KATY, Texas (KTRK) — While it can be fun to explore planes, trains, and automobiles, fire trucks, helicopters, and a range of law enforcement vehicles are once again at the heart of the 2026 Lonestar Safety Fest returning for a 10th year this fall in Katy.
This year, it’s set for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Typhoon Texas and marks a milestone anniversary for the volunteer-led event, which was founded as the Katy Area Safety Fest in 2016 and initially hosted in a small, movie theater parking lot.
The event is billed as one of the largest public safety – focused community festivals in Texas.
It was renamed in 2025 to reflect the growth and expanding partnerships with public safety agencies across the greater Houston region, according to the non-profit’s LinkedIn page.
Organizers add that festival goers can expect to meet the men and women behind the badge, learning about professions and interacting with hands-on safety demonstrations by first responders.
Past agencies that have participated in the festival include the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County EMS, hospital groups such as Memorial Hermann and Texas Children’s, and the Willowfork, Westlake, and Community Fire Departments.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (M.A.D.D.) have also been in attendance as have military and disaster response agencies, who plan to be on hand this year.
Ready to cheer on local firefighters?
Get a glimpse of what they experience during the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a competition designed to showcase a firefighter’s strength and endurance as they take on a rigorous course in full gear. The course, organizers add, will simulate real-life emergency situations and includes, but is not limited to:
a 100′ Hose Draga 100′ Equipment Carrya 40′ Hose Hoista 100′ Dummy Drag
Entry to the Lonestar Safety Fest is free, but onsite food trucks will charge for their services.
You can find updates on the festival’s social media pages.
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