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Happy Friday, The Woodlands. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let The Woodlands Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.
In today’s edition: Holiday giving programs, a Nutcracker wreath workshop, a children’s festival, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Future shows taking shape: The Pavilion ended its 2025 season and announced 2026 shows with Jim Gaffigan on May 2 and Sting on May 13, with tickets on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m — see dates and ticket info.
Red light wellness trend: beem Light Sauna has opened in The Woodlands and is touring wellness spots through November, with pop-ups at FS8 Nov 8, YogaSix Nov 11, and ISI Nov 15 — see the pop-up schedule.
Neighbors brighten the holidays: Interfaith of The Woodlands is rallying support for its Holiday GIVING Programs, including Adopt-a-Family, a toy drive, and Gifts for Seniors, with deadlines on Nov. 19 and Dec. 4 — learn how you can help.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
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Let your pup sprint at Bear Branch dog area
If your dog’s zoomies are hitting Olympic levels, the off‑leash area at Bear Branch is a solid pick. It’s roomy for full‑tilt fetch and sniff‑every‑blade patrols, yet it still feels friendly and neighborly.
It sits inside a larger community park, so you can grab your own steps without looping the hallway again. Wide lawns and shade make lingering easy, and there’s space to relax between sprints.
You’ll find pathways for cooldown laps, pavilions for meetups, and yes, actual restrooms with nearby drinking fountains. Got kids in tow? The skate park, sprayground, and pool can turn a quick dog run into a simple weekend routine.
Plan your next pup outing at Bear Branch Park, then pack the leash and a few extra tennis balls.
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Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!
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🫶 We got your back
New chapter for Schilleci’s: Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen is prepping a move within The Woodlands, trading Market Street for 2501 Research Forest Drive, Ste. B. Renovations run Nov. 14 through Jan. 16, per state filings. The current spot plans to stay open until early 2026, with up to a two-week closure to relocate equipment. Get all the details.
Acclaimed eatery’s next chapter: Bari Ristorante, the River Oaks Italian spot praised for luxe vibes and serious food, is expanding to The Woodlands, taking over the former Tris space on the Waterway. A state permit pegs a $700,000 remodel finishing March 2, 2026, but that is not an opening date. Get all the details.
Steak, whiskey, and sparks: Date night, upgraded at Refuge Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar. Wood-fired steaks, 300-plus whiskeys, patio live music on select nights, and a dramatic tableside tomahawk for two… linger, laugh, and maybe debate who gets the last bite.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
Need new windows? It’s not the most glamorous upgrade, we’ll admit. But newer windows = lower energy bills and a subtle (but definitely noticeable) glow-up. If you’ve been putting it off or waiting for the right moment, Renewal by Andersen is offering a discount that just might seal the deal. Check it out here.
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🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)
We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in The Woodlands. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.
The kind only available to The Woodlands Brief readers.
Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.
Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.
Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
Today
🎄 ✨ Deck Your Door in Style! ✨ Join us for our Nutcracker & Gingerbread Wreath Work @ Build A Mum & More | Friday (11/7) at 5:30pm – Trade mall madness for hot glue therapy at a Nutcracker and gingerbread wreath workshop at Build A Mum & More in Tomball. Craft a door showpiece with company, expert guidance, and fewer glitter regrets, plus a September 10% discount if you snag a spot early.
🍷 First Friday Flights @ Epiphany Lounge at Grand Pines – Formerly B E Winery | Friday (11/7) at 5:30pm – Holiday dinners looming? Swing by Epiphany Lounge in Conroe for First Friday Flights, where you can compare red blends side by side, then pick bottles that match your turkey or prime rib. 3 ounce pours, apps, cheeses, and fruit, plus bundle pricing on three bottles.
This weekend
🧒 Children’s Entrepreneur Market Tomball at Paradigm Brewery @ Paradigm Brewing Company | Saturday (11/8) at 11:00am – Paradigm Brewery in Tomball is turning the taps over to the tiniest CEOs, with a farmers market run entirely by kids. Browse their wares, enjoy activities, sip something local, take a quick educational tour, and if your kid wants in, register only at ChildrensEntrepreneurMarket.com.
🎃 Pumpkin Smash @ Sterling Ridge Park & Ride | Saturday (11/8) at 3:00pm – Bring your bedraggled pumpkins to Sterling Ridge Park and Ride, catapult them, thwack them with a bat, or enjoy a legal 80-foot plunge, then bask in the satisfaction as they become compost for local gardens. Closed-toe shoes, safety goggles, and a sticker sweep are encouraged.
🍷 Cabernetfest at Envy Wine Room @ Cabernetfest at Envy Wine Room | Saturday (11/8) at 8:00pm – Think you know your Cab from your claret? Envy Wine Room turns into Cabernetfest with 21-plus pours, a golden ticket for a high-end pour, and a costume contest where the prize actually pairs with dinner. Buy bottles, snag discounts, and leave with swag, not regrets.
🎈 Childrens Festival – Little Woodfest @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Sunday (11/9) at 12:00pm – The Pavilion is turning into Little Woodfest, a kid-sized music festival with hands-on activities on every corner. Expect lawn dancing, instrument petting, and glitter that will outlive us all. Bring the littles, your patience, and maybe the good snacks, then call it quality time.
🩸 HCESD 11 Blood Drive @ Harris County ESD 11 | Monday (11/10) at 8:30 am – Roll up your sleeve and be a hero before lunch! The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s mobile coach will be onsite making it easy to donate and save lives. Bonus: every donor scores a free T-shirt and bragging rights for doing something genuinely good on a Monday.
Next week
💰 Festival Of Funds @ Hochzeit Hall | Monday (11/10) at 6:00pm – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dress up, sip something decent, and do some good, this is it. The fundraising banquet hits Hochzeit Hall with a cocktail reception, a wine pull, dinner, and a breezy program. RSVP, enjoy company, and feel virtuous.
📚 Words and Wonder Book Club @ Mama Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant | Tuesday (11/11) at 10:00am – Grab your copy of The Wild Robot and join a table full of fellow young readers for stories, games, and chips ‘n queso. This kid-friendly club makes reading an adventure—complete with crafts, laughter, and new friends ready to share their favorite tales.
🎸 Lovers Acoustic Escape @ Mad Llama Brewing | Tuesday (11/11) at 6:30pm – Ready for a night where you can hear the guitar, taste real jerk, and still hold a conversation? This cozy acoustic hang serves smooth tunes, authentic Jamaican bites, and easy company. Think date night for grownups, not a shout over the speakers situation.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 11/8 Monthly Poker Tournament @ I Don’t Know Yet Lounge – 1 pm
- 11/8 Gary Kyle @ Dosey Doe – 7 pm
- 11/14 Randall King @ Rowdys Spring – 8 pm
- 11/15 David Ryan Harris & Stephen Kellogg @ Dosey Doe Big Barn – 6:30 pm
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🏠️ Price is right – The Woodlands edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Michael Seder (eXp Realty LLC)
Custom estate on a double lot in 24-hour guard-gated Carlton Woods Nicklaus, cul-de-sac with pond views. Circular drive, gated motor court, and a 6 car garage topped by a 4,060 sq ft carriage house. Inside, dual-door foyer, travertine and hardwood floors, plus a chef’s kitchen.
Formal dining with butler’s pantry and study with coffered ceiling. Primary plus guest suite down, game room with wet bar up. Savant automation, a man cave or she shed with pool table, shuffleboard, and seven TVs, and a yard sized for football or chipping, with heated pool, spa, pergola, outdoor kitchen, bar, and fireplace.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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