As the weekend approaches, neighbors and friends can make plans to socialize at one or more of these events taking place in Sugar Land and Missouri City.
Friday Houston Astros Caravan Jam Outfielder Tony Kemp and pitcher Brady Rodgers make an appearance at the Chick-fil-A near Missouri City’s Township and Ridgeview Park. Each fan who shows up during this time in Astros gear will receive a free chicken sandwich. This is not an autograph session. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Chick-fil-A, 6124 Hwy. 6, Missouri City. www.mlb.com/astros/fans/caravan
Friday Houston Astros Caravan Jam Kemp and Rodgers stop in Sugar Land Town Square for a half-hour Q&A session. Fans can speak with the players while enjoying live music, inflatables food trucks, face painters and caricaturists. 5-7 p.m. Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land. www.mlb.com/astros/fans/caravan
Saturday Gumbo Smackdown Houstonia Magazine hosts its fifth annual Gumbo Smackdown event to benefit local charity Fort Bend Rainbow Room. Competitors include NOLA Poboys, Fish City Grill, Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, The Rouxpour Restaurant & Bar and Main Kitchen. Tickets allow attendees to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Noon-4 p.m. $20-$55. Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land. www.houstoniamag.com
Saturday P.A.W.S. Reading Program Children of all ages are invited to spend time with and read to specially trained therapy dogs at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. Readers can select a book from the museum’s collection or bring their own. The event is free for museum members. 10 a.m. $12 (nonmembers). Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, 13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-313-2277. www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land  
Saturday Farmers Market The Farmers Market at Imperial moves to its new location at the Imperial Park Recreation Center. The same quality produce and unique artisan products will be available as this popular community event continues uninterrupted. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land. www.imperialfarmersmarket.com
Saturday Historic Walking Tour The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation conducts a historic walking tour, covering approximately 1.5 miles starting from the museum. Reservations are recommended but not required. 10 a.m. $5-$10. Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Museum, 198 Kempner Street, Sugar Land. www.slheritage.org
Saturday Houston SaberCats Major League Rugby team Houston SaberCats plays against the Vancouver Ravens during this exhibition season game at Constellation Field. Tailgate opens at 3 p.m., and activities include live music and a pre-game autograph session with SaberCat players at 5:30 p.m. Match kick-off, 7 p.m. $7.50-$75. Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land. www.houstonsabercats.com