Co. (22764 Westheimer Pkwy #650). A good exercise for a great cause.
Get Fit May Kickoff | Fri May 1 | (Free) Details
Location: Thomas Park, Katy
Description: The City of Katy launches a month-long free fitness series. First instructor-led class kicks off here — show up and get moving.
Community & Culture 🏛️
Rooted in Wellness — Earth Day at LaCenterra | 9:00 AM–Noon, Wed April 22 | (Free) Details
Location: LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Description: Earth Day wellness event featuring movement, mindfulness, a tree giveaway, and nature connection. A nice way to honor the day without leaving Katy.
Amazing Place 30th Anniversary "Amazing Dinner West" | 6:30 PM, Thu April 23 | Tickets
Location: Beckendorff Farms, Katy
Description: High-end benefit dinner featuring keynote by Dr. Marc Milstein, author of "The Age-Proof Brain." Supports dementia and caregiver programs serving the Katy area. Dressy occasion.
City Nature Challenge — Greater Houston | April 24–27 | (Free) Details
Location: Everywhere — use the iNaturalist app
Description: Citizen science challenge: record wildlife with your phone. Great family activity on any Katy-area trail, park, or backyard. Download iNaturalist and start observing.
Kings Crossing Neighborhood Garage Sale | 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat April 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Kings Crossing neighborhood
Description: Subdivision-wide garage sale. Drive the streets, find some treasures, and say hi to your neighbors.
Katy Mills Spring Job Fair | 10:00 AM, Sat April 25 | (Free) Tickets
Location: Katy Mills Mall (Food Court area)
Description: Looking for work or a career change? Multiple employers at the Katy Mills Mall are hiring on the spot. Bring a resume and ID.
Hope Chest Resale Market Clothing Swap | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, Sun April 26 | Details
Location: 6545 Stockdick School Rd, Katy
Description: Swap gently used clothes and shop secondhand finds. Benefits Cy-Hope, a local nonprofit serving kids and families.
Fort Bend Master Gardeners' Butterfly Celebration | 9:00 AM–Noon, Sat May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg
Description: Free pollinator-plant giveaway with kids' activities, butterfly and bee talks, and demonstration-garden tours. Easy drive from west Katy and worth it for the free plants alone.
Blessing of the Animals | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Dr, Katy
Description: Bring your furry (or feathered, or scaly) family member for a community blessing. Hosted by Blue Line K-9 Dog Training. A sweet, uniquely Katy kind of Saturday.
Healing in Bloom — Derby-Themed Fashion Brunch | 1:00–4:00 PM, Sat May 2 | Tickets
Location: The ARK by Norris Event Center
Description: Break out the big hats and fascinators for a Derby-day brunch benefiting Society Prosper. Dressy, philanthropic, and very on-theme for the first Saturday in May.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run — Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green — Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
Tai Chi on the Green — Saturdays, 8:30 AM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
I personally went to this one this last week and it was a ton of fun. The website says train rides are $3 but we weren’t charged so take that for what it’s worth!
Fulshear Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
George Ranch Historical Park | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturdays | Tickets
Farmers Market at LaCenterra — Sundays, 11 AM - 3 PM | Details
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch this week! We would love to hear your thoughts on how we did this week so feel free to hit ‘reply’! See you next Tuesday! 🤠
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].