Fort Bend County foodies are invited to dine out for a cause April 6-19, as 13 restaurants participate in the inaugural Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks.

What residents need to know: The event—which is sponsored by UpClose Magazine, inKind and Amaro Law Firm—will benefit the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to easing hunger, preventing homelessness and uplifting the community.

Participating restaurants will offer various specials such as three-course meals, free appetizers or specific menu items with various giveback options, according to its website.

Quote of note: “We are thrilled to join forces with UpClose Magazine and dozens of local restaurants that support the food pantry,” said Stacey Williams, executive director for the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. “EFBHNM feeds thousands of families each year, and partnerships like these help ensure that the food pantry can continue serving our neighbors in need.”

Several new stores have opened in Sugar Land's First Colony Mall with more coming soon, mall officials confirmed.

Kawaii Klaws: The business invites visitors to play claw machines to win prizes, including plushies. 

• Opened Jan. 29
• 16535 Southwest Freeway, Space 760, Sugar Land

• Relocated March 4
• 16535 Southwest Freeway, Space 1000, Sugar Land

• Opening this summer
• 16535 Southwest Freeway, Space 870, Sugar Land

Houston City Council approved $4 million for playground improvements at 11 parks around the city during the March 18 City Council meeting.

What this means: Three parks in District C will receive playground improvements by the end of 2026. Parks include Mangum Manor Park, Cleveland Park and Cherryhurst Park.

District C council member Abbie Kamin said these improvements, especially for Mangum Manor Park, are overdue.

“This is a park that is used daily by residents,” Kamin said. “Going back to 2023, the playground was condemned; it was deemed unsafe. The playground was, in effect, removed and what was left at Mangum Park was an empty field.”

Who it's for: Other parks that will receive part of the approved $4 million funding include:

• Beulah Maxie Park
• Crestmont Park
• Walter Jones Park

There are several places to visit in the Greater Houston area to celebrate MLB’s Opening Day. Check them out below. This is not a comprehensive list and events are subject to change.

Stats Sportsbar
For the Astros Opening Day, Stats will be hosting a watch party with 23-ounce beers, $1 wings all night, $2 off Stats’ signature drinks and old fashioneds and $5.50 purple Gatorade shots.

• March 26, 5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 10850 Louetta Road, Houston

• March 26, 3 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2503 Covey Lane, Pearland

• March 26, noon-3 p.m.
• $62-$498 (March 26 game ticket)
• 501 Crawford St., Houston