Three Texans have been named 2026 MacArthur Fellows, one of the most prestigious honors in the U.S. for artists, scientists, and scholars. Among them is San Antonio native Vincent Valdez, currently serving as Alamo Colleges' inaugural artist-in-residence.

For most of the 21st century, and especially the last 15 years, Tom Cruise has been a “movie star” rather than an “actor.” That's not to say he's a bad actor, but rather that his focus has been on making blockbuster movies where his unique ability to go all-in on action supersedes any need for introspection. Now perhaps past his action movie days, he's giving full-on acting another try in Digger.

The Untitled Art Fair returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center this weekend (Friday, October 2-Sunday, October 4) following the show's incredible Houston premier last fall. With an expanded roster of 98 galleries from 20 countries and territories, this year's edition builds on the momentum of 2025 with an ambitious citywide program of Special Projects, prizes, live podcast panels, and community partnerships that speak to Houston's increasingly vital role in contemporary art.

Houston may be home to an ever-increasing number of James Beard Award-winning chefs, but a new restaurant from a JBA winner is still a special moment in the city's culinary landscape.

One of Texas' most beloved annual events is back for its 52nd year of "Magic and Memories" this fall. The Texas Renaissance Festival returns to Todd Mission, Texas, October 10-November 29, 2026, for eight weekends of merriment and magic for all ages.

Pop singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will hit the road in 2027 with her Day and Night Tour, which will include a stop at 713 Music Hall in Houston on Saturday, May 8.

Houston travelers with a soft spot for the arts -- and a thirst for some Texas wine -- will have an easy time planning a weekend getaway with all of the music festivals, art fairs, and other cultural showcases happening around Texas this month.

Houstonians have an absolutely stacked weekend.

Houston business leader and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is letting cameras behind the scenes at his iconic gambling den, the Golden Nugget, in a new reality series called Secret Life of a Vegas Casino. The show premiered on September 29 on the Discovery Channel, with new episodes airing every Tuesday at 8 pm through October 27.

true to forme

This week's roundup is a study in contrasts, with some restaurants quietly closing their doors while others celebrate decades of business. Seasonal flavors are hitting Houston menus, from cocktails to coffee and sushi to enchiladas. Even the kids can get involved with a local barbecue joint inviting them to help paint its newest mural.

Houston stepped right up for a night where big-top whimsy met an even bigger mission.

Is it safe to say that, out of all the years the Houston Cinema Arts Festival has been up and running, this year's fest is – the most Houston ever?

Lammes Candies looked like it had reached the end of its 141-year run when the Austin confectionery announced in April that it would close, citing “changing market conditions and the long-term sustainability of our operations.”

Houstonians have a lot of pride for their city's diverse food scene and its wealth of culinary all-stars, but a new report has declared Houston's food scene apparently doesn't stack up among the top 10 best U.S. cities for foodies.

let's go to the movies

Heavy metal powerhouse Slipknot are coming to Houston as part of its 2027 (sic)est Stadium Tour. The band will play Houston's Daikin Park on August 6, 2027.

ROCO opened its 22nd season with an evening that moved from chamber symphonic sounds to a digital playground -- with a little Godfather mischief along the way.

The owners of Camp Mystic have proposed selling off the riverfront property as part of a bankruptcy plan, with hopes that a buyer will preserve the camp's “historic mission” following the death of 27 campers and counselors swept away by a 2025 flood.

Houston City College (HCC) is one of 15 community colleges from around the country to be selected for the first-ever Workforce Futures Accelerator.

A new tasting room is giving Houstonians another reason to take a trip to the Hill Country. Formando Vineyards, a family owned winery shaped by six generations of Texas ranching, will open at 11835 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg on October 1.Ceci McBride and her nephew, Henry Johnson, founded the brand in 2019, choosing a name that paid homage to the vaquero traditions of the family's Chaparrosa Ranch. The Spanish “formando” translates to “forming,” and the family likens the winemaking process to the care and patience ranchers use to develop a horse for riding.

One of the Central Texas' most buzzy music festivals will be back on April 17-18, 2027, with lots of country tunes. Two Step Inn, at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, has announced its 2027 lineup including headliners Brooks & Dunn and Ella Langley.

One of Houston's most celebrated dining promotions is back. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille will revive its 79-cent pork shop promotion this Friday, October 2.

On the shores of Sandalwood's largest lake is a stunning wooded estate. 50 Patti Lynn Lane, tucked between Briar Forest Drive and Memorial Drive, offers luxury living in tranquil seclusion. It's on the market for $7.75 million and listed by Inga Laughlin Smith with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

on the rise

Editor's note: It's time to catch up on the top Houston news of the week, from national acclaim for locally-born steakhouses to a big RodeoHouston reveal. Read on for our most popular stories, then plan your weekend right here.

Sugar Land's Smart Financial Centre will celebrate its 10th anniversary that same way it celebrated its grand opening -- with a performance by comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld.

Starbucks is closing a Houston-area locations this week as part of a broader plan to shutter 250 underperforming stores across North America, the company says.

There are few more harrowing types of movies than those that pit man versus nature. Films like The Revenant, Cast Away, and 127 Hours do a fantastic job of demonstrating just how difficult it is to survive the elements, as well as the ingenuity of people when put into extreme situations. Brad Pitt takes on that challenge in Heart of the Beast, with the good fortune of having a loyal dog by his side.

At TRIBUTE, the arrival of fall means more than a change in the weather. It's an invitation to discover a new collection of dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico -- all through the restaurant's signature Tex-Lex lens.

Farmhouse fatigue has officially set in across the South, especially in Texas, where -- to the chagrin of many -- even spec builders succumbed to the trend. Not since the decade-long reign of Texas Tuscan has a design style (a word this author is using begrudgingly) ingratiated itself upon the masses so completely. In response to the farmhouse fracas, designers are stripping things back -- way back. To where exactly? Nineteenth century Europe.

a couple of jerks

A new exhibit about the role Galveston played in bringing immigrants to Texas is set to open at the Bryan Museum. The exhibit will particularly highlight the wave of Jewish immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe in the early 1900s as they fled increasing persecution and pogroms.

Texas' king and queen of home renovations, Chip and Joanna Gaines, are done lording over their 136-year-old castle in Waco. The stars of TV's Fixer Upper have found a buyer for Cottonland Castle, Mansion Global reported. The sale is pending.

Houston Symphony's Opening Night Gala had a new prelude this year -- sunlight.

There's no better excuse to crank up the Dolly Parton tunes, add a little sparkle, and find a new four-legged friend.

Robert Pattinson is among a select group of actors with multiple high-profile roles in 2026, having already starred in The Drama and The Odyssey, with Dune: Part Three yet to come. But the one that may earn him an Oscar nomination -- if not win -- is Primetime, in which he stars as Chris Hansen, the former host of the Dateline NBC show To Catch a Predator.

Southern Smoke 2026

In a state where local billionaires are wealthier than they've ever been, high-earning Texans need to make $73,000 more than they did a year ago if they want to be among the top 1 percent of earners, a new report has revealed.

5 questions with Bun B

It may not feel like fall outside in Houston, but fall festival season has arrived. This weekend is loaded with options, including a the largest indoor Japanese festival in Texas, a celebration of Slavic culture, and a two-day food and wine extravaganza featuring more than 60 top chefs.

A new statewide study examining the economic impacts of public libraries has revealed they have generated over $3.8 billion in value to local communities -- a return of $4.74 for every $1 invested.

seven nation army

Leading pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly broke ground today, Sept. 21, on its $6.5 billion manufacturing site at Houston's Generation Park.

An inner loop Italian restaurant known for its chic design and polished service is ready to makes it debut in The Woodlands. Bari Ristorante will open its second location on Wednesday, September 30.

Like a signature style or favorite piece of jewelry, a distinctive perfume can be instantly recognizable and linked to the person wearing it. For those who don't want to smell like the same designer fragrances found in malls across the country, Houston offers several options for something more personal and unexpected.

One of Houston's most acclaimed soul food restaurants has temporarily closed as it prepares to move to a new location. Viola & Agnes' Neo Soul Cafe's time in Seabrook has come to an end, but diners can still get their fill of chef-owner Aaron Davis' cooking.

A premier Houston events venue is hosting a night of immersive art headlined by a local hip-hop legend. Art After Dark will take place at Silver Street Studios on Saturday, October 24.

From pickleball courts to grandma's house, Houston's newest lineup of bars are adding plenty of personality to the city. Take a trip to Italy in Upper Kirby or embark on a global adventure in the Heights. Whichever bar Houstonians choose from the five listed below, a cold cocktail will surely be waiting for them.