Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
There's something about this time of year that just feels like Katy at its best. School's getting close to wrapping up, summer plans are taking shape, and everywhere you look somebody's doing something good for their neighbors. This week's edition is a perfect example - from a nonprofit upgrade that's going to change lives, to a beer festival that's quietly become one of the most generous events in Texas, to a local restaurant owner that took a terrible diagnosis and is trying to use it to help others.
Oh, and if you haven't voted yet - today's your last chance for early voting. More on that below.
Now, in today's edition:
🚌 The Arc of Katy Cuts the Ribbon on a New Community Bus
🍺 Wild West Brewfest Pushes All-Time Giving Past $1.5 Million
🗳️ Don't Forget to Vote - Early Voting Ends TODAY
🌮 Restaurant Spotlight: Great food driving a bigger mission
📅 25+ events and more
-Grant Hamilton
Community Spotlight
A New Set of Wheels - and a Bigger Set of Doors Open
Saturday night at the Katy VFW Hall doubled as a line-dancing lesson and a milestone. The Arc of Katy cut the ribbon on the first of two new program buses on April 18 - and if you know anything about this nonprofit, you know why that matters so much.
Here's what to know:
The Arc of Katy serves teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through day programs, summer camps, and social events for ages 16 to 60+. Their mission doesn't stay inside four walls - it rides on wheels.
The organization runs more than 200 community outings every year - restaurants, parks, bowling alleys, volunteer sites - making reliable transportation literally mission-critical.
"Because of this bus, doors open. Barriers come down." That's Executive Director Sandy August, and she's not exaggerating. This bus is how participants get to the community, and how the community gets to know them.
The bus was funded through foundation grants, individual donors, and proceeds from February's Noche de Amor Gala. A second bus is already on the way.
Several local officials joined Arc participants, families, and volunteers at Saturday's barn dance celebration.
If your business or civic group wants to host a participant outing, that's exactly the kind of "bus stop" the Arc is looking for next.
P.S. Know a local business that would love to host a group outing? Forward this to them — the Arc is always looking for new partners.
A Message from Winnow Technologies!
AI is everywhere. But what does it actually do for your life or business?
Everyone's heard the AI buzz. The real question is: what's worth your time — and what's just noise?
That's exactly what Winnow Technologies helps you figure out. They cut through the hype and handle all the heavy lifting — building custom websites and web apps, setting up AI-powered voicemail, automating the workflows eating up your day, and more. And because they're right here in Katy, they'll sit down with you in person to find the right fit for your business.
Best part? Every project comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. No fine print, no hassle.
Book a free call today and find out which AI tools are actually ready to go to work for you.
Good News
Beer Money, Multiplied: Brewfest Crosses $1.5M Lifetime
The boots have been hung up, the kegs returned, and the receipts are in: Wild West Brewfest 2026 raised more than $100,000 at its main event on March 28 - pushing the Rotary Club of Katy's lifetime fundraising total past $1.5 million since 2011.
Here's what to know:
15 years of volunteer-driven Brewfests at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. This isn't a corporate event - it's 100% volunteer-run, and net proceeds go entirely to local nonprofits and student scholarships.
230+ volunteers across twelve teams made it happen in 2026 alone. The 3-day format included a free K-Town Throw Down on Thursday, a Launch Party on Friday, and the main event Saturday with 100+ breweries and the H-E-B Wine Grotto.
BeerYeti.com ranked it #1 in North America - three years running. Yes, our little Katy beer festival. Number one. In North America. Three times.
Past beneficiaries include Christ Clinic, Hope Impacts, ARTReach, MADD, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and the Katy Heritage Society - organizations doing real work right here in our backyard.
"Our mission is clear: make 2026 our most impactful year yet," Rotary Club of Katy President Rodolfo Lobera said before the event. They cleared the bar.
$1.5 million raised through beer. If that's not the most Katy thing you've heard all week, I don't know what is.
🗳️ Don't Forget to Vote
This is one of those rare elections where the names on the ballot are almost entirely new. There are three Katy ISD Trustee seats and three City of Katy Council seats turning over.
Early Voting ends TODAY (Tuesday, April 28) — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day: Saturday, May 2 — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your assigned precinct
Early voting location: Any of 6 locations (Leonard Merrell Center is the in-city site)
What's on the ballot: Katy ISD Trustee Positions 3, 4, and 5 (no incumbents running) and City of Katy Council At-Large, Ward A, and Ward B (all term-limited)
Confirm your registration, find your precinct, and view a sample ballot at votetexas.gov and katyisd.org/board/election.
🌮 Local Restaurant Spotlight
A Cancer Diagnosis, A Family Recipe, and Katy's Most Personal Taco Shop
Omar Aceves was in the middle of planning Dos Tacos when his doctors told him he had Hürthle cell carcinoma - a rare, aggressive thyroid cancer with almost no published research. He made his oncologists a promise: he would still open the taco shop, and he would donate $1 million to MD Anderson for research. Two years in, he's still working on both.
Here's what to order:
Carnitas tacos built on a 50-year-old family recipe Aceves brought from Mexico.
Quesabirria - three to an order, served with consommé. (My personal go-to dish.)
Pastor and chorizo "con todo" - grilled onions, raw onions, cilantro, salsa on small street-style corn tortillas.
Vegan chorizo tostada and fried avocado tacos - vegetarian and vegan dishes now make up over 40% of sales (Aceves himself eats vegetarian since his diagnosis). Even you meat eaters would be surprised at these - definitely worth trying.
Hours: Tue–Sun, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Closed Monday). Three salsas on the bar, breakfast tacos in the morning, build-your-own bowls and burritos all day. The owner is usually in the kitchen, so make sure to say hi.
Why it matters: Every taco helps fund the $1M research pledge. Eat well, do good. What more can we say?
Events coming up soon:
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 🐣
All God's Creatures Animal Blessing | 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: VFW Park, Katy
Description: Bring your furry (or scaly, or feathery) family member for a community animal blessing.
Story Time with Ms. Maria | 10–11 a.m., Thursday, May 7 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: Outdoor story time at Central Green with the beloved Ms. Maria. Bring a blanket and some sunscreen.
Food & Drink 🍺
Tacodeli Grand Opening Countdown | Free taco weekends through May 10; Grand Opening May 18 | (Free) Details
Location: 19302 Katy Freeway, Ste. 2
Description: Tacodeli is giving away free breakfast tacos every Saturday and Sunday through May 10 — starting at 7 a.m., 2 per person, about 200 tacos each morning. The grand opening is May 18, and the first 25 in line get free tacos for a year (2 tacos/week at any non-airport location). Set your alarms.
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Mel Robbins: Let Them Tour 2026 | 7:30 PM, Tuesday April 28 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The bestselling author and motivational powerhouse brings her "Let Them" philosophy to the stage. If the book hit home, the live show will too.
An Evenin' at The Ranch with Trent Willmon | 6 PM, Wednesday April 29 | Tickets
Location: George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond
Description: Cocktail hour, seated dinner, live concert by country artist Trent Willmon, and a first look at the new Coastal Cowboys exhibit. Only 120 tickets available — intimate and upscale.
Carlos Vives: Tour Al Sol | 8:00 PM, Friday May 1 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Colombian music icon and multiple Latin Grammy winner brings his high-energy tropical sound to Sugar Land. A fantastic Cinco de Mayo weekend kickoff.
Tracy Perez Band | 7–9 p.m., Friday, May 1 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: Free live music at Central Green on a Friday night. Family-friendly, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy the vibes as part of WFDD's concert series.
A Minecraft Movie | 8–9 p.m., Saturday, May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green Park, LaCenterra
Description: Outdoor movie night at Central Green - bring blankets and snacks.
Katy Vibes Katy Idol | 4:00 PM, Saturdays May 2 & 9 | Details
Location: Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar, 24757 Katy Freeway, Katy
Description: Audition rounds for a $1,000 grand prize singing competition. Free to watch even if you're just there for the food and entertainment. May 9th is the last day for auditions so don’t miss out.
Earth, Wind & Fire | 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 5 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Legends. If "September" doesn't make you move, check your pulse. A bucket-list show right here in Sugar Land.
Gary Hobbs at Texas Rodeo Saloon | 8 p.m., Friday, May 8 | Details
Location: Texas Rodeo Saloon, 531 S Mason Rd, Katy
Description: Tejano legend Gary Hobbs brings the dance floor to life at Texas Rodeo Saloon.
Alejandro Sanz | 8 p.m., Friday, May 8 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Spanish music icon Alejandro Sanz takes the Smart Financial Centre stage. Grab tickets before they're gone.
Sports & Fitness 🏃
Get Fit May | Various Fridays in May | (Free) Details
Location: Various Katy parks — May 1: Thomas Park; May 8: Katy City Park
Description: Free community fitness series hosted by the City of Katy. Should be great fun and exercise.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Albuquerque Isotopes | May 5–10 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Six-game homestand! Game times: Tue 5/5 6:05 p.m., Wed 5/6 11:05 a.m. (day game!), Thu 5/7 7:05 p.m., Fri 5/8 7:05 p.m., Sat 5/9 6:05 p.m., Sun 5/10 2:05 p.m. (Mother's Day matinee). Great baseball, affordable tickets, and the best hot dogs in Fort Bend County.
Community & Culture 🏛️
Healing in Bloom — Derby-Themed Fashion Brunch | 1:00–4:00 PM, Saturday May 2 | Tickets
Location: The ARK by Norris Event Center
Description: Break out the big hats and fascinators for a Derby-day brunch benefiting Society Prosper. Dressy, philanthropic, and very on-theme for the first Saturday in May.
Sounds of Summer Festival | 2:00–5:00 PM, Saturday May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: School of Rock Katy, 3750 S. Mason Rd #800, Katy
Description: Student bands, face painting, King of Pops popsicles, tie-dye, friendship bracelets, and gear giveaways. The kids rock. Literally.
Fort Bend Master Gardeners' Butterfly Celebration | 9:00 AM–Noon, Sat May 2 | (Free) Details
Location: 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg
Description: Free seed packets (they're aiming for 400!), $5 milkweed starters, kids' activities, and beekeeper visits. Last year drew 400+ people. If you've got a garden or a kid who likes bugs, this one's for you.
Friends of Maud Marks Library Book Sale | 10 a.m – 4 p.m., Saturday, May 9 | Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd, Katy
Description: Members get first dibs on the book presale on Friday. Pro tip: $10 at the door gets you a membership and early access to the good stuff. On Saturday, big public sale of books and more. Come early for the best selection.
Bo's Place Katy Open House | 6:30–8:30 p.m., Monday, May 11 | (Free) Details
Location: Amazing Place West campus, 621 Circle deMatel, Houston, TX 77094
Description: Bo's Place is launching free Family Grief Support Groups in Katy. Stop by the open house to learn about their programs and meet the team.
🔭 Big Events on the Horizon
Katy ISD Class of 2026 Graduations | May 13–21 | Details
Eli Young Band at Mo's Place | Doors 7:30 p.m., show 9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16 | Details
Downtown Disney on Historic Town Square | 6–9 p.m., Saturday, May 16 | Details
Fulshear Cars & Coffee | 9–11 a.m., Saturday, May 16 | Details
Jeff Foxworthy | 8 p.m., Sunday, May 17 | Details
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run — Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green — Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
Tai Chi on the Green — Saturdays, 8:30 AM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Details
Farmers Market at LaCenterra — Sundays, 11 AM - 3 PM | Details
Have an event in Katy coming up, something you enjoyed in this issue, or a topic you’d like to hear more about? Hit ‘reply’ and let us know, we read every email!
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].