Texas-OU Weekend Itinerary
Come to Dallas for the Red River Showdown, stay for the arts, entertainment and fried food.
Every October, hordes of football fans descend on Dallas to watch the AT&T Red River Showdown – the annual football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The storied rivalry game has been held at the Cotton Bowl every second Saturday in October since 1934 (except 2018). But whether you're here to cheer Boomer! or Hook 'em! we've got more than just the game to keep you entertained while in Dallas.
Watch Parties
Tickets to the popular game sell out fast. If you couldn't score a pair, don't sweat it. Sports bars and restaurants around town host watch parties to ensure fans like you don't miss a minute of the action.
Happiest Hour
The bi-level Happiest Hour bar is excellent for watching the game with friends or family. During the three-day rivalry weekend, you can expect plenty of live music, dancing, food, drinks, games, and of course, college football across 30 HD TVs.
Henderson Tap House
It doesn't get any better for OU fans than Henderson Tap House and their legendary wood fire pizzas. As the official watch party home of the OU Club of Dallas, you'll feel right at home. Henderson's boasts an extra-large covered patio, 7000-square-foot bar and TVs everywhere you look. Oh, and they serve beer, too.
Longhorn Icehouse
Don't worry, Texas fans. You've got a place to call your own, too. Longhorn Icehouse is home to the official watch party of DallasTexasExes. Catch every pass, run, tackle and touchdown in high definition on one of 44 HD TVs and the 14-foot Jumbotron.
Jaxon Texas Kitchen and Beer Garden
With 27 TVs and a 16-foot media screen, Jaxon's indoor and outdoor space is neutral ground for fans from either side of the Red River. Get some of the best food from across the Lone Star State with elevated classic Southern dishes inspired by Texas cuisine. And with 34 local and regional craft beers on tap, you'll have plenty of choices to celebrate victory or drown your sorrows after the game.
Christie's Sports Bar
With 62 HD TVs, multiple projectors, and inspired specialty cocktails that'll help you forget if your team loses, Christie's is a sports fan's dream come to life. And don't forget about the flatbread pizzas, appetizers and burgers.
The Rustic
With annual festivities centered around each rivalry weekend, this Texas-proud live music venue, bar and restaurant will carry the party into the night and continue on Sunday when the bar opens for a hangover cure brunch.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you're visiting Big D for the game with kids in tow, you're in luck. Dallas has several family-friendly locations during the big weekend that parents will enjoy as much as their kids.
State Fair of Texas
Every year the Texas-OU weekend takes place smack-dab in the middle of the State Fair of Texas. Stick around after the game to gorge yourself on corny dogs, defy gravity on fair rides, play carnival games, catch a concert and explore the newest cars hitting the road next year. Check out the Big Tex Choice Awards to learn more about this year's savory and sweet finalists! And don't forget to wave hello to Big Tex while you are out there.
Dallas Arboretum
Enjoy the cooler temperatures and a pumpkin-spiced latte as you stroll through the 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash at the Dallas Arboretum's annual Autumn at the Arboretum.
Dallas Farmers Market
Go for the fresh, locally grown produce. Stay for the bakeries, restaurants, coffee, and boutiques. With more than 25 specialty booths, the 26,000-square-foot hall and artisanal vendor market has seating both inside and outside, so you can enjoy the Dallas skyline or watch other market-goers.
Soak Up Some Culture
Who says football and culture don't mix? Not us.
Dallas Museum of Art
Football-loving art lovers should make a bee-line to the Dallas Museum of Art after the big game to soak up art and culture from around the world. From permanent collections featuring relics from ancient worlds to modern art that inspires and confuses, the DMA has something for everyone.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Music and football have been intertwined from the very beginning, with marching bands entertaining the fans during halftime. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra lets you take your musical appreciation to a whole new level with classical and contemporary masterpieces performed every weekend, including rivalry weekend.
More Like This
6 Game Day Approved Hot Spots for Football Saturdays Near SMU
Whether you're popping in for a pre-game pint or settling in for an all-day tailgate, these watering holes are fan…
Gems You Can’t Miss in Fair Park/South Dallas
While the southern part of Dallas doesn't always get as much attention as others, it has rich culture, delicious food…
Fair Park
Home of the State Fair of Texas and the world's largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings, the 277-acre complex hosts more than 1,200 activities every year.
Weekend Picks