Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Last week's storms rattled some windows and more than a few nerves – but what happened after? That's the part that makes you proud to live here. Between neighbors rallying around a family who lost their home, and a local nonprofit that literally can't expand fast enough to keep up with your generosity – it was a very Katy kind of week.
Here's what we've got for you today:
Katy comes to the aid of a local family in need
Clothed by Faith expands to keep up with your generosity
A classic Katy restaurant that’s been going 20+ years
30+ events coming up & more
– Grant Hamilton
Community Spotlight
Lightning hit. Katy answered.
When lightning struck the Carnie family's home on Mayfield Ridge Lane during last Tuesday's storm, they lost nearly everything. Martin and Laura – originally from Scotland, without extended family nearby – along with their daughter Lucy (15, Jordan High) and son Jack (6, Jenks Elementary), weren't home when the fire broke through the roof. The Ridgefield neighborhood and the wider Katy community stepped in immediately.
Here's what to know:
Crews from four fire departments responded. Willow Fork firefighters kept the flames from jumping to neighboring homes — three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, two taken to the hospital and released.
A GoFundMe organized by family friend Jamie Miranda has already raised more than $58,000 (as of writing this) toward a $65,000 goal, with 612 donations and counting. Funds cover immediate needs – clothing, food, temporary housing – and the long road to rebuilding.
Martin wrote on the fundraiser page that the outpouring has reminded the family "how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such an incredible community."
That's not a line. That's Katy.
P.S. Know someone who'd want to help? Forward this their way.
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Good News
169,000 Reasons This Matters
Local nonprofit Clothed by Faith just added some breathing room – and it's because so many of you keep showing up. The Katy-based ministry celebrated the expansion of its facility with a May 13 ribbon-cutting, adding 1,640 square feet to keep up with both donations and demand.
The key details to know:
Founded in 2013, Clothed by Faith has provided clothing to 168,969 people across 27 school districts and 300+ ZIP codes – more than $55 million in retail value, distributed with dignity.
85% of the work is done by volunteers. (Translation: great summer family project.)
The expansion was made possible by Kingsland Baptist Church, which has hosted the ministry for over a decade.
Executive Director Deysi Crespo said donations are pouring in faster than they can be sorted — which is the best kind of problem to have. Now they've got the space to keep saying yes.
Drop-off bin at 802 Dominion Drive, Suite 100–300 — new or gently used only, no boxes or hangers.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Old Katy's Home Plate
Tucked along Old Town Katy's railway — under the shadow of those iconic rice silos — sits a place that's been quietly proving "not fancy, just real" is a winning recipe for 23 years and counting. Texas Tradition opened its doors on August 10, 2002, and it's still run by the same family that started it.
Here’s some of the delicious details:
The Brisket Burger: a half-pound house patty stacked with a half-pound of chopped brisket from Big T's Smokehouse, piled onto a jalapeño cheddar bun from Great Harvest Bread Co. That's a full pound of beef in one sandwich.
The chicken fried steak — the menu's flagship, available small or large, with country or brown gravy. The restaurant’s website says it's won "several awards" for it, and Old Town regulars have been nodding along for more than two decades.
"Goodtaste with Tanji" featured Texas Tradition in its Katy episode this past February (Season 11, Episode 12), filmed in cooperation with the City of Katy and the Katy Foundation.
The iconic peach cobbler is the dessert hill many regulars die on. Live music on the patio on weekends. All-you-can-eat fried catfish on Friday evenings. It's the kind of place where servers know you by name and tea comes Texas-strong.
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
North Italia Grand Opening | Opens Wednesday, June 10 | Details
Location: LaCenterra
Description: The modern-Italian, scratch-kitchen concept from The Cheesecake Factory lands in Katy — taking over the former Baker Street Pub space with an $1.87 million renovation and seating for about 300 across the dining room, indoor/outdoor bar, and two covered patios. Texas muralist Kyle Wadsworth created custom artwork nodding to Katy's historic oak trees. House-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, truffle garlic bread, and a full cocktail program. This is a big one for LaCenterra.
Katy Exchange International Food Fest | 4:00–9:00 PM, Saturday, June 13 | (Free) Details
Location: Historic Town Square, 910 Avenue C, Katy 77493
Description: Local vendors serving international food, plus live entertainment and family activities on the Town Square. A great Saturday afternoon/evening out that won't cost you a dime to walk in.
🐣 Family Fun
Fort Bend County Libraries — 2026 Summer Reading Challenge | Challenge runs through August 31 | (Free) Details
Location: Online or any of the 11 FBCL branches (including Cinco Ranch and Bob Lutts Fulshear-Simonton)
Description: Log books or reading hours to earn prizes — open to all ages and all county residents. The summer-long reading challenge is back. Sign up at any Fort Bend County Library branch, log your reading, and earn prizes all summer. All ages welcome.
Summer Reading Special – Jurassic Magic Show | 3:00 - 3:45 PM, Friday, June 12 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Travel back in time for a prehistoric adventure! Elementary-aged kids can join for an exciting Jurassic Magic Show filled with surprises, jaw-dropping tricks, and a whole lot of fun. Great summer activity for the kids that’s out of the heat.
Smith Ranch Summer Fair | 12:00–6:00 PM, Saturday, June 13 | (Free) Details
Location: Smith Ranch, 25440 Beckendorff Rd., Katy
Description: A family-friendly market day on a 40-acre ranch — shop handmade goods, boutique items, crafts, and local services. Good excuse to get outside (and maybe buy something you didn't know you needed).
Ember Park Grand Opening | 4:00-6:00 PM, Saturday, June 13 | (Free) Details
Location: 6310 Wildwood Pines Lane
Description: Join for family fun while celebrating the grand opening of Elyson’s newest park. There will be great food, beverages, lawn games, live music, and more.
ImagineNation Expo | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday, June 20–21 | Tickets
Location: Merrell Center
Description: The third annual expo rolls in with LEGO® zones, superhero and princess meet-and-greets, laser tag, face painting, bounce houses, Funko Pops, and themed foods. One ticket covers both days. Kids under 3 are free; family bundles available online. This one's going to be loud — in the best way.
Circus on the Square | 6:00–9:00 PM, Saturday, June 20 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Historic Town Square, 904 Avenue C, Katy
Description: The City of Katy throws a circus-themed community night with music, performers, classic carnival games, food, and drinks. If you've got kids or you just like cotton candy, this is your Saturday evening.
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
Let It Rock – Bon Jovi Tribute Band | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, June 12 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: Free outdoor tribute concert running the Bon Jovi songbook. Bring chairs and blankets, and prepare to shout-sing "Livin' on a Prayer" with a few hundred of your closest neighbors.
Caribbean Night at Central Green Park | 7:00–9:30 PM, Saturday, June 13 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: A Caribbean-themed evening at the park with live music and good vibes. Think island rhythms, warm air, and zero reason to rush home.
AEW: Dynamite & Collision | 5:30 PM (doors 4:30 PM), Wednesday, June 17 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: All Elite Wrestling brings a live televised doubleheader to Sugar Land – Dynamite and Collision back-to-back. If you've got a wrestling fan in the family, this is the one.
TJ Monterde & KZ Tandingan – "In Between" | 7:00 PM, Saturday, June 20 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: A night of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) hits from two of the Philippines' biggest stars. Their duet "Palagi" was named Billboard Philippines' #1 Song of 2024. If you know, you know.
🏛️ Community & Culture
AI Basics Course | 6:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 9 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? Join us for a beginner-friendly class that breaks down the basics of AI in simple, everyday language. No technical background needed!
Katy Area Chamber State of Higher Education Luncheon | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 11 | Tickets
Location: Katy Area Chamber
Description: Join for an important conversation on the role of higher education in preparing the future workforce and supporting continued growth in the Katy area.
International Day of Yoga Celebration | 8:00–10:00 AM, Friday, June 19 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park at LaCenterra
Description: A special community yoga gathering marking the UN's International Day of Yoga – separate from the park's regular Friday Yoga on the Green. Roll out early, stretch it out, start your weekend right.
No Label Brewing 1st Street 5K Beer Run | 8:00 AM, Saturday, June 20 | Tickets
Location: No Label Brewing Co., Katy (Old Town Katy)
Description: A chip-timed 5K through Old Town Katy past the iconic rice towers, finishing at the brewery with a custom souvenir pint glass and four beer tastings for 21+ runners. Benefits the Rotaract Club of West Katy. Walkers and strollers welcome. Pre-race packet pickup available Friday June 19, 4–7 PM at the brewery.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Sacramento River Cats | Tuesday, June 9 – Sunday, June 14 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Description: A full homestand with themed nights all week — highlights include Dollar Dog Wednesday (Jun 10), Fireworks Friday with a Baseball Soccer Ball giveaway (Jun 12), Soccer Jersey giveaway for the first 2,000 fans on Saturday (Jun 13), and Toy Story Night on Sunday (Jun 14). Great family night.
👀 On the Horizon
Space Cowboys vs. El Paso Chihuahuas | June 23–28 at Constellation Field | Details
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10:00–11:00 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is June 15 | Details
No Label Brewing Co. | Daily Food Trucks | Monday - Thursday | 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 11 | Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is June 11 | 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
Adult Guitar Café | Every Other Saturday 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Next is June 13 | 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].