The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) has officially named the city's giant wiener dog sculpture “Beaūty” following a community naming contest that drew more than 1,700 votes and submissions. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Buda City Park in Historic Downtown Buda, where giant letters spelling “BEAUTY” and party poppers welcomed the sculpture's new identity.
The 19-foot-long, 10-foot-tall, and 5-foot-wide sculpture was originally unveiled on October 10, 2026, as part of the Buda EDC's 25th anniversary celebration. Created in partnership with the Buda EDC Board of Directors, Buda City Council, and Austin-based public art studio Art Seen Alliance, Beaūty is constructed from more than 400 individual pieces of Cor-Ten weathering steel, giving it a distinctive rust-toned finish. The sculpture serves as a permanent tribute to Buda's affection for dachshunds and its reputation as the “Wiener Dog Capital of Texas.”
“Beaūty is more than a name for our newest landmark. It reflects the personality, creativity, and community spirit that make Buda such a special place,” said John M. Costilla, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Buda EDC. “We wanted our residents to be part of this story, and the tremendous participation in the naming process shows just how much pride people take in our community.”
The name “Beaūty” emerged from a community-driven initiative that included social media engagement and an Election Day voting poll. The most popular names were presented to the Buda EDC Board of Directors, which approved the final selection.
Beyond celebrating local heritage, the sculpture represents a creative approach to economic development. Located in Buda City Park, just minutes from Interstate 35, Beaūty offers a free photo opportunity and aims to encourage travelers along the I-35 corridor to stop in Buda, visit locally owned shops and restaurants, and explore the city's historic downtown, parks, live music, and community events.
“Economic development is also about creating memorable experiences that bring people together and encourage visitors to discover what our community has to offer,” Costilla added. “Beaūty gives us another opportunity to showcase Buda, support our local businesses, and invite people to spend time exploring our city.”
The sculpture joins other community attractions that celebrate Buda's unique identity while supporting the Buda EDC's broader efforts to strengthen the local economy through tourism, arts, entertainment, and business development. The Buda EDC is promoting the landmark with the playful message: “Life is short. Beaūty's long.”
Beaūty also ties into Buda's long-standing tradition of wiener dog races, which began in 1997 as a fundraiser for the Buda Lions Club and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in April 2027. The sculpture gives that tradition a year-round presence in the heart of Buda.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Beaūty at Buda City Park, take photographs, and share their experiences on social media. Admission is free. For more information about Buda's economic development initiatives and community attractions, visit www.budaedc.com.
