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6 events to attend in the Bellaire, West University Place area through Oct. 7
There are a few events taking place around Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place in September through early October. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.
Viet Cultural Fest 2025: This annual celebration of Vietnamese-American culture brings together thousands of attendees at NRG Stadium for Miss Teen Viet Cultural Fest, art displays and cultural food staples. The festival is organized by the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association, with this year’s theme being “Gratitude to Those Who Paved the Way.”
Sept. 20, 10-7 p.m.
$15 general admission, $12 senior admission
NRG Park, 1 Fannin St., Houston
Brew at the Zoo: Adults 21 and older can go to the Houston Zoo and enjoy live music, animal showings, activities and games while drinking craft ale, seltzers and ciders.
New craft doughnut, coffee shop opens in West University serving unique bakery items
Founded in 2019 by Darrick Hayden in Evansville, Indiana, Parlor Doughnuts has more than 50 locations spread across the country, including a Houston Heights shop and the newly opened West University storefront.
At a glance: Parlor Doughnuts uses layered dough to create a crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside doughnut, rather than the traditional yeast or cake-style doughnut. The franchise offers more than 20 unique layered doughnuts, as well as seasonal and secret menu options.
One more thing: Parlor Doughnuts also serves vegan, gluten and keto-friendly doughnuts, and breakfast items that can be paired with lattes, blended coffee, refreshers, teas and old-fashioned sodas.
The Grand Baby Project aids individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia through the use of doll therapy
Tonja Moon founded the Houston-based nonprofit The Grand Baby Project in 2022 in memory of her grandmother, Ruby Sims, who struggled with Alzheimer's and dementia.
“She was a pivotal part of my life,” Moon said. “So watching her journey through Alzheimer's and dementia was especially hard. She had a baby doll that she loved, and after she died, it felt like God planted a seed in me that I would do something with people who had memory loss and therapy dolls.”
About the organization: The Grand Baby Project aims to improve the lives of those living with dementia through the innovative use of dementia therapy dolls, which, according to the organization's website, can provide benefits to patients such as increasing social engagement, emotional well-being, cognitive stimulation, behavioral adjustments and a sense of purpose.
How it works: The dolls are designed to be dementia friendly, Moon said, created from handblown soft silicone and without hair, eyelashes, or noise, but infused with the scent of baby lotion.
The Periwinkle Foundation to hold Iron Bartender competition
The Periwinkle Foundation, a Houston organization providing camps and art programs for pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, is hosting an "Iron Bartender" competition to help raise funds for the nonprofit, according to an Aug. 13 news release.
The details: According to the news release, from June 5 through July 8, 16 bartenders from restaurants and bars across Houston presented a signature "Periwinkle Cocktail," and $1 from each cocktail was donated to the Periwinkle Foundation.
After a panel of judges scored the cocktails, six bartenders will compete in the competition's finals Sept. 25 at Lyric Market downtown. The title of Iron Bartender will be awarded that evening, and guests will be able to cast their votes for the People's Choice Award.
