Wondering when to visit Katy? The good news is, there's never a bad time! This lively city offers year-round activities. Fall and winter bring an array of celebrations and festivals, while summer may be hot and busier with families out and about, it's also when the city hosts the Katy Freedom Celebration on the 4th of July — a spectacle you must witness! Expect a full day of fireworks, live events, music gigs, BBQ, playgrounds, splashy water slides, and entertainment for the whole family.

Come October, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival brings the city's architectural heritage to the streets. This fun-filled two-day event offers live performances, delicious food trucks, handmade goods, and local souvenirs. It's a great way to connect with the community and support regional artists. (Tip: If you want to learn about Katy's rice-harvesting heritage but can't attend the festival, you can visit the Heritage Museum — which also gives a deep dive into the city's roots as a rice and rail community.)

Beyond its famous Southern hospitality and renowned school system, Katy has a thriving outdoor scene. In fact, if you want to soak in its many lush parks and green spaces, spring and fall are the best times to visit. These seasons are ideal to spend time paddling, fishing, birdwatching, or simply reconnecting with nature. 

Located at 5597 Gardenia Lane, Mary Jo Peckham is a great place to start. This 32-acre park teems with scenic trails for walking and mountain biking. You can fish in the lake, golf at a six-hole disc course, and work up a sweat in the open workout area. 

If that's not enough, over the weekends you can catch live performances as little ones have a gala time on the playground. For those looking for water-based activities, Barker and Addicks Reservoirs are popular spots for kayaking and canoeing. Cross Creek Ranch also boasts trails and nature reserves, making it a sought-after choice for hikers, joggers, and adrenaline enthusiasts alike.