Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Spring (or is it Summer?) has officially arrived, and if you've stepped outside lately, you know it — the bluebonnets are popping, the crawfish are boiling, and the calendar is absolutely packed. This might be one of the busiest weeks we've had all year, and honestly? I'm here for it.
We've got some huge stories this week, from a record-breaking student achievement to exciting new restaurants heading our way. Let's get into it.
Now, in today’s edition:
Katy ISD's FFA Livestock Auction Smashes Records with $1.2 Million
Texas Heritage Marketplace Signs Four Restaurants Around Signature Green Space
Aga's — Houston's #1 Restaurant — Is Coming to Katy This Summer
Tons of events this week & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community Spotlight
Katy ISD Students Shatter FFA Auction Record with $1.2 Million
If you want proof that Katy grows 'em right, look no further than this year's Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show & Rodeo. The annual auction — now in its 83rd year — just shattered its all-time record, raising $1.2 million for student exhibitors. That's up from last year's record of $1 million, and it's a testament to both our incredible kids and the community that backs them up.
Here's what to know:
687 students exhibited projects this year, with 161 advancing to the live auction. Projects ranged from rabbits and poultry to lambs, goats, swine, steers, plus floral, horticulture, and agriculture mechanics competitions. Nine Katy ISD high schools participated.
A little history for you: The very first auction was held in April 1943 on the football field, using car headlights for illumination. That scrappy start raised $87 from a makeshift rodeo and $454 from a pig auction. From $454 to $1.2 million — that's the Katy spirit.
Among this year's Grand Champions: Morgan Farnsworth (Katy HS) for Broiler, Lila Pool (Cinco Ranch HS) for Goat, Reagan Lippitt (Katy HS) for Swine, George Ullrich (Cinco Ranch HS) for Steer, and Aden Giles (Seven Lakes HS) for Ag Mechanics.
As Superintendent Ken Gregorski put it: every auction bid and every add-on is more than a contribution — it's a belief in our students' work ethic, responsibility, and future success. Hard to argue with that.
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Four Restaurants Sign On at Texas Heritage Marketplace
If you've been watching the massive construction zone where I-10 meets Texas Heritage Parkway — yes, that one — things are about to get very delicious. NewQuest Properties just announced that four restaurants have signed on to surround the development's signature 5-acre green space, and the lineup is worth getting excited about.
Here's what to know:
The four restaurants: Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex (5,005 sq ft — their 8th Houston-area location), Tony C's Coal Fired Pizza with beer garden (4,900 sq ft — Austin-based, named after Red Sox legend Tony Conigliaro), Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream (1,400 sq ft — they also have LaCenterra and Katy Mills spots), and Aji Izakaya (2,800 sq ft — a Japanese pub concept).
All four will circle a green space anchored by what's been described as the largest heritage oak tree ever moved in the Houston area, rescued from highway construction, plus a water feature and native plantings.
The bigger picture: Texas Heritage Marketplace is a $400 million, 165-acre mixed-use project with now over 800,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space. More than 620,000 sq ft has already been pre-leased.
In case you missed it: Major anchors will include Sam's Club, Target, and Lowe's Home Improvement. Other confirmed tenants include Academy Sports, Olive Garden, Whataburger, Burlington, Spec's, Ulta Beauty, James Avery, and more.
This project keeps getting bigger every time we check in. A $320 million I-10 widening project (to 10 lanes) near the site also begins late 2026, which should help with all the traffic these new spots will bring.
P.S. Which new restaurant are you most excited about? Reply and let me know — I'm personally counting the days until Tony C's pizza arrives.
Restaurant Spotlight
Houston's #1 Restaurant Is Opening in Katy This Summer
If you've ever braved the line at Aga's on Wilcrest — and if you know, you know — this one's for you. Aga's Restaurant, ranked the #1 restaurant in Houston by the Houston Chronicle and #50 nationally on Yelp's 2025 Top 100 list, is opening a Katy location this summer.
Here's what to know:
The new spot is at 102 W. Grand Parkway South, near Costco. It's a 4,293 sq ft space with an opening projected for July 2026.
Important note: This will be a takeout/quick-service location — not a full dine-in restaurant. So think of it as your shortcut to Aga's famous grilled goat chops (named one of the 26 best dishes in the United States by the New York Times) without the drive.
Aga's has been a Houston institution since 2001, serving authentic Indian-Pakistani cuisine and 100% Zabiha Halal. The original location seats 700+ and serves around 4,000 people per day at peak.
Beyond the food, Aga's runs an annual $25,000 scholarship program for Texas high school seniors and donated $50,000 to Fort Bend County Fair and Child Advocates.
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!
Food & Drink 🍺
Wild West Brew Fest | Thurs–Sat, March 26–28 (Tickets)
Location: Typhoon Texas
Description: One of the biggest craft beer festivals in the Houston area — featuring 50+ breweries, live bands, and great food. All proceeds go back to the community through Rotary, with over $1.5 million raised to date. This is a can't-miss weekend if you love local brews and a good time.
Randy Rogers Acoustic at Mo's Place | Sat, March 28, Doors open 7:30 PM (Tickets)
Location: Mo's Place, 21940 Kingsland Blvd
Description: Help Mo's Place celebrate 38 years as a Katy institution with an acoustic set from Randy Rogers. This one's a classic Katy night out.
Crawfish & Zydeco Fest | Sat–Sun, April 11–12 (Free) Details
Location: Kemah Boardwalk
Description: Crawfish starting at $7.99 for 2 lbs from noon onward, plus four live bands across both days. If you love zydeco, mud bugs, and waterfront vibes, make the drive.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Lady Gaga Tribute | Fri, March 27, 7–9 PM (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: A free Friday night with Lady Gaga tribute performances at one of the area's best outdoor venues. Bring a blanket and your best poker face.
School of Rock Festival | Sat–Sun, March 28–29, 12:30–6:30 PM (Free) Details
Location: BFE Rock Club
Description: Two days of free live rock music featuring School of Rock students. Great family-friendly afternoon.
Third Day — 30th Anniversary Tour | Sat, March 28, 7 PM (Tickets)
Location: Smart Financial Centre
Description: Christian rock legends Third Day celebrate 30 years, with special guest Zach Williams.
Reik | Sun, March 29, 8 PM (Tickets)
Location: Smart Financial Centre
Description: The beloved Latin pop group live in concert. A great Sunday night out.
Family Fun 🐣
Dewberry Farm Spring Fest | Weekends through April 26 (Tickets)
Location: Dewberry Farm, Brookshire
Description: Easter Bunny photos, daily egg hunts, 40+ attractions — this is your spring headquarters. Open select Fridays too.
Easter Egg Hunting with Goats | Sun, March 29 + April 3–5 (Tickets)
Location: ROSE Therapeutic Farm, 1324 Peach Ridge Rd, Brookshire
Description: Exactly what it sounds like — hunt for Easter eggs alongside adorable goats. Perfect for the kiddos.
Homeschool on the Green | Fri, March 27, 10:30–11:30 AM (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park, La Centerra
Description: Free children's art class. A wonderful monthly resource for homeschool families.
Katy Police Officers Association 44th Annual Fish Fry & Auction | Wed, April 1, 5:30–7:30 PM Details
Location: Leonard E. Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy
Description: A beloved annual fundraiser supporting local officers. Kids 6 and under eat free. Call Katy PD at 281-391-4848 for more info.
Sports & Fitness 🏃
Fleet Feet Running Club | Tuesdays, 6 PM (Free) Details
Location: La Centerra
Description: Free weekly group run — no sign-up, all paces welcome.
Hearts & Hands Fun Run | Sat, March 28, 7:30 AM (Tickets)
Location: Legacy Stadium
Description: Choose from a 3.75-mile or 1.25-mile race. Benefits the Young Hearts and Hands Foundation.
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].