Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Confession: I didn't know until last week that a brand-new service club had just started meeting here in town. Then I started pulling threads and realized there's a whole other layer of stuff happening I'd been sleeping on – new laws going into effect, glow-in-the-dark baseball a short drive away, and a fall festival with paddle boats on a ranch pond. September in Katy is "a lot going on" packaged as "quiet week." Oh, and it finally feels like it’s maybe cooling off a tiny bit? Or maybe not?
Anyway – welcome to the whirlwind. I’m here for it.
Now, in today's edition:
A brand-new service organization is recruiting founding members
New Texas laws you'll actually care about
Restaurant spotlight: Just a hot dog? Or something more?
25+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
A brand-new Kiwanis Club just launched in Katy – and they want you in it early
If you've thought about getting more plugged into Katy but haven't found the right group, here's your moment: the Kiwanis Club of Katy officially launched this fall, held their first meeting, and are actively bringing on new members. Because the chapter is brand-new, founding members get real say in what the club focuses on.
Here's what to know:
Kiwanis is a global service organization focused on helping kids and families through service projects, fundraising, and leadership programs.
The Katy chapter meets twice a month – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
They're planning an annual signature project plus ongoing volunteer opportunities in the community.
Getting in now means shaping the club's direction. A founding member told Covering Katy that members "can really shape the club to whatever the members' interests are."
If service and civic involvement are your speed – but you'd rather help build something new than slot into a legacy group – this is a rare window to be first in.
A Message from Katy Custom Cupboards!
Built-ins that fit your home like they were always there.
Tired of furniture that almost fits? We design and build custom built-ins measured to your exact space — arched library nooks, shiplap fireplace surrounds, window seats, and shelving that turns awkward corners into your favorite part of the room.
Solid materials. Real craftsmanship. A finish you'll love for years.
And because we're right here in Katy, working with us means working with your neighbors.
We're forming our very first waitlist, and early members get first pick of project slots. Spots are limited.
Katy Custom Cupboards — handcrafted, local, made to fit.
City Updates
New Texas laws that just kicked in – the ones actually worth knowing about
Sept. 1 came and went with the usual batch of new Texas laws hitting the books, but a couple of them will land on real Katy households. Here's the shortlist worth keeping in your back pocket.
Here's what changed:
Right to repair is now law (HB 2963). Manufacturers of laptops, phones, tablets, and other consumer electronics have to give you and independent repair shops the same parts, tools, and manuals authorized shops already get – making it easier and cheaper to fix your stuff instead of replacing it. (Medical devices, cars, and game consoles are exempt.)
The Caytlin Handley Act (HB 1188) – named for a Katy-area resident whose family waited 17 years on a Medicaid waiver waitlist – now requires schools to give parents information about the local LIDDA and Medicaid 1915(c) waivers at a student's first IEP meeting. For parents navigating special ed, getting on those waitlists early can save years.
Residential solar sales rules tightened up to rein in high-pressure, door-to-door tactics.
Special-ed funding formulas got tweaked, and there are updated manufactured-housing rules if that applies to you.
Right-to-repair passed with a jaw-dropping 130-0 in the House and 31-0 in the Senate – a rare moment of unanimous Texas politics. Good news for those of us who would rather fix our iPhone X for the sixth time than pay for a new one.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
That's My Dog – gourmet hot dogs with a Katy conscience
If you haven't been to That's My Dog yet, consider this your sign. Kevin and Ryan Muccular's Morton Ranch Rd. shop has quietly become one of the most beloved food stops in Katy – Yelp put them on the Top 100 Restaurants in Texas list two years running.
Here's what to know:
The Original Brisket Dog is the signature, but the menu is packed with creative all-beef and vegan gourmet options.
The story starts in California. Kevin spent a year traveling the world researching hot dogs before opening in Richmond, CA in 2012 – then moved the whole operation to Katy in 2015 after falling for the Katy Tigers on TV.
They give back – a lot. Through TMD Cares, the shop donates 10% of sales plus 100% of staff tips back to the community, and a "blessing wheel" in the back lets people in need spin for cash assistance.
Hours to know: Wed–Sun 12–7 PM, plus a take-out-only window Tuesday 12–3 PM. Closed Mondays.
Solid food, deep community roots, and a story worth telling – hard to ask for much more in a Katy spot.
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
Everclear at Wildcatter Saloon | 8:00 PM, Friday, September 18 | Tickets
Location: The Wildcatter Saloon, 26913 Katy Fwy.
Description: '90s alt-rock hitmakers ("Santa Monica," "Wonderful") on the covered outdoor stage right here in Katy, with Anything But Human and Trackside opening.
Shreya Ghoshal – The Unstoppable Tour | 8:00 PM, Friday, September 18 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: Bollywood playback superstar Shreya Ghoshal, with a full live band, covering two decades of Hindi film work plus rotating Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali selections. Expect a huge Katy contingent.
100 Proof | 7:00–9:00 PM, Saturday, September 19 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Free live music on the green – same weekend as Katy Market Day and the Space Cowboys 5K, if you're stacking your Saturday like I am.
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.
🏛️ Community & Culture
Katy ISD Education Foundation "Dine Out to Donate" | All day, Wednesday, September 16 | Details
Location: 31+ Katy-area restaurant locations
Description: Order breakfast, lunch, coffee, or dinner at a participating restaurant on Wednesday, Sept 16, and a portion of the day's profits goes to the Katy ISD Education Foundation – which funds classroom innovation grants across the district. Probably the easiest way to support KISD teachers without lifting a finger beyond ordering lunch. The final restaurant list gets posted on the Foundation site closer to the day.
Cabo Bob's Profit Share Benefiting Hope Impacts | 4:00–9:00 PM, Wednesday, September 16 | Details
Location: Cabo Bob's Burritos, 740 S. Mason Rd.
Description: Eat tacos, help kids – Cabo Bob's donates 34% of the evening's proceeds to Hope Impacts, a Katy nonprofit that serves families experiencing homelessness. Regular menu pricing, so the only excuse not to go is if you already had leftovers planned.
A.I. Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs (Katy Chamber Workshop) | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Thursday, September 17 | Details
Location: Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, 814 East Ave., Ste. A
Description: A half-day AI workshop for local business owners – coffee at 9, a "Finding Leverage Before the Technology" session, an interactive workflow workshop, and a boxed lunch to close it out.
Championship BBQ Weekend – Fort Bend County Fair Kickoff | Friday–Saturday, September 18–19 | Tickets
Location: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
Description: Kickoff weekend for the 90th Fort Bend County Fair – Championship Culinary & BBQ Cook-Off with Los Morales opening Friday and country artist Cole Phillips headlining Saturday. About 100 competitive cook teams. Ramps into the full fair on Sept. 25.
Practical Magic Mystical Market | 11 AM–3 PM, Saturday, September 19 | Details
Location: Moon Girl Boutique, 5722 3rd St.
Description: Join for a unique, eclectic mix of talented artisans.
KTX Market Day (September Edition) | 5 PM–9 PM, Saturday, September 19 | Details
Location: No Label Brewing Co., 5351 First St, Katy
Description: Dozens of local vendors, food trucks, live music, art, antiques, plants, honey, jewelry.
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.
🐣 Family Fun
Pops with Pops – Grandparents Day at AFC Urgent Care Cinco Ranch | 4:00–6:00 PM, Saturday, September 19 | (Free) Details
Location: AFC Urgent Care Cinco Ranch, 23144 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. A
Description: A Grandparents Day celebration with free popsicles, family photos, and free on-site health screenings – a shout-out to the dads, grandpas, granddads, papas, and abuelos in your life. All families welcome.
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.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Aviators – Final Regular-Season Homestand | 7:05 PM Tue–Sat, 2:05 PM Sun; Tuesday–Sunday, September 15–20 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land
Description: The Space Cowboys close out their 2026 regular season at home with six games against the A's Triple-A affiliate – and every night has a promo. Silver Sluggers Tuesday, Dollar Dog + Waggin' Wednesday, Maroon/Orange Hat giveaway plus Thirsty Thursday, Fireworks Friday, Hispanic Heritage Celebration + Space Cowboys 5K on Saturday, and Fan Appreciation Day with Kids Run the Bases to close it out Sunday.
Katy ISD Varsity Football – Week 4 (District Play) | Kickoffs 6:30–7:00 PM, Thursday–Friday, September 17–18 | Tickets
Location: Rhodes Stadium, Legacy Stadium, and away sites
Description: District 19-6A play begins. Marquee matchup: Katy Tigers vs. Jordan, 6:30 PM Friday, Sept 18 at Legacy Stadium – the district opener.
Space Cowboys 5K presented by Houston Methodist | Kids Dash 7:30 AM · 5K start 7:45 AM, Saturday, September 19 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land
Description: The second annual on-field 5K – start line is outside the stadium, finish line is on the field near home plate. Kids Dash for ages 1–12 kicks it off, and every finisher gets a medal, a T-shirt or tank, a commemorative bib, and a free ticket to a select Space Cowboys game.
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
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].