party on the bayou

Celebrate an all new Buffalo Bayou with this free waterfront party

The newly planned Tony Morran Park along Buffalo Bayou.

Rendering courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Houston might be the country’s fourth-largest metropolis, but that hasn’t slowed the cultivating of its green, natural areas.

One example is the historic Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector. For years, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership has worked to develop a master plan for the area, which spans the five-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. This space joins Houston’s Fifth Ward and the Greater East End, two of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.

Now, a new plan will create parks, trails, and unique destinations reflecting the rich cultural and industrial legacies of the East Sector. It’s a culmination of the partnership of local organizations on programs that activate the Bayou in the short- term and development projects that will transform the waterway in the long-term, according to the Partnership.

The plan includes:

• Some 40 miles of new and improved waterfront trails and bikeways
• At least 200 acres of new and improved parks and open space
• Seven new boat landings
• Seven new pedestrian bridges

“This plan is about investing in a community that hasn’t benefited from the same level of park funding that more affluent communities in Houston have seen,” said Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership president, in a statement. “Being true to the context of the neighborhoods lining the bayou is very important to us. Buffalo Bayou Partnership wants to create parks and destinations that really are ‘of’ the Greater East End and Fifth Ward – two areas that have historically been separated from the bayou and each other.”

To celebrate the culmination of the multi-year plan, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host a free waterfront event featuring live music, a presentation of the master plan, and the opportunity to tour a new site overlooking Buffalo Bayou on Saturday, October 26.

As a nod to the charms of the East End, guests can expect neighborhood vendors, refreshments courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, face painting, piñata making, slabs, and lowriders. As an extra incentive, the first 100 people to attend will receive a bike helmet, donated by BikeHouston.

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The free event runs from noon to 4 pm at along the Buffalo Bayou waterfront at 5803 Navigation Blvd. For more information, visit the Buffalo Bayou Partnership online.

parks

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo