Fall/Winter 2026 Events
Join Best Buddies in Texas for fun monthly activities! These activities are free and open to all Best Buddies program participants unless the event specifically says it is for a particular group.
Virtual events will be held over Zoom. To join an activity, RSVP below, and the link and password will be sent before the event.
Should you have any questions or require assistance contact SarahSatterfield@BestBuddies.org
Champion of the Year Fundraising Campaigns Begin Regionally
Citizens Virtual Social Hour – September 2026
Date: Friday, September 4th, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom – Link will be emailed to you
Who: All Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join Citizens members from across the state for a virtual social hour on the first Friday of every month! We’ll pick a different topic each time we meet, and chat away while enjoying our lunch breaks. Stay for the whole time, or come and go as you please – “cameras on” not required. Hope to see you there!
Register Here: This event is just for Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinDining with Buddies – Houston
Date: Saturday, September 5th, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Finn (712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002)
Who: Houston Citizens Participants
Description:
Come join us for Dining with Buddies at The Finn in Downtown Houston! This is a chance to spend time with friends, meet new people, share a meal, and enjoy a fun afternoon together.
The Finn is a food hall with lots of options to choose from, so everyone can find something they enjoy. Most guests spend around $20–$30 per person.
Parking: Park at the 803 Fannin Garage, just one block from The Finn. Guests who spend $10+ can receive 2 hours of complimentary parking by bringing their parking ticket and receipt to The Finn Cocktail Bar for validation.
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email AnnastasiaClement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinHouston Local Leadership Training Day
Date: Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Tracy Gee Community Center
Who: School Chapter Leaders
Description:
Local Leadership Training Day (formerly B2BB) is a one-day, in-person training designed specifically for Best Buddies school chapter leaders. This event equips student officers and advisors with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to run strong, inclusive chapters that advance friendship and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Throughout the day, attendees will learn best practices for chapter management, recruitment, and retention; explore strategies for planning inclusive events and activities; deepen their understanding of the Best Buddies mission and impact in schools; and connect and collaborate with other student leaders and advisors.
Sessions will be interactive and practical, with time to ask questions, share ideas, and work on real chapter plans for the school year.
Officers are encouraged to bring a laptop if they would like to work on chapter documents or digital resources and a notebook to take notes and capture new ideas. All training materials and food will be provided.
Join us for a day of learning, connection, and peer leadership as we strengthen Best Buddies school chapters and build more inclusive school communities together.
Register Here: This event is just for Houston school chapter leaders. For additional details or any questions, please email your Program Manager. Current officers and advisors can find the registration link in the newsletter.
Central Texas Local Leadership Training Day
Date: Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Location: 8015 Burleson Road, Austin, TX 78744
Who: Central Texas School Chapter Leaders
Description:
Join us for our Local Leadership Training Day, where school chapter leaders will gain the best practices, resources and tools they need to confidently lead their Best Buddies chapter this year and create more inclusive school communities.
Register Here: This event is for Central Texas school chapter leaders only. For additional details or any questions, please email your Program Manager. Current officers and advisors can find the registration link in the newsletter.
Houston Jazz Festival at Miller Outdoor Theater
Date: Friday, September 18th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Miller Outdoor Theater
Who: Houston Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join us for a night of live music, friendship, and fun at the Houston Jazz Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre!
We’ll enjoy the sounds of the NOLA Resistance Quintet, a New Orleans-inspired jazz group carrying on the legacy of jazz greats while bringing a bold, modern sound to the stage.
This is a FREE Citizens event! Please register by Friday, September 4th so we can reserve your ticket.
Come ready to enjoy great music, connect with your Buddies, and have a fun night together!
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email AnnastasiaClement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinNorth Texas Citizens Social at Grandscape
Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Location: Grandscape
Who: North Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join NTX Citizens members for a social at Grandscape!
Register Here: This event is just for North Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinNDEAM – National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Date: October 2026
Location: Virtual or in person
Who: Anyone who is interested in hosting a disability training at their place of work
Description:
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Register Here: Reach out to CheyenneJock@BestBuddies.org.
Register HereCitizens Virtual Social Hour – October 2026
Date: Friday, October 2nd, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom – Link will be emailed to you
Who: All Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join Citizens members from across the state for a virtual social hour on the first Friday of every month! We’ll pick a different topic each time we meet, and chat away while enjoying our lunch breaks. Stay for the whole time, or come and go as you please – “cameras on” not required. Hope to see you there!
Register Here: This event is just for Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinBoots, Bling, & Buddies: Texas Puzzle Painting Party
Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: More details to come!
Who: Houston Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Get ready to get creative with your fellow Houston Citizens!
We’ll be creating a one-of-a-kind Texas-shaped puzzle to be featured as an auction item at this year’s Best Buddies Gala. Each participant will decorate and paint their own puzzle piece, and then we’ll bring all of the pieces together to create one big Texas masterpiece!
Our Gala theme this year is Boots, Bling, & Buddies, so we’ll be bringing plenty of Texas spirit to the project.
No painting experience is needed. All supplies will be provided. Just come ready to have fun, get creative, and help us create something special for the Gala!
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email AnnastasiaClement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinCitizens Music Bingo
Date: Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Zoom – Link will be emailed to you
Who: All Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join Citizens members from across the state for a night of music, laughs, and friendly competition. Test your song knowledge, sing along, and play for prizes!
Please register separately for each player, as unique bingo cards will be emailed to you before the event!
Register Here: This event is just for Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinRooftop Astronomy
Date: Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: HMNS Parking Garage
Who: Houston Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join your fellow Citizens for an evening under the stars at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! We’ll attend HMNS’s Rooftop Astronomy program together and enjoy a guided tour of the night sky with HMNS astronomers.
During the program, we’ll have the opportunity to view celestial highlights including the Moon, Saturn, and the Dumbbell Nebula.
Please note that this event is weather dependent and may be canceled without notice due to inclement weather or poor visibility.
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email AnnastasiaClement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinNorth Texas Citizens Pumpkin Decorating
Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2026
Location: More details to come!
Who: North Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
More details to come!
Register Here: This event is just for North Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinDining with Buddies – Houston
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: POST Houston
Who: Houston Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Come join us for Dining with Buddies at POST Houston! This is a chance to spend time with friends, meet new people, share a meal, and have some fun together.
POST Houston offers a variety of food and drink options in one dining hall space, so everyone can choose something they enjoy. Most guests can expect to spend around $20–$30 per person.
Parking: Onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to hourly parking charges.
Come hungry and ready to eat, connect, and have fun with your Buddies!
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email AnnastasiaClement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinCitizens Virtual Social Hour – November 2026
Date: Friday, November 6th, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom – Link will be emailed to you
Who: All Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join Citizens members from across the state for a virtual social hour on the first Friday of every month! We’ll pick a different topic each time we meet, and chat away while enjoying our lunch breaks. Stay for the whole time, or come and go as you please – “cameras on” not required. Hope to see you there!
Register Here: This event is just for Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinNorth Texas Citizens Friendsgiving Bowling
Date: Friday, November 6th, 2026
Location: More details to come!
Who: North Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
More details to come!
Register Here: This event is just for North Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinNorth Texas Champion of the Year Fundraising Gala
Date: Friday, November 13th, 2026
Location: Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209)
Who: Anyone who is passionate about raising money to further our mission of inclusion in North Texas
Description:
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living and family support.
At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!
Register HereCentral Texas Champion of the Year Fundraising Gala
Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency Austin – Texas Ballroom (208 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704)
Who: Anyone who is passionate about raising money to further our mission of inclusion in North Texas
Description:
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living and family support.
At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!
Register HereHouston Champion of the Year Fundraising Gala
Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
Location: The Ballroom at Bayou Place (500 Texas St., Houston, TX 77002)
Who: Anyone who is passionate about raising money to further our mission of inclusion in North Texas
Description:
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living and family support.
At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!
Register HereCitizens Virtual Social Hour – December 2026
Date: Friday, December 4th, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom – Link will be emailed to you
Who: All Texas Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Join Citizens members from across the state for a virtual social hour on the first Friday of every month! We’ll pick a different topic each time we meet, and chat away while enjoying our lunch breaks. Stay for the whole time, or come and go as you please – “cameras on” not required. Hope to see you there!
Register Here: This event is just for Texas Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email SarahSatterfield@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to JoinHouston Holiday Party
Location: Bitty & Beau’s Coffee (2367 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005)
Who: Everyone!
Description:
🎄 Best Buddies Holiday Party at Bitty & Beau’s 🎁
Join us for a joyful evening of connection and celebration at our Best Buddies Holiday Party! We’re gathering at the welcoming and inclusive Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to spread holiday cheer with friends old and new.
Enjoy lite bites and refreshments, festive music, and lots of laughter as we celebrate the season together. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome to come and share in the spirit of inclusion, friendship, and holiday fun!
🎉 Wear your favorite holiday sweater or festive attire if you’d like!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Register HereDining with Buddies – Houston
Date: Tuesday, December 15th, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Memorial City Mall
Who: Houston Citizens Program Participants (Adult Friendship)
Description:
Come join us for Dining with Buddies at Memorial City Mall! This is a chance to spend time with friends, meet new people, share a meal, and have some fun together.
The food court offers a variety of food and drink options in one dining hall space, so everyone can choose something they enjoy. Most guests can expect to spend around $10–$20 per person.
Come hungry and ready to eat, connect, and have fun with your Buddies!
Register Here: This event is just for Houston Citizens participants. To join, please apply at bestbuddies.org/join, or email annastasiaclement@bestbuddies.org with any questions. Current members can find the link in the newsletter.
Apply to Join