Buda Texas, Breathe Easy Here
Buda, Texas is located 15 minutes south of Downtown Austin on IH-35.
It is known for its ability to offer a taste of small-town charm, holding true to its homegrown roots while in the midst of a growing metropolis.
As you drive into town down Main Street, you will enter Old Town Buda where the Historic Stagecoach House and post office sit surrounded by spacious parks, beautiful oak trees, and locally owned farms.
A little up the road and just past the train tracks you will find a vibrant, rejuvenated historic downtown bustling with new and longstanding businesses.
Find your adventure outdoors in our parks or explore new flavors at our local restaurants. Relax and unwind at our spas or indulge in retail therapy at our boutiques and antique shops.
Whatever you do, you will always find a way to breathe easy here in Buda, TX.
History
Founded on April 1, 1881, along the former International and Great Northern Railroad, the rural town served as a stopping post for travelers to dine and rest. The provision of supplies and services to surrounding dairy farms and ranches was the basis of the local economy.
Originally the town was called Du Pre, but when the post office was established it was discovered another town already had that name prior to 1881. After six years of being known as Du Pre, the name of the town was changed to Buda.
The common explanation for the new name is that it derives from the Spanish word viuda, which translates to widow. The town had gained a reputation as a popular eating and rest stop for rail travelers. The name may refer to a pair of widows who cooked at the Carrington Hotel in the 1880s.
Now, due to the growth “big tech” has brought to the Austin area, Buda has become a quiet escape from the noise of the big city. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do around town.
Outdoor Adventure
With 14 parks, more parks than any other Texas city per capita, Buda is known as the Outdoor Capital of Texas.
While several of the parks have the standard playscape, the Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park offers several ramps and rails for skaters young and old to enjoy.
The Buda Sportsplex is home to multiple baseball diamonds and Historic Stagecoach Park offers hike and bike trails, fire rings, and much more. The crown jewel of Buda’s parks is the Buda Amphitheater & City Park.
Located just behind downtown, this 59-acre park has a splash pad, a playground with a rock-climbing wall, a covered pavilion with basketball hoops, and of course, the amphitheater that plays host to several live concerts and events throughout the year.
For more Park information see Buda Parks & Recreation.
Events
Buda’s most beloved festival is the Buda Lion’s Club Wiener Dog Races. Since its inception 25 years ago, this festival has brought thousands of dachshunds and their owners to Buda to race and enjoy local craft and food vendors. There is even a dog parade through downtown where owners dress their pups up in costumes!
The newest Buda festival, Buda’s Birthday, is rooted in history as it marks the city’s founding 141 years ago on April 1, 1881. The festival is held the first weekend of April annually and this year’s inaugural celebration will feature a carnival, live music, craft and food vendors, and a parade through downtown.
Red, White, and Buda is the city’s fourth of July bash. This event features a bicycle parade through downtown and live music at the amphitheater. The night ends with a fireworks display over the park.
Buda’s longest-running festival, Budafest, is the city’s holiday celebration. This weekend-long festival starts with the holiday tree lighting on Friday night surrounded by an ornament market. Saturday starts with a carnival and craft vendors in City Park all day followed by a night parade featuring lighted floats and of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause.
Arts & Culture
Inspired Minds Art Center, located in the center of downtown Buda, provides high-quality, multi-media art instruction classes for all ages taught by local artists and artisans and provides studio workspace and gallery space for the display and sale of local artwork.
Visit The Carrington event space on Main Street and pose for a picture in front of their chalk wall, a mural designed by local artists that changes monthly. Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery, located in the Buda Mill and Grain retail market, brings fine art to the town by featuring handmade works of art made by living American artists.
Explore the City
Buda’s historic downtown district is home to several restaurants, bars, and businesses. You can sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy a drink at Nate’s Coffee & Cocktails or sip on a glass of wine at Water 2 Wine.
Savor an elevated dining experience at Los Olivos Market, a restaurant and bar specializing in family-style dishes, or Mudbugs, a New Orleans-inspired cajun restaurant.
Stroll through Main Street and shop at Buda’s Red Door, a small boutique specializing in women’s clothing and accessories, or the Old Town Buda Antique Mall, a treasure trove of vintage furniture, memorabilia, collectibles, and more.
The Cigar Vault is a historic bank vault filled with hand-selected cigars and live music every weekend. Willie’s Joint is a locals paradise with weekly blues night and karaoke, plus games like chicken poop bingo and washer tournaments.
Along the IH35 corridor are several restaurants and bars, including Growler Express, a locally owned craft beer fill station specializing in Texas beers.
Mavericks Dance Hall is perfect for special events and concerts, plus it features a cozy backyard bar with yard games and food trucks.
Cabelas is filled with all the outdoor gear your inner wanderer desires from camping to hunting. Come for the indoor exhibits showcasing both exotic and local taxidermy, the gun gallery or the aquarium with Texas-sized catfish.
Pinballz Kingdom features all the classic and modern arcade games you love, but piles on the fun by adding a full restaurant, 3 bars, outdoor attractions, live music, and more.
On the East side of IH35 is Doc’s Drive-In, a quaint, family-friendly classic drive-in where you can catch a film or even rent one of their mini cabins to stay overnight.
On the West side of town, you can grab a drink and listen to live music at Buck’s Backyard almost any day of the week.
Or visit Proof Liquor & Deli for a wide array of award-winning wines, craft beers, specialty liquors, and delectable deli foods.