Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Some things are worth the wait. Five years after voters said yes, Katy's first big hike-and-bike trail is about to get real shovels in the ground. And a burger joint that started as a food truck in 2016 is still chasing the title of best burger in Houston.
It's a week of good things that took a while to get here – and a calendar packed with fall fun to celebrate.
Now, in today's edition:
Katy's Snow Goose Trail Is Finally Breaking Ground
Katy Trims Its Tax Rate in New $90.5M Budget
From Food Truck to Katy Burger Favorite
30+ events & more
— Grant
P.S. I’m looking for more great local restaurants to spotlight, so if you have a favorite go-to, please reply and let me know about them! My wife and I are always looking for a new date night spot!
Community News
Katy's Snow Goose Trail Is Finally Breaking Ground
Five years after voters approved money for a citywide hike-and-bike trail, the first stretch is officially a go. The Katy City Council unanimously green-lit construction, and shovels are expected in the dirt by mid-November.
Here's what to know:
The council awarded a roughly $1.16 million contract to build the first 1.5-mile segment, running along the bayou toward Scott Ranch Road.
The path stays along the bayou – not behind residents' back fences – and adds a new traffic signal and crosswalk at Scott Ranch Road.
Expect a 6- to 12-foot-wide main path, smaller connector paths into neighborhoods, and benches about every mile.
Construction should wrap by mid-May 2027, with more segments (Morton Road, 10th Street, Pitts Road and Avenue C) rolling out through the end of the decade.
When it's all connected, the trail will link the future Leyendecker Landing park to Katy's historic downtown square. More trails topped the list of what Katy families asked for in the city's own parks survey – and this is the first piece actually getting built.
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City Updates
Katy Trims Its Tax Rate in New $90.5M Budget
The City of Katy just shaved a half-cent off its property tax rate as part of a new $90.5 million budget. It's small, but it’s a step in the right direction for your wallet.
Here's what to know:
The city rate drops from $0.425 to $0.420 per $100 of value, effective with the new fiscal year that started Oct. 1.
The budget funds police, fire (including a new $2.7 million ladder truck), new public-safety substations at Texas Heritage Marketplace, road and water projects, and about a 4% raise for city staff.
One honest caveat: a lower rate doesn't automatically mean a lower bill. If your home's appraisal goes up more than about 1.2%, the savings disappear.
Katy ISD – a separate tax from the city’s, and the biggest line on your bill – kept its own rate flat at $1.1171 for the third year running.
Taxes touch every household, and knowing your real numbers beats guessing.
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Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
From Food Truck to Katy Burger Favorite
Fusion Grill & Bar sits in an ordinary strip center on South Mason Road, but step inside and it feels more like a night out in Midtown. Owner Tony Montiel started with a burger-and-fries food truck in 2016. Ten years later, his goal hasn't changed: the best burger in Houston. "I want Fusion Grill to put [Katy] on the map," he told Community Impact.
Here's what to know:
The burgers are the main event. Buns are baked fresh daily, the beef is fresh, and every patty gets Tony's own secret seasoning blend. There are 17 to choose from, and the $16 Farmhouse Burger is a signature.
What you see is what you get. Tony's rule is that the burger on your plate should look just like the one on Instagram.
The "fusion" part is real. Tony borrows ideas from trips to Las Vegas, New York, Miami, and Chicago, so the menu wanders into grilled octopus, Peruvian lomo saltado, steaks, and pasta.
It works for date night or family night. Think booths, moody lighting, and a lively full bar, plus a kids' menu with chicken tenders and quesadillas. Weekends fill up fast, so book ahead.
Big-city food without the big-city bill. Most plates land under $30. Tony wants a great night out that doesn't cost $200 for two.
Find it at 1453 S. Mason Rd., Katy.
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!
Community & Culture 🏛️
Game Day at Maud Smith Marks Library | 4:30–5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Tabletop games, Nintendo Switch, and snacks for kids in grades 4–12. An after-school hang where "just one more round" is encouraged.
Weston Lakes Women's Association Fall Fashion Show | 6–8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Tickets
Location: Weston Lakes Country Club, 5646 Weston Dr., Fulshear
Description: A night of fashion, shopping, the Red Potato Market, raffles, and auctions – all benefiting the association's scholarships and grants. Shopping for a good cause totally counts.
Veronica Roth Live Author Talk – "The Sixth Faction" | 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Tickets
Location: British International School of Houston, 2203 N. Westgreen Blvd., Katy
Description: The "Divergent" author comes to Katy (yes, the school is in Katy despite the name) to talk about her newest novel, hosted by Blue Willow Bookshop. Every ticket (~$40) includes a pre-signed deluxe hardback.
Pasifika Nights Mini Fest & Night Market | 5–10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Details
Location: The Dryer, 5339 E. Third St., Katy
Description: A Pacific Islander celebration with live performances, an island-owned vendor market, Polynesian street food from Coco Moe's, and a kids' area. Come hungry.
Katy Sip N Stroll – "Let's Glow" | 6–9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 | Tickets
Location: The ARK by Norris, 21402 Merchants Way, Katy
Description: Katy's 32nd annual food and drink party is coming: 300+ beverages, bites from 35+ restaurants, live music, a glow bar, and a speakeasy, all benefiting Christ Clinic. GA is $65 and VIP is $110, so grab tickets before they glow, er, go.
Sports & Fitness 🏃
NBA Watch Party: Thunder vs. Rockets | 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 | Details
Location: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West Blvd., Katy
Description: Catch the Rockets' preseason finale against Oklahoma City on the big screens – a perfect warm-up before the regular season tips off Oct. 21.
NFL Watch Party: Texans vs. Jaguars (London) | 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 18 | Details
Location: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West Blvd., Katy
Description: The Texans take on the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, which means a breakfast kickoff here at home. Tailgating with breakfast tacos? We'll allow it.
Katy Area Varsity Football Games | Times vary, Thursday, Oct. 15 & Friday, Oct. 16 | Tickets
Location: Rhodes Stadium, Legacy Stadium, and away sites
Description: District 19-6A play rolls on with games split across Thursday and Friday. Check your school's kickoff time on Vanco before you head out.
2026 Relay for Life – Katy | 4-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Details
Location: VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Dr., Katy
Description: A free, family-friendly evening to celebrate local cancer survivors, thank caregivers, and remember loved ones lost to the disease. Relay is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser, and every person there makes the cheering a little louder.
Fall Fun & Halloween 🎃
First Christian Church Katy Pumpkin Patch | Daily noon–7 PM through Nov 7 | (Free entry; pumpkins priced individually) Details
Location: 22101 Morton Ranch Rd., Katy
Description: The beloved 12th-annual Katy pumpkin patch – free admission, photo stations, fall activities, and leashed dogs welcome. Proceeds fund community projects, including support for veterans and Katy families in need.
Pick-A-Dilly Market & Pumpkin Patch | 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 | Details
Location: St. Peter's UMC Kingsland Campus, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy
Description: One of Katy's biggest fall market days returns with 100+ vendors, a pumpkin patch, crafts, live music, and a food court. The first 300 shoppers get swag bags, so set that alarm.
Holy Cross Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch Festival | 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 (also noon–4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18) | Details
Location: Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 5653 W. Riverpark Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Texas-grown pumpkins, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, face painting, and live entertainment. Free to get in; pumpkins and some activities are priced separately.
HCESD 48 Halloween-Themed Open House | 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18 | Details
Location: HCESD 48 Fire Station 3, 1773 Westgreen Blvd., Katy, and Fire Station 5, 21201 Morton Rd., Katy
Description: Fire-truck and ambulance tours, a Life Flight helicopter, a live vehicle-extrication demo, face painting, and a balloon artist. Kids are encouraged to come in costume – tiny firefighters especially welcome.
Cozy Fall Pop-Up Market | 5-8 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct. 20-21 | Details
Location: 5614 B - Second Street, Katy
Description: The Wonder Supply Company is filling a Second Street storefront with fall for two evenings. Expect custom gift baskets, seasonal home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. It's a great head start on holiday shopping, or a good excuse to treat yourself to something pumpkin-scented.
First Baptist Katy Fall Festival | 5:30–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21 | Details
Location: First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Rd., Katy
Description: A midweek fall festival hosted by First Baptist Katy – an easy way to squeeze some fall fun into a school night.
Katy YMCA Fall Festival | 5–8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23 | Details
Location: Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, 22807 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy
Description: Trunk-or-treat, a DJ, food trucks, and plenty of candy. No YMCA membership required.
Fulshear Scarecrow Festival | 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Details
Location: Fulshear High School, 9302 Charger Way, Fulshear
Description: A beloved Fulshear tradition with handmade scarecrows judged for creativity, plus a pumpkin patch, kid zone, costume contest, food trucks, and vendors. Some of these scarecrows have more personality than most people.
Katy Family Fall Fest | 3–7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Details
Location: Stableside at Falcon Landing, 9806 Gaston Rd., Katy
Description: Face painting, bounce houses, games, character visits, crafts, trunk-or-treat, local vendors, and an outdoor movie to close out the night. Costumes optional, fun mandatory.
Trinity Baptist Church Fall Festival | 4:30–6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Details
Location: Trinity Baptist Church of Katy, 10000 Spring Green Blvd., Katy
Description: Hayrides, bounce houses, booth games, gaga ball, a photo booth, story time, and candy. Pre-register to get entered in the gift-basket drawing.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest | 9–11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 | Details
Location: Katy Dog Park, 5414 Franz Rd., Katy
Description: Dress up your pup for a costume contest, raffle prizes, and local vendors. Entry is a donation of pet food, supplies, or cash for local animal shelters, so every good boy helps another good boy.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Gov't Mule and Ziggy Marley – Dreaming The Same Dream Tour | Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Jam-rock powerhouse Gov't Mule and reggae royalty Ziggy Marley share one wonderfully eclectic bill. Come for the guitar solos, stay for the good vibes.
Tom Jones – Come Gather Round Tour | Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The legendary Welsh voice behind "It's Not Unusual" makes a rare Texas stop. A Tom Jones show in Sugar Land? Now that's unusual.
Indigo Girls with Linda Perry | Thursday, Oct. 15 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The Grammy-winning folk-rock duo brings their famous harmonies to Sugar Land, with songwriter Linda Perry as a special guest.
AB’s New British Invasion | Friday, Oct. 16 | Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Coldplay, Oasis, Radiohead, and more of the UK rock anthems you've been belting in the car for decades, played live on the lawn. Bring a blanket, and maybe a "Wonderwall" warm-up.
Mon Laferte with Silvana Estrada – Femme Fatale Tour | Friday, Oct. 16 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Chilean chart-topper Mon Laferte headlines, with Mexican indie-folk favorite Silvana Estrada opening the night.
RAZA RAVE Houston | Friday, Oct. 16 | Tickets
Location: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West Blvd, Katy
Description: Lasers, EDM, and Latin beats take over Katy's indoor entertainment spot for a full-on rave night.
A Girl Can’t Help It Journey Tribute | Saturday, Oct. 17 | Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: A free family night on the lawn with Journey's biggest hits. You already know which song they're saving for last, so don't stop believin' you'll get a good spot. Come early.
Kill Tony – Texas Massacre | Saturday, Oct. 17 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Tony Hinchcliffe's wildly popular live-podcast comedy show hits Sugar Land. Adult humor – definitely leave the kids at home for this one.
La Mafia | Saturday, Oct. 17 | Tickets
Location: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West Blvd, Katy
Description: Houston-born Latin GRAMMY winners La Mafia bring decades of Tejano and cumbia hits to Katy. Bring your dancing shoes.
Undertale: The Determination Symphony | Sunday, Oct. 18 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: A full orchestra performs Toby Fox's beloved Undertale soundtrack live. A great night out for gamers and families alike.
REO Brothers | Sunday, Oct. 18 | Tickets
Location: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West Blvd, Katy
Description: The Filipino sibling band famous for viral '60s and '70s covers – think Beatles, Bee Gees, and CCR – plays live in Katy. Expect a sing-along.
Sin Bandera – Escenas Tour | 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land
Description: The Latin pop duo of Leonel García and Noel Schajris reunites for a night of their signature romantic ballads. Bring tissues, or someone to serenade.
Cristian Castro – Nada Solo Éxitos Tour | 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land
Description: The Mexican balladeer brings a greatest-hits-only setlist spanning decades. No deep cuts, just the songs you already know every word to.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Recurring events have outgrown the weekly email, so they now live on their own page. See all 20 here
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 over 5k Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].