Del Rio
Around Del Rio
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Town and around · Texas · 47k people
Del Rio
“Gateway to Mexico”
Where the river meets the desert
burnt orangedeep bluedark red
Welcome to Del Rio, where the Rio Grande meets the desert and the lake is always calling. Whether you're here for the fishing, the history, or just passing through, you'll find a friendly border town with a big heart. Come say hi at the springs or grab a taco downtown.
Clubs for Del Rio
No clubs for Del Rio yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Del Rio. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Del Rio. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Lake Amistad Huge binational reservoir for fishing, boating, and water sports.
- Caverns of Sonora Spectacular limestone caverns with guided tours.
- Border crossing to Ciudad Acuña Pedestrian and vehicle bridge to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico.
- Laughlin Air Force Base Active Air Force base and local employer.
- Historic downtown Del Rio Old buildings, shops, and the 1880s courthouse.
- San Felipe Springs Natural springs feeding a creek, a popular local park.
- Outdoors Fishing on Lake Amistad
- Outdoors Boating and water skiing
- With kids Picnic at San Felipe Park
- With kids Visit the Whitehead Memorial Museum
- Evenings Live music at local dance halls
- Evenings Border bars in Ciudad Acuña
- Locals love Fishing spots
- Locals love Swimming holes
Through the year
- Val Verde County Fair September Annual fair with rodeo, livestock shows, and carnival rides.
- Sonora Lamb & Goat Cookoff April Competitive cooking event celebrating local lamb and goat dishes.
- Amistad Bass Classic March Popular bass fishing tournament on Lake Amistad.
- Fourth of July Fireworks at Lake Amistad July Fireworks display over the lake with family activities.
- Del Rio Rodeo October Rodeo events held in conjunction with the county fair.
Semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities.
Talk like a local
- “Acuña”
- Ciudad Acuña, the Mexican border town across the bridge.
- “the lake”
- Lake Amistad, the main recreation spot.
- “the bridge”
- The international bridge to Mexico.
- “the base”
- Laughlin Air Force Base.
Getaways
- San Antonio River Walk, Alamo, and vibrant city life.
- Fredericksburg Hill Country town with wineries and boutiques.
- Kerrville Guadalupe River, parks, and music.
- Uvalde Garner State Park and Frio River tubing.
Local flavour
Rooting for San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns
Eat and drink
- Cabrito Roasted goat, a border specialty
- Barbacoa Slow-cooked beef, often for weekend breakfast
- Tamales Corn dough wrapped in husks, a holiday staple
- Queso flameado Melted cheese with peppers, served with tortillas
Where people go
- Lake Amistad A vast reservoir for fishing, boating, and swimming
- Caverns of Sonora A spectacular limestone cave system in nearby Sonora
- Border crossing to Ciudad Acuña A vital link to Mexico, shaping daily life and culture
- Laughlin Air Force Base A major pilot‑training base, a key part of the community
- Historic downtown Del Rio Old‑style buildings and a traditional plaza
Heritage and traditions
Del Rio is proud of its deep border heritage, the natural oasis of San Felipe Springs, and its long history as a ranching and military community, where Mexican and American cultures blend seamlessly.
This time of year in Del Rio
- Fall hunting Fall Deer and quail hunting are popular in the surrounding ranchlands.
Say it like a local: “Y'all” — You all, a Southern plural.
Festivals
- Fiesta del Rio September Community celebration with parade, music, and food.
- Dia de los Muertos November Altars and processions honoring the departed.
- Las Posadas December Nightly processions reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
- Cinco de Mayo May Celebration of Mexican heritage with music and dance.
Landmarks with a story
- Val Verde Winery Oldest continuously operating winery in Texas, founded in 1883.
Food traditions
- Pan de campo Cowboy bread cooked over coals, a ranching staple.
- Migas Scrambled eggs with tortilla chips, a Tex-Mex breakfast.
- Nopalitos Grilled or pickled cactus pads, a Mexican staple.
- Sopaipillas Fried pastries with honey, served at celebrations.
- Agua frescas Fresh fruit drinks like horchata and tamarindo, popular in summer.
Music and arts
- Tejano music A blend of Mexican and American styles, popular in the region.
- Conjunto music Accordion-based music with a strong local following.
- Border murals Colorful murals depicting the region's history and culture.
- Ballet Folklórico Traditional Mexican folk dance performed at local celebrations.
A little history
- 1850s Del Rio founded at the site of San Felipe Springs.
- 1883 Val Verde Winery established by Italian immigrants.
- 1953 Laughlin Air Force Base opened.
- 1969 Amistad Dam completed, creating Lake Amistad.
Rivalries
- Del Rio Rams vs. Eagle Pass Eagles High school football rivalry that draws big crowds.
- Del Rio vs. Uvalde Friendly competition in basketball and football.
- Laughlin AFB vs. local teams Softball and flag football games between base and town.
- Game day Friday night lights
- Game day Bass fishing tournaments
- Outdoors Hunting
- Outdoors Off-roading
- With kids Visiting the Val Verde Winery
- With kids Crossing the border to Ciudad Acuña
Residents speak a mix of English and Spanish, often switching between the two. The accent is Texan with Spanish influences, and common phrases include '¿Qué pasó?' for 'What's up?' and 'Órale' for 'okay'.
Only here
- San Felipe Springs are one of the largest natural springs in Texas, producing millions of gallons a day.
- Home to the oldest continuously operating winery in Texas.
- The border crossing to Ciudad Acuña is a major point of cultural exchange.
- Laughlin Air Force Base is a key pilot training base.
New here? A few tips
- Learn basic Spanish; it's widely spoken and appreciated.
- Be prepared for hot summers; stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
- Visit the Val Verde Winery for a taste of local history.
- Take a trip across the border to Ciudad Acuña (bring your passport).
- Get a fishing license and try your luck on Lake Amistad.
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Nearby
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Del Rio, TX. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.