Katy Taste Fest Returns to Typhoon Texas With Local Flavor, Family Fun, and a New Friday Night Foodie Kickoff
The Katy Taste Fest continues to grow as one of Katy’s most anticipated community events, bringing residents together around local food, live entertainment, and a shared purpose of giving back. The 2026 edition—often called Katy’s Best Food Festival—will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Premier Access beginning at 11:30 a.m., at Typhoon Texas, located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494.
Founded in 2017, the Katy Taste Fest was built around the idea that local, independently owned restaurants deserve the spotlight alongside larger brands. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a regional festival drawing more than 1,500 attendees and raising over $150,000 for Katy-area nonprofits focused on food security, environmental causes, and support for vulnerable children, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting local organizations.
A Celebration of Katy’s Food Scene
The core of the Katy Taste Fest experience is food—lots of it. Admission typically includes unlimited “taste-size” servings, about two ounces each, from 20 to 30 participating local restaurants. Regular and featured participants over the years have included Toasted Yolk Cafe, Pepperoni’s, TJ Birria Y Mas, Twisted Egg Shack, Teriyaki Madness, Red Flame Steak, Whiskey Cake, Mala Sichuan Bistro, and The Union Kitchen.
Dessert lovers can explore the Sweet Spot, which has featured Peach Cobbler Factory, Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Alchemy Bake Lab, Nekter Juice, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Kilwin’s Chocolates. The culinary mix spans American, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines, offering attendees a snapshot of Katy’s diverse and evolving food culture.
One of the most popular elements of the festival is the Best of Fest competition, where guests and judges vote to recognize standout dishes and restaurants across several categories.
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Entertainment and Family-Friendly Fun
The Katy Taste Fest is designed to be welcoming for all ages. The Kids’ Zone remains a major draw, featuring bounce houses, an obstacle course by Texas Jump N Splash, face painting, temporary tattoos, and interactive games with partners such as Dick’s Sporting Goods. Children ages 3 to 12 typically receive a dedicated meal—often including favorites like chicken tenders, hot dogs, fries, and snow cones—with Kids’ Zone access included when attending with an adult ticket.
Festivalgoers can take part in a lively silent auction featuring items and experiences generously donated by local businesses, artists, and event supporters, ranging from artwork and gift baskets to services and one-of-a-kind experiences. Adding to the fun, a larger-than-life spin-the-wheel attraction gives attendees the chance to win prizes, discounts, sponsor giveaways, and even tickets to Katy Taste Fest 2026, with every spin offering a chance to walk away a winner.
The festival also highlights cooking demonstrations by renowned local chefs, who share practical tips, kitchen know-how, and insights into preparing delicious dishes. These interactive demos offer a chance to learn from some of the area’s best culinary talent while enjoying tasty samples along the way.
Ticket Options and Event Details
Ticket tiers are structured to accommodate different preferences. Premier Access ticket holders enjoy early entry at 11:30 a.m., access to an exclusive champagne bar, unlimited food tastings, and two beer or wine tasting cards totaling eight tastings. General Admission begins at 12:00 p.m. and includes unlimited food tastes and a four-tasting beer or wine card. Designated Driver tickets include unlimited food and water but no alcohol tastings.
The festival is a cashless event, held rain or shine, with all sales final. Best of Fest awards are typically announced around 2:45 p.m., with the event concluding at 3:00 p.m.
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A New Friday Night Tradition: Katy Foodie Awards – Tacos & Tequila Night
Katy Taste Fest weekend now officially kicks off the night before with Katy Foodie Awards: Tacos & Tequila Night, replacing the former Brunch After Dark concept.
Held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Typhoon Texas, the 21+ event is a high-energy celebration designed for true food lovers. The evening features unlimited taco bites from local favorites, access to a tequila bar, live saxophone music, and the presentation of the Official Katy Foodie Awards.
The night also includes BINGO GONE WILD, including a musical Singo Bingo experience where players mark song titles instead of numbers for prizes. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with awards presented at 7:30 p.m. and bingo beginning at 8:30 p.m. Capacity is limited, and tickets are expected to sell out.
Rooted in Giving Back
The Katy Taste Fest was founded by local entrepreneur Cyril Thomas, who created the event after retiring and selling a business. Wanting to combine his passion for food with community impact, Thomas also made the festival the primary fundraiser for the Armor of Hope Foundation, which he founded in 2015 to support vulnerable children and mothers. To date, Katy Taste Fest has raised over $150,000 for organizations serving vulnerable children and families.
“We are proud to continue growing Katy Taste Fest as a platform that highlights our local culinary talent while giving back to the community in a meaningful way,” said Cyril Thomas. “With the addition of the Farmer’s Market and our Tacos & Tequila Foodie Awards kickoff, this year’s event truly has something for everyone."
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Originally held at Villagio Town Center from 2017 through 2019, the festival moved to Typhoon Texas in 2020 to accommodate its growing attendance. Since then, it has partnered with more than 20 local nonprofits, operating under a model where 100 percent of net proceeds are granted back to the community.
Past beneficiaries have included Katy Christian Ministries, The Ballard House, Krause Children’s Center (Upbring), Lunches of Love, Clothed by Faith, and Hope Impacts, which supports individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity in the Katy area.
As Katy Taste Fest returns on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12–3 p.m., with Premier Access starting at 11:30 a.m., the event remains grounded in its original mission: celebrating local food, creating shared experiences, and turning a day of tasting into meaningful community impact.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.