Katy-area residents looking for ways to connect before school starts have several options this week, headlined by a nonprofit barbecue fundraiser, a free hometown rock concert and a charity car wash.
Katy Responds launches 'Grill and Chill'
Katy Responds, the nonprofit that performs critical home repairs for vulnerable families and seniors across Fort Bend, Waller and West Harris counties, will host its first annual "Grill and Chill" on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia, in Katy, according to the Katy Times community calendar.
Co-hosted with Bibles + Briskets Ministries, the evening features food, games, local vendor booths, the H-E-B Biddy mascot and a Katy Fire Department fire truck. Meal tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for children, available at katyresponds.org. Proceeds fund safe home repairs performed by the organization's construction team.
Garbage Girlfriend plays Central Green Park
All-female alt-rock band Garbage Girlfriend brings its live show back to Katy on Friday, Aug. 7, with a free concert at Central Green Park inside LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Music runs 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The band has Katy roots. Drummer and founder Evelyn Moreno started the group in July 2022 while attending Taylor High School. Their debut single "Lies" was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Malcolm Springer in Nashville, and the band's self-titled debut album dropped July 31.
"We can't believe a song all four of us wrote together is about to be heard around the world — it's a teenage dream come true," Moreno told Covering Katy News in September 2025, ahead of the single's release.
VFW car wash benefits Naval Sea Cadets
VFW Post 0182 Auxiliary hosts a car wash on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon at the VFW Hall, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. Suggested donations are $10 for small vehicles and $20 for trucks or SUVs. Proceeds benefit the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a youth program for ages 10 through 12th grade developed by the U.S. Navy and the Navy League.
More this week
Frost Bank free treats: Friday, Aug. 7, noon to 2 p.m. at 21875 Katy Freeway. Stop in for a complimentary sweet treat.
Compassion Katy's Operation Back 2 School: The donation drive collecting backpacks and school supplies for local students is still accepting contributions at compassionkaty.org. Katy ISD promoted the effort on social media Aug. 4, urging families and businesses to give before the new school year begins.
What's ahead
Friday, Aug. 7, stacks up as the busiest day: the Grill and Chill at Mary Jo Peckham Park, the Garbage Girlfriend concert at Central Green and Frost Bank's giveaway on Katy Freeway. The VFW car wash closes out the week Sunday, Aug. 9, at 9 a.m.
