The proceeds for Eat Drink HTX, a two-week-long charity dining event in February, will go to the Houston Food Bank this year—a change from previous years when funds were split among two or more different nonprofits.

Current situation: Katie Stone, president of The Cleverley Stone Foundation, which produces both Eat Drink HTX and HRW, said they chose the Houston Food Bank due to the recent financial strain and challenges it experienced last year.

The food bank saw major cuts in federal funding and basic agricultural products in 2025, as well as a 43-day government shutdown that resulted in the loss of more than $11 million in federal funding last year.

What's being done: Stone said allowing the Houston Food Bank to be the sole beneficiary of this year’s funds from Eat Drink HTX will hopefully help them to continue to “reach more areas and more people.”

Houston Restaurant Weeks and Eat Drink HTX have raised more than $22 million for the food bank since 2003.

Looking ahead: Eat Drink HTX is Feb. 15-28 in 2026.

Flora & More, a members-only wholesale orchid market, will soon bloom in the Heights later this month. This will be the first market outside Florida for the supplier.

What they offer: Designed for industry professionals like florists, garden centers and interiorscapers, members will have access to grower-direct orchids, live goods, supplies and organizational services like assistance in streamlining weekly planning, restocking and inventory management, according to a news release.

How it works: Membership is free for verified plant and floral professionals. Orders can be placed in person or via the Flora & More mobile app, which features real-time availability, wholesale pricing and weekly specials.
Flora & More officials said Houston’s position as a regional hub, combined with its proximity to distribution centers, allows the brand to reliably and efficiently serve the market.

• 707 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 200, Houston

From cultural celebrations like Black History Month and Lunar New Year to Galentine’s with the girls, here are six events to keep an eye out for in February. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Galentine’s on 19th Street: Stroll through 19th Street in the Houston Heights for a Galentine’s celebration featuring champagne, puppy kissing booths and shopping at local businesses.  

• Feb. 13, 4-8 p.m. 
• Free (admission)
• 19th Street, Houston Heights

Live at Live Oak: Celebrating Lunar New Year: The outdoor music event is part of a series dedicated to different cultural holidays and features a lion and dragon dance as well as family-friendly activities.

• Feb. 21, 4-6 p.m. 
• Free (admission)
• Clay Family Eastern Glades, 6500 Memorial Drive, Houston

Candidate applications officially closed on Feb. 2 for a chance to enter the race for Houston City Council's open District C seat.

Geographically, District C includes portions of the Heights, Washington Avenue, Montrose, Rice Village and Meyerland.

What's happening: Seven candidates will vie for the position during a special election in April. In ballot order, the candidates include:

• Angelica Luna Kaufman
• Sophia Campos
• Audrey Nath
• Laura C. Gallier
• Patrick Outhout
• Joe Panzarella
• Nick Hellyar

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

• Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
• International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
• Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings. 

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