Buda Announces New Holiday Tradition Will Retain Name Of Budafest

“The Budafest celebration has been a part of our community going on thirty-eight years. It’s important that we honor the legacy that the previous Budafest Committee has worked so hard to build over the years,” said Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez.

Last month, it was announced that the City of Buda was gearing up for a new holiday festival that would replace the annual Budafest celebration. In the spirit of this time-honored tradition, we are proud to announce that the name Budafest will be talked about for many more years to come.

“The Budafest celebration has been a part of our community going on thirty-eight years. It’s important that we honor the legacy that the previous Budafest Committee has worked so hard to build over the years,” said Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez.  

The Budafest celebration will include the Brilliant Lights Parade and Downtown Lighting.  This lighted, nighttime parade goes directly through the heart of Downtown Buda. Watch as community organizations ride in their decorated floats that bring out the spirit of the holidays. The parade ends with a lighting ceremony where Santa Claus will count down with parade goers to “turn on” downtown and kick-off the beginning of the holidays in Buda, Texas.

Other Budafest activities include entertainment, food, carnival, and artisan vendors selling handcrafted items. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures with kids in the Downtown Gazebo.

Below are new activities we are adding this year:

• Snow Slide
  New this year, is our snow area with built-in snow slide. The snow slide will be located in Buda City Park. Come sled down the berm on snow and experience a winter tradition that doesn’t happen too often here in Texas!
• Artisan Workshop
  Festival goers can watch demonstrations and get a more hands-on holiday craft experience. More details to come.
• Reindog Parade
  The Reindog Parade will kick-off the second day of festivities. Dogs from all around will gather to trot down the street in their best holiday costumes and outfits.

For information on how to become a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer please go to our newly launched Budafest website at www.budafest.org

***The former Budafest Committee offered all 2016 vendors a $40 credit for the 2017 Budafest. The City will honor the $40 credit. The deadline to be a vendor is Nov. 17, 2017. *** 

TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE (The event times may be subject to change)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
12:00 PM: Festival and carnival grounds open to the public
12:00 PM – 6:30 PM: The following activities are open for the duration of the festival: craft and food vendors, kid’s activities area and Santa’s Artisan Workshop
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Snow slide in Buda City Park
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Lighted holiday parade with downtown lighting ceremony
8:00 PM – Festival grounds close to the public
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
10:00 PM: Carnival grounds close to the public

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
12:00 PM: Festival and carnival grounds open to the public
12:00 PM: Reindog parade
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: The following activities are open for the duration of the festival: craft and food vendors, kid’s activities area and Santa’s Artisan Workshop
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Snow slide in Buda City Park
5:00 PM – Festival grounds close to the public
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
10:00 PM: Carnival grounds close to the public