Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Katy is having a moment on the food front — Houston Restaurant Weeks kicked off, a new Thai-Texas fusion spot on Mason Road is already earning fans, and yes, we have to say a bittersweet see-you-later to one of the most beloved ice cream shops in town. It feels like the whole city is either mid-bite or mid-plan-for-the-next-bite, and we're not mad about it.
Between the plates, there's baseball, a downtown block party, and a stacked live-music lineup for the weekend. You have options.
Now, in today's edition:
A "see you in 2027" from a beloved local ice cream shop
17 Katy-Fulshear spots join Houston Restaurant Weeks
Local spotlight: Thai meets Texas smoked brisket
30+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
A bittersweet goodbye — and a "see you in 2027" — from Howdy Homemade Katy
After five years of scooping ice cream and quietly changing what work looks like for adults with disabilities, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream Katy served its last cone on July 22. The good news: co-owner Rod Batson (a Mayde Creek grad) says this isn't the end - he's already hunting for a new Katy location and hopes to reopen in 2027 with his original team.
Here are the main things to know:
The Katy Fwy shop closed at the end of its five-year lease, not because the community stopped showing up. The farewell weekend packed the parking lot.
About 90% of the crew had autism, Down syndrome, or other intellectual disabilities. "The heroes" – as Batson calls them – are what he's building the next chapter around.
Batson co-owned the Katy franchise with Houston rapper Trae tha Truth, and both have signaled they're in for round two.
No new address or opening date yet. The team has been posting updates on Facebook – that's the best place to catch the comeback news.
If you had a favorite Howdy scooper, give them some love next time you spot the crew around town – and get ready to line up when the doors reopen.
A Message from Sprayground Backpacks!
Own The Hallway This Year
Forget basic. The latest Sprayground collection brings together premium craftsmanship, bold artwork, and statement-making style in backpacks built for every school day. Whether you're walking the halls or heading across campus, carry something that stands out from the crowd.
City News
Eat well, do good: 17 Katy-Fulshear restaurants are in for Houston Restaurant Weeks
Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is back for its 23rd year – running August 1 through September 7 – and this year 17 Katy and Fulshear spots are on the list. It's the biggest month of the food-lover's calendar, and a portion of every meal goes to the Houston Food Bank.
Here's what to know:
Pricing is fixed and diner-friendly: $25 for brunch/lunch, $39 or $55 for dinner (depends on the restaurant).
Local names on the list include Astor's Table, Phat Eatery, Federal American Grill Katy, Copenhagen Kitchen & Bakery, Black Walnut Cafe – Cinco Ranch, Pearl and Vine, Pane e Vino, and the brand-new Ember + Lotus, among others.
How it helps: A share of every check funds the Houston Food Bank, which turns roughly a dollar into three meals. HRW has raised more than $19 million for the Food Bank since 2003.
How to order: Show up, ask for the HRW menu, order a prix fixe. That's it.
Great excuse to finally try that place you've been driving past all summer.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Ember + Lotus is doing Thai-meets-Texas – and Houston Restaurant Weeks noticed
A new family-owned Thai kitchen on S. Mason Road is turning heads by pairing classic Thai flavors with something you don't usually see next to them: Texas smoked brisket. Ember + Lotus opened this summer and – despite barely being open – was chosen as one of only 17 Katy-Fulshear spots in Houston Restaurant Weeks 2026.
A few things worth knowing:
The showstopper: Cowboy Burnt Ends Panang Curry – smoked brisket burnt ends folded into a rich Panang. This is the dish people are talking about.
The family angle: Curry pastries made from a three-generation family recipe (they call them Ah-Ma's), plus Pad Thai, tom kha, and customizable red/yellow/green curries.
Deal window: They're on the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu through September 7 at the $39 dinner tier. Great time to try it.
Their owner said it best: "After many years in the restaurant industry, our family decided to start this new chapter and build a place where neighbors, families, and friends can gather over food made with care."
Brisket AND delicious Thai flavors in one place? This is the type of thing that makes Katy great.
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!
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Music Bingo at The Social Pub & Grill | 7:00–9:00 PM Thursday, August 13 | Details
Location: The Social Pub & Grill, 1721 Spring Green Dr. Ste. 700, Katy, TX 77494
Description: Every Thursday, the pub runs Music Bingo – you're marking songs, not answering trivia – with a progressive cash jackpot that climbs every week until someone wins it. Show up early; it fills up fast. Reservations: (281) 396-4627.
Nowhere But Up at Central Green | 7:30–9:30 PM, Friday, August 14 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Local Katy band Nowhere But Up plays Top 40, Tejano, country, disco, and classic rock outdoors at Central Green. Bring lawn chairs. No glass, pets, or outside alcohol.
Ricardo Montaner: El Último Regreso Tour | 8:00 PM, Friday, August 14 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The Venezuelan-Argentine Latin-pop legend brings his farewell tour to Sugar Land – decades of ballads and hits packed into one evening. If you grew up on his songs, this is the show.
Raja 50 – Ilaiyaraaja Live In Concert | Sunday, August 16 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: A 50-year retrospective of legendary Indian film composer Ilaiyaraaja ("Isaignani"), who has scored more than 1,000 films. A major cultural night for the region's South Asian community.
Cajun Summer Jams: Zydeco Joseph & The H-Town Players | 7:30–9:30 PM, Saturday, August 15 | (Free) Details
Location: The Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Free outdoor zydeco — accordion, washboard, and infectious Louisiana beats under the plaza lights. Kid-friendly and made for dancing. One of the better free nights in the area this summer.
Hermanos Espinoza – LINAJE Tour | 8:00 PM, Saturday, August 15 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Rising música Mexicana duo (brothers Joel and Leonel Espinoza) bring their debut LINAJE Tour to Sugar Land – accordion and bajo sexto, viral hits like "Prueba de Fuego" and "Dios Por Delante," 6M+ Spotify monthly listeners.
Gathering Grace | 7:30–9:00 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Community worship band plays an outdoor evening set on the green. Bring lawn chairs and blankets – family-friendly and low-key.
Sports & Fitness 🏃
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Oklahoma City Comets (Home Series) | Tuesday, August 18 – Sunday, August 23 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Six straight nights of Triple-A baseball with a stacked promo schedule – Dollar Dog Wednesday and Waggin' Wednesday (Aug 19), Books at the Ballpark (Aug 20), Harry Potter Night with a themed jersey giveaway for the first 2,000 fans (Aug 21), Augtoberfest with a $25 stein-and-tastings bundle (Aug 22), and Orion's Kids Day plus Sunday Family Four Packs (Aug 23). Something for everyone in the family.
Family Fun 🐣
First Day of School – Katy ISD (2026-27) | Wednesday, August 12 | Katy ISD Calendar
Location: All Katy ISD campuses
Description: The 2026-27 school year officially begins. Backpacks on, carpool lines active, first-day photos mandatory. New this year: KISD added a fall break (Oct 9–13, 2026). Mark it now.
Practice Reading with PAWS Therapy Dogs | 10:30–11:30 AM, Saturday, August 22 | 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.
Junior Gordon Band at Typhoon Texas Waterpark | 3:30 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Typhoon Texas
Description: Live country/Americana band poolside as part of the waterpark's summer concert series. A fun way to close out the summer swim season without leaving the lazy river.
Kids Markets at Back To School Bash | 12:00–2:00 PM, Sunday, August 23 | Tickets
Location: Venture Christian Church, 5425 Morton Rd., Katy, TX 77493
Description: A vendor market run entirely by kids ages 5–17, selling handmade goods to fund their school-year projects. Check-in for kid vendors is Saturday, Aug 22, 6–7 PM. A sweet community event as the new year kicks off.
Community & Culture 🏛️
Tai Chi | 2:30 – 3:30 PM, Saturday, August 15 | Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: Come join for beginner-friendly Tai Chi - gentle, low-impact exercise for all fitness levels.
AI 101 for Busy Moms | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday, August 17 | Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: For those curious about AI but unsure how to start, this beginner-friendly class will break it down and help you know how you can use it in your daily life.
Rock the Block on the Square | 7:00–10:00 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Historic Downtown Katy Town Square, Avenue C, Katy
Description: Free outdoor evening block party on Katy's newly redesigned Town Square – live music, dancing, food and drinks nearby, plus a mechanical bull, photobooths, and kids' attractions this year. Bring the whole crew.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10:00–11:00 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is Aug 17 | Details
No Label Run Club | 5:30–6:30 PM, Monday | 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
No Label Ruck Club | Wednesdays, 5:00 PM | Details
Bird Walk | Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Details
Totally Toddler Time | Thursdays, 10:15-10:45 AM and 11:15-11:45 AM | Details
Adult Watercolor Art Club | Every Other Thursday, Next is Aug 20 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10:00-11:00 AM, Next is September 3rd | Details
Adult Coloring Hour | Thursdays, 6 PM | Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is August 13 | 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 1:00-3:00 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].