What started as a high school improv program for owner Benji Cooksey has grown into a lifelong connection with The Good Friend Theater, a comedy club built on the idea that laughter brings people together. Founded in West Houston as ComedySportz Houston by Dianah Dulany in 1990, The Good Friend Theater relocated to Cy-Fair in July 2025 and rebranded to expand its services and show opportunities.

The details: Today the comedy club prides itself on being one of the only family-friendly comedy clubs in the area and offers interactive improv shows, workshops, and corporate training centered around its tagline: "Take a good friend, make a good friend and be a good friend."

Quote of note: “Our comedians are your attorneys, your neighbors, moms and community of friends who all hold professional jobs and lives. And this place is their community,”Cooksey said. “Jersey Village Mayor James Singleton threw out the very first joke for our grand opening here.”

Eastwood Craft Butcher is set to open in July along Hwy. 249, owner Nick Hiebsch confirmed.

The details: The full-service butcher shop will specialize in meats including pork, beef, lamb, poultry and wild game processing. Eastwood Craft Butcher will also offer house-made sausages, locally sourced meats and handcrafted seasonings.

Quote of note: “While there are several great markets in the area, our goal is to offer something a little different—whole-animal butchery, exceptional local sourcing and old-fashioned customer service,” Hiebsch said. “We wanted to create a place where families could feel confident about the food they're bringing home.”

• 24914 Hwy. 249 N., Ste. 190, Tomball

On June 20, Christian Youth Theater Houston celebrated its 20th season with a red carpet event, Community Engagement Director Mary Ramsower confirmed. The fine arts company’s first summer camps were held in 2006, and it has since provided the Greater Houston area with musical theater education for two decades.

The background: CYT is a national after-school theater arts training program dedicated to helping kids and teens grow in their singing, dancing, acting, improvisation and technical skills.

Offered in two-hour classes throughout the school year, students can receive individualized training from instructors in the discipline of their choosing, according to the company’s website.

Another detail: With branches nationwide, CYT allows enrolled students ages 8-18 to audition for productions.

Looking ahead: Tickets for CYT Houston’s Aug. 7-16 production of “The Wizard of Oz” at The Crighton Theatre went on sale early June. Patrons can visit the website to secure their seats, as well as find out more information regarding showtimes, pricing and the venue’s address.

On July 13, there will be several events and specials offered around the Greater Houston area to celebrate 713 Day. Check them out below. This list is not comprehensive and information is subject to change.

Common Bond Coffee & Bakery
The bakery will offer customers one small hot drip coffee or one small cold brew paired with a pastry for $7.13 for 713 Day, per a July 6 news release. Common Bond has multiple locations across the Greater Houston area.

Typhoon Texas
The first 713 visitors to Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Katy will be able to enjoy $7.13 admission, per a July 7 news release. There will also be select food and drink specials priced at $7.13.

Houston Zoo
Visitors at the Houston Zoo between July 11-13 can enjoy $7.13 discounted tickets to celebrate 713 Day. For interested visitors, the zoo is also offering an upgraded ticket that includes a limited edition 713 Day hat, per its website.