Houston Explored with Tammy Patten

08/28/2026

Have a great weekend!

🔆 WEEKEND FORECAST | AUGUST 28 THROUGH AUGUST 30 🔆

Houston brings together local music, cultural celebrations, performing arts, creative activities, and high-speed RC action this weekend.

🎸 SOLAR FLARE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Friday | 6 p.m. to midnight
Saturday | 2 p.m. to midnight
Axelrad B**r Garden
1517 Alabama St., Houston, TX 77004

Hear more than 40 Houston-area performers across three stages during this two-day celebration of local music. Single-day admission is $20, and weekend passes are $35.

Event details: www.houstonmusicclassifieds.com/solar-flare

🎨 AMERICAN MOSAIC FESTIVAL

Saturday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chinese Community Center
9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, TX 77036

Celebrate Houston’s many cultures with live performances, food vendors, interactive exhibits, children’s crafts, games, and community activities. Free admission.

Event details: www.ocahouston.org/calendar/american-mosaic-festival

🎵 7TH ANNUAL MARIACHI FESTIVAL

Friday and Saturday | 7 p.m.
Sunday | 3 p.m.
Brown Theater at the Wortham Center
501 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002

Experience three performances featuring mariachi ensembles and ballet folklórico groups from Houston and beyond. Tickets start at $29.

Event details: www.performingartshouston.org/whats-on/theater-week-2026

🏎 HOUSTON RC BASH

Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traders Village Houston
7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Houston, TX 77041

Watch RC cars take on racing, drifting, stunts, and off-road challenges during two days of high-energy competition and demonstrations. Event admission is free; parking is $6.

Event details: www.tradersvillage.com/houston/events/

✏️ DRAWING CLUB HTX AT MENIL PARK

Sunday | 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Menil Park
1423 Branard St., Houston, TX 77006

Bring a sketchbook and spend the afternoon drawing alongside other Houston creatives. All experience levels are welcome. Free admission.

Event details: www.instagram.com/drawingclubhtx/

Temperatures remain in the mid-to-upper 90s this weekend, with scattered afternoon storms possible. Keep water and sunscreen nearby and check current conditions before heading out.

Event schedules, admission prices, weather conditions, and availability may change. Please confirm all information directly with the organizer before attending. Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend exploring the Houston area!

When you are ready to buy, sell, or lease in Greater Houston, contact Jade Realty EHS. We are also grateful for referrals from friends and family.

Jade Realty EHS
346-316-8065
[email protected]
www.har.com/web/jaderealtyehs

08/25/2026

🏡 MOVING TO TEXAS? HERE IS WHAT MAY FEEL DIFFERENT 🏡

A recent conversation with my brother about possibly moving from Minnesota to Texas reminded me of our own move to Houston in 2017. We expected warmer weather and a different lifestyle, but some changes were still surprising once Texas became home.

If you are relocating from the North, East, or West, here are a few things you may notice:

☀️ The weather requires an adjustment. Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are generally mild. Air conditioning becomes an important part of everyday life, and storm preparation is something homeowners learn to take seriously.

🪳 The bugs are not shy. Mosquitoes, fire ants, roaches, and other Texas critters may be more noticeable than what you are accustomed to. Regular pest control quickly becomes a normal part of homeownership.

🏠 Property taxes deserve careful attention. Texas does not collect personal state income tax, but local property taxes can be significant and vary by location. Buyers should review the estimated taxes for the particular home and learn whether they qualify for a residence homestead exemption.

📋 HOAs are common in Greater Houston. Many communities have an homeowners association with annual fees, community amenities, and property guidelines. The fees and restrictions vary, so reviewing the documents before purchasing is important.

🌧️ Insurance may work differently. Homeowners should understand flood, wind, and hail coverage and ask questions early in the buying process. A standard homeowners policy generally does not cover flooding.

🤠 Texas has its own rhythm. The friendliness, cultural diversity, incredible food, longer driving distances, and neighborhood pride may feel different at first. Before long, many of those differences become part of what makes Texas feel like home.

Moving to a new state involves more than finding a house. It means learning how people live, what homes require, and which community will fit you best.

If you or someone you know is considering a move to the Greater Houston area, contact me. As someone who has made the move from Minnesota to Texas, I would be honored to help make the transition a little easier.

Tammy Patten, REALTOR®
Jade Realty EHS
346 280 6133
[email protected]



The property tax and homestead information is supported by the Texas Comptroller. The insurance guidance is supported by the Texas Department of Insurance.

08/22/2026

🐯 A FAMILY DATE AT THE HOUSTON ZOO 🐯

You know those days when you just want to get out of the house, slow down, and spend some quality time together? The Houston Zoo is one of those places that makes it easy to do exactly that.

What I love most about a Zoo day is that there is no rush. Everyone can explore at their own pace. You can marvel at the gorgeous tigers, watch the elephants splash around, catch a keeper chat, or find a shaded spot to cool down with ice cream when that Texas heat catches up to you. ☀️

If you are looking for something to do this week, the Zoo has a few extras going on right now:

🎟️ Back to School Bundle Through August 23

The $49 bundle is an add on to regular Zoo admission. It includes unlimited carousel rides, admission to Mythical Realms, an ice cream voucher, a conservation bracelet, a backpack charm, and a printed professional photo.

🐲 Mythical Realms Open Through September 7

If your kids love legends and mythical creatures, this exhibit features dragons, Pegasus, the Kraken, and creatures inspired by cultures from around the world. It is such a fun surprise to discover alongside the real animals!

⏰ Early Morning Hours

Pro tip: The Zoo opens at 8 a.m. throughout August. Getting an early start can make a big difference when you are trying to enjoy the day before the afternoon heat arrives.

📍 Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, Texas 77030

🔗 Ticket details: www.houstonzoo.org

When I am helping clients buy or sell a home, I remind them that real estate is about more than the house itself. It is also about finding the community, local traditions, and weekend spots that make a new city feel like home.

If you or someone you know is considering a move to the Greater Houston area, I would love to meet for coffee and help you find a neighborhood that feels right for the way you live. 🏡✨

08/21/2026

🌙 DATE NIGHT IN THE THEATER DISTRICT 🌙

One of the things Carl and I enjoy about Houston is having so many ways to spend an evening together. This photo was taken at the Wortham Theater Center in February 2024, when we attended a performance of Madame Butterfly. It was a wonderful evening and a great reminder of everything the Theater District has to offer.

You can start with dinner downtown, stop for a drink at one of the nearby lounges, and then walk over to a play, concert, ballet, or opera. With several theaters located close together, there is usually something on the calendar for almost every taste.

The Wortham Theater Center is home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera, but it is only one part of the district. You will also find performances at the Hobby Center, Jones Hall, the Alley Theatre, and other nearby venues.

Before choosing a restaurant, I recommend checking the performance time and allowing a little extra time for parking. Downtown can become busy when several shows are happening on the same evening.

🎭 Explore upcoming performances: www.houstontheaterdistrict.org

Living in the Greater Houston area means having evenings like this close to home. If you are thinking about making a move, I would be happy to help you explore the communities that fit the way you like to live.

📱 346 280 6133
🌐 www.HoustonExplored.com

08/20/2026

🔆 WEEKEND FORECAST | AUGUST 21 THROUGH AUGUST 23 🔆

Houston has a little of everything this weekend, from legendary live music and baseball with four legged fans to an indoor art fair, a thriller, and a free creative afternoon. Highs may reach 100 to 101 degrees, making indoor stops and evening events especially inviting.

🎵SANTANA AND THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
Friday | 7 p.m.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Lawn tickets begin at $29.50.

Event details: www.woodlandscenter.org/events/2026/santana-and-the-doobie-brothers

🎨HOUSTON SUMMER VIBE ART FAIR
Saturday and Sunday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards Street, Houston, Texas 77007
Free admission

More than 80 artists and makers fill this colorful indoor market.

Event details: www.eventbrite.com/e/houstons-summer-vibe-art-fair-tickets-1987139606054

🐾ASTROS DOG DAY
Saturday | 6:10 p.m.
Sunday | 1:10 p.m.
Daikin Park
501 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Ticket prices vary.

The Astros face the Athletics with special activities for dogs and their people. Each dog and pet parent needs a designated Dog Day ticket.

Event details: www.mlb.com/astros/tickets/specials/dog-day

🎭THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
Friday through Sunday | Performance times vary
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002
Ticket prices vary.

The bestselling mystery reaches the stage in a modern psychological thriller that includes adult content.

Event details: www.alleytheatre.org/plays/the-girl-on-the-train

🖌DESIGN A BUTTON
Saturday | 1 to 4 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006
Free admission

Stop in for a relaxed creative activity inspired by your own ideas and the museum exhibitions.

Event details: www.camh.org

The hardest part about this weekend in Houston? Deciding where to start!

Before you head out to enjoy the fun, make sure to double-check the local weather and event pages for any last-minute schedule updates.

Whether your weekend plans include catching live music, attending a baseball game, admiring local art, seeing a theater production, or simply enjoying a relaxing meal, I hope you have an incredible time exploring H-Town!

🏡 Thinking about moving to Greater Houston, or know someone who is? I’d love to help you explore the neighborhoods and homes that match your lifestyle. Call or text me anytime at 346-280-6133!

👉 For a full list of weekend events, restaurant recommendations, gaming picks, and more, head over to www.HoustonExplored.com.

08/19/2026

💜 WHAT IS YOUR HOUSTON DATE STYLE? 💜

Houston offers countless ways to spend meaningful time together. Whether your ideal date involves a quiet table for two, an afternoon surrounded by art, or an evening filled with music, there is always something new to discover.

Which date sounds most like you?

☕ Coffee and conversation
🎨 Museums and culture
🍽️ Dinner and dessert
🌿 Parks and exploring
🎶 Live music and nightlife

Share your choice in the comments, or tell us about your favorite Houston date destination. You may give someone else the inspiration they need for their next outing!

If you are exploring Houston while considering a move, I would be happy to help you discover the communities and local places that make the area feel like home.

08/15/2026

🐾 Two Rescues, One Very Happy Home 🐾

Our home already includes our older cat, Mojo, but today I would like to introduce the two rescues who have joined our family. Scroll through the photos to meet the whole crew! 🐈

😻 About a year ago, Squeaks was found as a very young kitten by a Lakewood Forest resident. We were fortunate enough to adopt him, and he has since grown into a gregarious, playful, and affectionate boy. He loves carrying his toys around in his mouth and makes sure there is never a dull moment in our home.

🐱 Last week, we welcomed Mika from Harris County Pets. She is a gentle and loving girl who enjoys staying close to her humans. We are giving her plenty of time to settle in and feel secure as we get to know her gentle personality.

Opening your home to a rescue animal is a meaningful way to change a life, and they have a wonderful way of changing yours in return. A house becomes a true home when you fill it with love and a few rescue pets. 🏠💜

If you are thinking about welcoming a cat or dog into your family, consider visiting one of our local shelters. Your new companion may already be waiting for you.

📍 Local Adoption Resources

Harris County Pets
www.countypets.com/adopt

BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions
www.houstontx.gov/barc/adopt_a_pet.html

Houston SPCA
www.houstonspca.org

Welcome to the family, Mika! 🐈‍⬛🐈💜

🏠 HoustonExplored.com

08/14/2026

HoustonExplored Spotlight ☕

A new coffee experience has arrived in Spring! The Yemeni Bean recently opened on Stuebner Airline Road, bringing traditional Yemeni coffee, Turkish coffee, matcha, smoothies, refreshers, brunch dishes, and richly flavored desserts to the area.

The menu includes:
🥞 Lemon ricotta pancakes
🧇 Belgian waffles
🥪 Savory sandwiches
🍰 Rose pistachio cake

With warm surroundings and late evening hours, it may be just the place for morning coffee, an afternoon visit, or dessert after dinner.

I plan to visit this Friday and experience it for myself. Check the comments afterward, where I will share a few thoughts and highlights from my visit!

📍 The Yemeni Bean
16803 Stuebner Airline Road, Suite B
Spring, Texas 77379

🔗 Learn more at: www.theyemenibean.com

I enjoy introducing you to new businesses and interesting places throughout Greater Houston. If you are exploring the area with a future move in mind, or if a friend or family member needs a local real estate agent, I would love to connect.

🏠 HoustonExplored.com

08/13/2026

HOUSTONEXPLORED WEEKEND FORECAST | AUGUST 14 TO 16 ☀️🎶
Houston has another full weekend ahead with theater, family activities, live music, comedy, and a colorful celebration in Downtown Houston.

🎭 THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
Event details: www.alleytheatre.org/plays/the-girl-on-the-train/
Friday through Sunday | Alley Theatre
The bestselling psychological thriller comes to the stage as Rachel pieces together memories surrounding a disappearance. Ticket prices vary.

🐾 PAW SOME PUP PLAYDATE
Event details: www.cmhouston.org/events/paw-some-pup-playdate
Saturday | Children’s Museum Houston
Enjoy character appearances, storytimes, live theater, and rescue themed activities. Included with museum admission.

🌈 HOUSTON PRIDE PARADE
Event details: www.pridehouston.org
Saturday | Stage opens at 5 p.m. | Parade at 7 p.m.
Houston City Hall
Music, performances, community groups, and plenty of color fill Downtown Houston. Free admission.

🎶 MILLER SUMMER MIXTAPE
Event details: https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/performance/miller-summer-mixtape-5/
Saturday at 8 p.m. | Miller Outdoor Theatre
Celebrate Houston’s independent music scene with local performers and host Kam Franklin. Free admission.

😂 JOSH WOLF: TOURING HARD
Event details: www.punchlinehtx.com
Friday and Saturday | Punch Line Houston
Comedian, actor, and writer Josh Wolf brings his observational comedy to Houston. Ticket prices vary.

🎸 THE TEMPER TRAP
Event details: www.houston.houseofblues.com
Sunday at 7 p.m. | House of Blues Houston
The Australian indie rock band arrives in Houston with its Sungazer Tour. Ticket prices vary.

Pack an umbrella Friday afternoon, then prep for a hot, bright weekend! Stay hydrated, use SPF, and verify event details before you head out.

✨ Have a fabulous weekend exploring H-Town!

🌦️ Find the full forecast and restaurant picks at my blog, HoustonExplored.com.

🏡 As a Cypress resident and local Realtor®, I use my local expertise to help you find your perfect spot in and around Houston. Let's connect for your real estate goals and remember, your referrals are the greatest compliment!

08/12/2026

🌇Who says you have to wait for the weekend to explore Houston?

As the sun begins to set, the Waugh Drive Bridge becomes the setting for one of Houston’s most fascinating natural sights. A colony of Mexican free tailed bats emerges from beneath the bridge and takes flight over Buffalo Bayou. 🦇

Bring some water, arrive before sunset, and enjoy a simple midweek outing with a view of the bayou and Houston skyline.

✨ Tip: Bat emergence can vary with the weather, so warm, dry evenings offer the best opportunity.

🔗Learn more before your visit at: www.buffalobayou.org/summer-species-bats

As a Cypress resident and local real estate agent, I enjoy helping people discover the many experiences and communities that make the Houston area feel like home. Contact me if I can assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs.