Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Somewhere between Lowe's cutting the ribbon out west, five country headliners rolling through Rosenberg, and Mama Liang making dumplings by hand off Mason Rd., I'm not sure Katy has a "slow week" left on the calendar this fall. Even fall itself is showing up this week (whether or not the thermostat agrees).
Anyway – here's the whole spread.
Now, in today's edition:
New Target sets an October opening date
Katy Sip N Stroll goes neon
Restaurant spotlight: More than dumplings
25+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
Target opens Oct 11 in West Katy – and Lowe's is already open next door
The wait for West Katy's newest big-box duo is nearly over. Target has officially set Saturday, October 11 as the grand-opening date for its 148,000-square-foot store at the new Texas Heritage Marketplace along I-10 at Texas Heritage Parkway. And if you can't wait that long, Lowe's already cut the ribbon on Sept 4 – so weekend home projects have a new home base right now.
Here's what to know:
The new Target sits at 29355 Katy Freeway and will employ about 200 people, with a CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks, Target Optical, and covered drive-up pickup lanes all under one roof.
Lowe's opened Sept 4 with about 95,000 square feet of retail plus a 30,000-square-foot outdoor garden center – the 9th new Lowe's in Texas in the past year and the 3rd in Greater Houston in that stretch.
Both are anchors of the ~$400 million Texas Heritage Marketplace, an 800,000 sq ft retail center. Sam's Club is on deck as the third anchor, and more restaurants and shops are still to come.
What it means for you: If you live west of the Grand Parkway – Cross Creek West, Elyson, Marvida, or the Fulshear-area master-planned communities – your run-for-basics trip and your run-for-mulch trip just got a whole lot shorter.
Circle Sat Oct 11 for Target (grand-opening weekends usually come with Circle app perks and giveaways). Lowe's is ready for you this weekend.
A Message from Permanent - Katy!
Which metals actually suit you?
Ever stood at the mirror wondering if you're actually a gold person or a silver person — and just… guessed?
There's a simple answer, and it comes down to your skin's undertone. A new Katy studio put together a free 30-second quiz that tells you which metals truly light up your skin. Five quick questions, no email required to see your result — just the answer, plus a little on why.
It comes from Permanent., a 14k gold-filled permanent jewelry studio opening soon here in Katy. Their whole idea is a tiny gold ritual made to last — a fine chain fitted to you and gently welded closed in seconds. No clasp. Nothing to lose. The kind of piece you forget you're wearing until it catches the light.
Take it for the fun of finally knowing. Stay if you'd like a hand picking the piece that's made for your color.
Community Highlight
Katy Sip N Stroll goes neon Nov 7 – 32nd year, one great cause
Katy's favorite food-and-wine benefit is back for its 32nd edition, and this year the whole thing is glowing. Sip N Stroll: "Let's Glow!" hits The ARK by Norris on Saturday, November 7, 6–9 PM, with 300+ beverages, 35+ Katy restaurants, and every dollar of proceeds going to Christ Clinic.
Here's what to know:
Beverages: 200+ wines plus craft beers, premium spirits, and a few emerging categories – presented by Kroger. 21 and over only.
Bites: 35+ of Katy's favorite restaurants each serving a signature dish.
Vibe: After-dark neon party – wear your brightest glow gear and expect live music, an electric-light-parade energy, and one of Katy's most loyal benefit crowd.
The why: All proceeds benefit Christ Clinic, Katy's charity medical clinic that provides care to uninsured and underserved neighbors. One night out that literally keeps a Katy nonprofit running.
Heads-up: tickets are $5 more at the door (if they last that long) – this event has historically approached or hit capacity before the day of.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
Love's Dumpling House – where "Mama" makes every dumpling by hand
Twelve years ago, Yalian Liang left China with one goal: open her own restaurant someday. She took the long way there – mastering her craft as head chef at a well-known Houston dumpling house – before finally opening Love's Dumpling House on Mason Rd. in 2024. The sign out front says it plainly: 梁妈妈手工水饺 – "Mama Liang's Handmade Dumplings." And yes, everything is handmade, every day.
Here's what to know:
Where: 2944 S. Mason Rd., Ste. P, Katy – open 11 AM to 9 PM, daily.
What to order: Handmade dumplings (water-boiled, pan-fried, or steamed), hand-pulled noodles, and homestyle stews. Straightforward northern-Chinese comfort cooking, made from scratch.
Why locals love it: Consistently called out as a "hidden gem" on 2026 Katy Asian Town lists – often paired with Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle as the two must-visits in the area.
The story: A straight line from lifelong dream to storefront – small, personal, and made by the owner.
Katy's kind of independent restaurant. Worth going out of your way for.
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
Endless Summer: A Beach Boys Tribute | 7:00–9:00 PM, Friday, September 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: A Beach Boys tribute band closes out summer with everything from "Surfin' USA" to "Kokomo" out on the lawn. Bring chairs and flip-flops – the venue's own words are that "Hawaiian shirts and sunnies are highly encouraged." Family-friendly and free.
Tyce Delk at Fort Bend County Fair | Evening, Friday, September 25 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: Opening-night concert of the 90th Fort Bend County Fair, featuring the New Mexico native with a roots-country/Americana sound.
Sawyer Brown at Fort Bend County Fair | Evening, Saturday, September 26 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: Country hitmakers behind "Some Girls Do," "Thank God for You," and "Six Days on the Road" bring "The Boys & Me Live Tour" to the fair. Fair admission required.
CC Rider Band Live at Katy Vibes | 6:00–11:00 PM (two sets), Saturday, September 26 | Tickets
Location: Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar, 24757 Katy Freeway
Description: R&B, Motown, soul, and funk across two sets (6–8 PM and 9–11 PM). Full menu available.
Prófugos de Nuevo León, Los Rinches & Grupo Zenio (Go Tejano Day) | Evening, Sunday, September 27 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: A norteño / Tejano triple bill for Go Tejano Day at the fair – timed right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Katy Summer Concert Series (Sunday Showcase) | 2:00–7:00 PM, Sunday, September 27 | Tickets
Location: Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar, 24757 Katy Freeway
Description: A rotating showcase of local artists – casual, family-friendly, and a nice way to wind down a Sunday afternoon.
gymclassheroes. & Lupe Fiasco – Back To Basics Tour | Wednesday, September 30 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: The Travie McCoy-fronted Gym Class Heroes reunion tour, co-headlining with Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco, with B.o.B. and Billy Blue also on the bill – a nostalgia-heavy hip-hop/rock night 20 minutes down 99.
Fort Bend County Fair Concert Series | Nightly (evenings), Wednesday–Sunday, September 30 – October 4 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: Five nights, five acts on the fair's 90th-anniversary main stage – David Lewis (Wed 9/30), Josh Meloy (Thu 10/1), Pat Green (Fri 10/2), Vincent Mason (Sat 10/3), and Gary P. Nunn (Sun 10/4). Pat Green is the headline booking and reserved seats go fast; fair admission gets you in for the rest, with concert seating typically included.
Juanes | 8:00 PM (doors ~7:00 PM), Sunday, October 4 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Colombian rock/Latin-pop superstar Juanes ("La Camisa Negra," "A Dios le Pido," "Volverte a Ver") on his North America tour – landing right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. Expect a strong Katy contingent making the ~20-minute drive down 99.
A Sound Harvest – Lone Star Symphonic Band | 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 4 | Details
Location: Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, Katy
Description: The Lone Star Symphonic Band's fall concert program – a reflective, family-friendly community concert exploring memory and the beauty of change. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of live orchestral music.
🏛️ Community & Culture
Conexión Katy – September (Hispanic & Latino Business Alliance) | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, Tuesday, September 22 | Details
Location: Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, 814 East Ave., Ste. A
Description: Monthly networking gathering for the Chamber's Hispanic & Latino Business Alliance – perfect timing during Hispanic Heritage Month. Member/non-member pricing.
KEYS Kickoff – Katy ISD Partners in Education Mentoring | 8:00–10:00 AM, Friday, September 25 | (Free) Details
Location: Merrell Center
Description: Annual kickoff for Katy ISD's KEYS Mentoring Program, which pairs adults with Katy ISD students for one hour of one-on-one mentoring per week through the school year. If you've been looking for a "how do I get involved" hook, this is a good one.
Fort Bend County Fair – Main Fair (Opening Weekend) | Livestock/preview Thursday, Sept 24 · General public Fri–Sun, September 25–27 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: The 90th annual fair kicks off in earnest – carnival midway rides, livestock show, rodeo, mutton bustin', main-stage concerts, and Junior Fair events. Whether you're a fair regular or just going for the funnel cakes, it's worth the short drive.
Clays then Cocktails Clay Shoot (Katy Chamber Signature Event) | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Friday, September 25 | Tickets
Location: American Shooting Center, 16500 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy, TX 77082
Description: Casual sporting-clays tournament followed by lunch and cocktails. Schedule: 9 AM registration, 10 AM tournament, 12 PM lunch, 1:30 PM awards and raffles.
Friends of the Maud Marks Library Book Sale | Members' pre-sale Friday September 25, 4:00–5:30 PM · Public sale Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Fill a bag with gently used hardbacks, children's books, paperbacks, and hidden gems at rock-bottom prices. Cash, check, or Zelle – and you can join the Friends at the door for $10 to get in early.
Katy ISD Varsity Football – Week 5 (District 19-6A) | Kickoffs Thursday–Friday, September 24–25 | Tickets
Location: Rhodes Stadium, Legacy Stadium, and away sites
Description: District play continues. Marquee matchup: Katy Tigers at Cinco Ranch, 7:00 PM Friday Sept 25, Rhodes Stadium – classic in-district rivalry. Full campus pairings finalize on Vanco mid-week.
Walk to End Alzheimer's – Katy | Registration ~8:30 AM, ceremony ~10 AM, Saturday, September 26 | Details
Location: LaCenterra
Description: The Alzheimer's Association's flagship annual Katy walk – awareness, community, and fundraising for care, support, and research. This one has strong turnout from Katy families year over year.
Fort Bend County Fair – Days 2 through 10 | Daily, Monday–Sunday, September 28 – October 4 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg
Description: The 90th fair keeps rolling: carnival midway, livestock show, junior fair events, rodeo, and nightly concerts (headliners in the Live Music section above). Watch for midweek community/school days like Cinco Ranch Day, and Sun Oct 4 is the wrap-up.
State of the Counties Luncheon (Katy Area Chamber) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 1 | Tickets
Location: Per Katy Area Chamber event page (historical venue: Embassy Suites Houston West – Katy)
Description: Annual moderated conversation with leadership from Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties on the issues shaping the region.
Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade | 9:00 AM, Saturday, October 3 | (Free) Details
Location: Historic Town Square, 901 Avenue C, Katy
Description: Katy's annual pre-fest parade – colorful floats, marching bands, and local organizations winding through downtown. One of Katy's most-loved traditions and a great warm-up for the following weekend's main Rice Harvest Festival.
🍺 Food & Drink
Katy Wine Fest 2026 – "Red, Wine & Blue" | VIP 6:00–7:00 PM · GA 7:00–10:00 PM, Friday, October 2 | Tickets
Location: Palacio Maria Banquet Hall, 21728 Highland Knolls Dr., Katy, TX 77450
Description: 21st edition of the annual charity wine tasting – this year themed "Red, Wine & Blue – Cheers to America!" American wines (reds, whites, sparkling – including Texas bottles), craft beer, spirits, light bites from West Houston eateries, and live music from Lonesome Gypsy. 21+. Proceeds benefit The Brookwood Community.
🐣 Family Fun
Fall Festival and Market at Smith Ranch | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday, September 26 | (Free) Details
Location: Smith Ranch, 25440 Beckendorff Rd., Katy, TX 77493
Description: A ranch-style fall festival with local vendors, food, bounce houses, paddle-boating on the lake, fall crafts, and animals on-site. If "spend a Saturday afternoon on the ranch" isn't already on your list, here's your excuse.
Heart of Katy Craft Market (Fall 2026) | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Saturday, September 26 · 12:00–5:00 PM Sunday, September 27 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy High School, Katy
Description: The Bengal Brigade drill team and Katy High cheerleaders host this semi-annual market with 100+ vendors – clothing, boutique goods, seasonal decor, arts, crafts, and food. Concession proceeds go directly to the Katy Bengal Brigade Chorus/drill team.
Katy Area YMCA's 1st Annual Craft Fair | Saturday, September 26 (check listing for exact hours) | (Free) Details
Location: Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, Katy
Description: The inaugural Katy Area YMCA craft fair. 35+ vendors will be there with baked goods, art, jewelry, and more.
First Christian Church Katy Pumpkin Patch (Opening Day) | Opens Thursday, October 1 · 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.
Acorn Art Festival at Grand Lakes | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 4 | (Free admission) Details
Location: Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church, 6035 S. Fry Rd., Katy
Description: Neighborhood-scale art festival on the church's 10-acre park-like grounds – arts & crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities. Made for the "wander around and see what you find" kind of Sunday.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Cosmic Baseball at Constellation Field | 7:00 PM nightly, Thursday–Saturday, September 24–26 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land
Description: Glow-in-the-dark baseball under stadium-grade black lights – glowing bats, balls, and jerseys included. Cosmic Chili Peppers vs. The Glow Mojis. The Sept 24 date was added after Sept 25 and 26 sold out fast, so move quickly to join the lottery!
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Recurring events have outgrown the weekly email, so they now live on their own page. See all 20 here
We’re always looking for more events to add to the recurring list, so if you know any good ones, hit reply to this email and let us know?
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].