There are several live music performances scheduled in The Woodlands area through January at several venues.

Back Table
2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands

• Dec. 19: Caretta Bell, 6 p.m.
• Dec. 20: Ben Garcia, 6 p.m.

• Dec. 19: Louis Lamb and The Gentle Lamb Band, 8 p.m.
• Dec. 20: DJ Danesthetic, 8 p.m.

• Dec. 31: The Wilder Blue, 10 p.m.
• Jan. 2: Luke Prater, 8:30 p.m.

Perspire Sauna Studio has opened its first Houston-area location. 

The details: Perspire Sauna Studio features nine private infrared sauna suites, six SNØ Showers and hospitality and wellness services. The location is owned and operated by The Woodlands residents Paul Keene and Paty Pavón-Keene. 

In their words: “There wasn’t a Perspire location near me, but after experiencing the incredible benefits, I knew I had to bring it to The Woodlands. I want to share this therapeutic experience with our neighbors and give the community a space to relax, recover, and feel their best," Pavón-Keene said.

• 10720 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. C-2, The Woodlands

Tomball ISD trustees approved bond purchases and heard project updates from Chief Financial Officer Zach Boles during their workshop and regular meetings Dec. 8-9.

What residents need to know: As previously reported, at the Dec. 10 meeting, the board voted to approve the use of 2021 and 2025 bond funds for multiple infrastructure purchases, including:

• New security cameras, furniture, and equipment for Tomball West High School
• Additional funds to complete the sidewalks at the Early Excellence Academy
• 30 standard and 10 special education buses

• Planning & design
• Permitting & bidding
• Construction

Sonia Lopez was appointed by Harris County commissioners Dec. 11 to serve as one of the county's civil court judges to fill a vacancy as the presiding judge runs as one of the Democratic nominees for Harris County attorney.

Quote of note: Lopez, standing beside her family, told court members that she will work hard to earn the trust of Harris County residents.

“I have to thank my parents who taught me the value of hard work,” Lopez said. “They came to this country to live the American dream, and I think they have accomplished that.”

The setup: The appointment comes as presiding Civil Court Judge Audrie Lawton Evans formally entered the 2026 primary election by Texas’ Dec. 8 candidacy filing deadline. Six total races are being contested by both Democratic and Republican candidates across the March primary elections, including the Harris County attorney position.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Dec. 8-12.

A sneak peek: Vegas Texas Casino officials said the practice-style casino has plans to open between Dec. 15-Jan. 1 in Cypress pending receipt of its Certificate of Occupancy and TABC license. The casino is fully compliant with all Texas gambling and sweepstakes laws, and no gambling of any kind is offered, officials said. 

In case you missed it: On Jan. 1, drivers will see an increase in toll rates, according to a Nov. 18 news release from the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The toll rate increases are along the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority’s portion of Hwy. 249. 

Craving something new? From a new sushi spot to a rebranded Mexican birria locale, Community Impact compiled six dining updates across the Greater Houston area, including restaurants that recently opened or are coming soon.