The Woodlands Kiwanis Club will mark 35 years of getting kids on the water when it hosts its annual Kids Fishing Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Creekwood Park, 3883 S. Panther Creek Dr.
The free event, open to children ages 2–16, runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. and fishing begins at 8 a.m. Free bait is provided. Families need to bring their own rods, reels and tackle. Volunteers, including local Key Club members, will help young anglers on-site. The morning wraps with music, free hot dogs and chips, refreshments and an awards ceremony.
The club's stated mission, according to Woodlands Online, is to introduce children to the values of conservation, responsibility and providing through fishing. At 35 years, the tournament is one of the longest-running civic youth events in The Woodlands.
The fishing festival kicks off a month with more than a dozen free and low-cost community events, according to Hello Woodlands' September calendar.
Two free symphony nights at the Pavilion
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion hosts two no-ticket-required concerts in September. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Houston Symphony performs "When Instruments Roamed the Earth," a dinosaur-themed family show. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. A "Hats Off to Reading" event runs 5:30–7:30 p.m. in The Event Center beforehand, with games, interactive performances and free books for kids.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Darryl Bayer, takes the stage for "Dead Symphony: The Music of Grateful Dead and More." Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Dragon boats, Shakespeare and a suicide-prevention walk
The YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, presented by Repsol, returns to Northshore Park Sept. 24–26 for its 27th year. Teams paddle competitively to raise money for local causes. Contact The Woodlands Family YMCA for registration details.
The Woodlands Township brings Shakespeare outdoors on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a live performance of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" by Points North Theatre Company at Rob Fleming Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; concessions will be available.
Also on Sept. 26, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts the Greater Houston Area Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive. The walk, which moved from its previous November date to September to align with the national schedule, raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Visit afspwalks.org for registration and timing details.
More on the September calendar
- Sunday, Sept. 6: The Woodlands Township Labor Day celebration at Waterway Square, 5–9 p.m. Free live music by Shake Down Band HTX, kids' activities, strolling entertainers and fireworks (weather permitting).
- Sept. 17–Oct. 29: Market Street Fall Concert Series, Thursdays 6–8:30 p.m. Coolers, picnic baskets and lawn chairs welcome; no tents, tables or glass.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Interfaith of The Woodlands' "Serving Our Seniors" day of service, starting 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration required by Aug. 28.
- Saturday–Saturday, Sept. 26–27: The Woodlands Fine Craft, Art & Design Show at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Sixty juried artists; tickets purchased by Sept. 25 enter buyers for a $250 art credit. Presented by The Woodlands Arts Council.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: 29th Annual Woodlands Landscaping Solutions, a free sustainable gardening event with over 30 exhibitors.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
