Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
You'd be forgiven for thinking the only thing happening here right now is the heat (well, and humidity thanks to all the rain) — but the next two weeks are absolutely packed. Between a big entertainment company snapping up the old theatre out on FM 1093, a beloved nonprofit setting up shop near Fry Road, and a sushi chef who chose Katy over the city lights of inner Houston, this town keeps proving it doesn't just keep up — it punches above its weight. And we haven't even gotten to fireworks yet.
Now, in today's edition:
Old theatre in Katy is getting a major glow-up
A meaningful new resource quietly arrives in Katy
A reluctant office worker turned sushi bar owner
40+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
Old Xscape Theatre is Getting a Major Glow-Up
You know that long-empty movie marquee out on FM 1093, sitting between Cross Creek Ranch and Westheimer Lakes? It's about to get a serious second act. EVO Entertainment — an Austin-based "eatertainment" company — has officially bought the old Xscape Theatre, and they're not just reopening a cinema. They're building a nearly 70,000-square-foot entertainment destination for the whole family.
Here's what to know:
What's coming: bowling lanes, more than 100 arcade games, laser tag, climbing walls, bumper cars, gravity ropes, plus a full-service restaurant and bar.
The movies: the cinema is being reborn with two premium EVX screens featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos — wall-to-wall picture, immersive sound.
The timeline: construction begins soon, with doors targeted to open Summer 2027.
From the top: CEO Mitch Roberts says EVO wants to "expand upon that legacy while reimagining it for the next generation."
Translation: one more reason you won't have to leave the west side for a great night out.
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Community News
A Meaningful New Resource Near Fry Road
Here's something quietly wonderful happening close to home. Bo's Place, the Houston grief center that has offered free grief support for over 35 years, now has a dedicated family group right here near I-10 and Fry Road — so neighbors walking through one of life's hardest seasons can find compassionate help close to home.
The key details:
Who it's for: families with children ages 5–18 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or someone significant.
When: twice a month, Mondays, 6:30–8:30 PM. Kids meet with kids their age; grown-ups with grown-ups.
The cost: completely free – always. Groups are led by trained volunteers and overseen by licensed clinicians.
Bo's Place was founded in 1990 and named for a 12-year-old boy, on the belief that healing happens when we share our stories with others who understand. What a gift to have that close to home.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
From a Desk To a Sushi Pro
Sherman Yeung never set out to be a chef. The Cinco Ranch restaurant owner earned a marketing degree from the University of Houston and took a sensible desk job in operations at his family's business — but the joy of cooking kept pulling him back. He waited until nearly 30 to go pro, exactly because he didn't want to "risk burning out" on the thing he loved most. So he started part-time, folding dumplings as a dim sum cook at Yauatcha, then climbed his way up to sushi chef at the acclaimed Uchi Houston. In 2019, he took a leap: he bought a year-old LaCenterra sushi spot called Tobiuo Sushi — with his own father as his investor — and turned it into one of Greater Houston's most celebrated Japanese restaurants.
A few reasons to book a table:
Must-order: the miso butter scallops. Reviewers flat-out call these "a banger." Fish is flown in directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market.
The accolades: Tobiuo has been featured by Texas Monthly, Eater, CultureMap and Houstonia — which named it one of the best sushi restaurants in Houston.
Recent turning point: Yeung recently made the tough call to close his Houston spinoff, Money Cat, so he could pour his full focus back into the Katy original. Our gain.
Proof that some of Greater Houston's best sushi isn't actually in Houston at all — it's right here at LaCenterra.
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
Intro to 3D Printing | 2:00–3:00 PM, Wednesday, June 24 | (Free) Details
Location: Fulshear Branch Library
Description: Know a teen or adult who’s always been interested in 3D printing? Come discover the basics of 3D printing and learn how to create your own items to print. Registration required.
Family Program: Texas Birds | 3:00 & 4:00 PM, Wednesday, June 24 | (Free) Details
Location: Fulshear Branch Library
Description: A family nature program for all ages from the Texas Master Naturalists about our native Texas bird friends. Perfect for curious kids and the grown-ups who get asked the inevitable "what kind of bird IS that?" on family walks. Two separate start times, one at 3 PM and one at 4 PM, both sessions are 45 minutes.
Puppet Extravaganza with Mr. Greg | 4:30–5:15 PM, Thursday, June 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Hand puppets, shadow puppets, marionettes – and a few made from recycled materials too. Aimed at grades 4–12 so it should be a great summer activity for the kids.
Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show | 3:00–4:00 PM, Friday, June 26 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: A lively, kid-friendly dinosaur science show from Bright Star Theatre. If you've got a budding paleontologist at home, this one's for them.
Friday Afternoon Board Games | 3:00–4:30 PM, Friday, June 26 | (Free) Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Branch Library
Description: Board games in the afternoon for teens and adults. Do I really need to say more?
Practice Reading with PAWS Therapy Dogs | 10:30–11:30 AM, Saturday, June 27 | (Free) Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Branch Library
Description: New readers practice their skills with patient, friendly therapy dogs. Probably the most low-pressure audience your kid will ever read aloud to. For children grades 1-5.
Saturday Morning Movie: Walking with Dinosaurs | 10:15 AM, Saturday, June 27 | (Free) Details
Location: Fulshear Branch Library
Description: Dinosaurs on the big-ish screen for ages 3–12. AC included.
Andyroo @ KT | 3:00–4:00 PM & 4:30–5:30 PM, Monday, June 29 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: A high-energy, sing-along family show that's become a Katy library summer staple. Two separately ticketed sessions — pick your time and grab tickets early; these fill up.
Dinosaur Day | 3:00–4:30 PM, Monday, June 29 | (Free) Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Branch Library
Description: A full afternoon of dinosaur-themed fun. The library summer reading program is leaning all the way into prehistoric this year — your dino-loving kid is going to be in heaven.
Typhoon Texas Theme Days | Various dates in June | (Free with admission)
Location: Typhoon Texas
Description: A bunch of awesome theme dates and cool activities going on at Typhoon Texas in the month of June:
All Tuesdays in June are 2 for 1 | Details
Farm Life Summer Camp | Monday–Thursday, new session runs each week in June | Tickets
Location: ROSE Therapeutic Farm
Description: Hands-on farm learning and animal care for ages 5–13. The second of two week-long sessions. If your kid has ever asked to pet a goat, this is the place. They also have another session later in July, check the link above for more details.
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
Sesame Street Live! "Elmo's Got The Moves" | 6:00 PM, Thursday, June 25 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and the whole gang are bringing a singalong stage show to Sugar Land. A safe bet with little ones.
Mary Jane – The Tom Petty Experience | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, June 26 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: A free Tom Petty tribute concert on a Friday night in Cinco Ranch. "American Girl" under the stars — not exactly a hard sell.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Learn Chess with Teen Volunteers | 4:30–5:30 PM, Tuesday, June 23 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Grades 2–12 learn the game from teen volunteers who are actually patient about it. Drop in, no experience needed. Perfect for beginner to intermediate players.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. El Paso Chihuahuas | Tuesday–Sunday, June 23–28 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Another six-game homestand. See link above for theme nights and specials.
FC Barcelona Soccer Camp | From 8:00 AM, week of Monday, June 29 | Tickets
Location: British International School of Houston, Katy
Description: A week-long youth camp run on FC Barcelona's training methodology. If you've got a soccer-mad kid who's already nagging you about the World Cup, this is a great opportunity.
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.
🎆 Fourth of July
Katy Heritage Society Freedom Parade, Festival & Movie Night | 6:00–10:00 PM, Friday, July 3 | Tickets
Location: Katy Heritage Park, 5990 George Bush Dr., Katy
Description: A kids' decorated-bike parade contest, live music from Keeley Bell, snow cones, a petting zoo, face painting, crafts and family games — capped by an 8:30 PM outdoor screening of "The Sandlot" on the lawn. A great family pairing with the next day's city celebration.
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 | From 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.
250th Celebration Fireworks | 7:00-10:00 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.
🔮 On the horizon:
Space Cowboys vs. Albuquerque Isotopes | July 7–12 at Constellation Field. Fri July 10 is Fireworks Friday + Texas Flag jersey giveaway (first 2,000 fans). Sun July 12: Blippi meet & greet. | Details
Women of Katy Symposium | Thu July 16 — third annual; talks on business, family and well-being. Proceeds benefit the Katy Foundation. | Details
🔁 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
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 June 25 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10:00 AM - 11:00, Next is July 2nd | (Free) Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is July 9 | Details
Farmer 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
Pick-Up Ultimate Frisbee | Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM | Details
Farmers Market at LaCenterra — Sundays, 11 AM - 3 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].