Experience Dallas
Texas–OU Weekend in Dallas: Your Weekend Game Plan
October 9–11, 2026
Dallas, Texas. Consider this your weekend game plan.
Every October, Texas–OU weekend brings a little extra energy to Dallas. Burnt orange and crimson fill the city, friends reunite, and the Red River Rivalry turns a Saturday at the Cotton Bowl into a full weekend of festivities.
Whether you’re heading to the game, finding your people at a watch party, or coming for the State Fair food and atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to join in. From Friday pep rallies to Saturday’s big screens and postgame celebrations, here’s where to make a weekend of it.
Looking for more places to settle in and watch? Explore our LOVE List: Where to Watch the Game for more Dallas favorites, this weekend and throughout football season.
🏈 The Main Event: Texas vs. Oklahoma
Saturday, October 10 | Cotton Bowl | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
The Red River Rivalry is the reason for the weekend: Texas and Oklahoma meeting at the Cotton Bowl in the middle of the State Fair of Texas.
For those going to the game, leave time to enjoy the fairgrounds before kickoff. For everyone else, the festivities extend well beyond the stadium.
🎡 State Fair of Texas: No Game Ticket? Still Go.
Saturday, October 10 | Fair Park
Texas Sized Tailgate: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
You don’t need a football ticket to enjoy the State Fair—or the rivalry-weekend atmosphere. Come for the food, wander the Midway, catch some entertainment, and make a day of it.
Start at the Texas Sized Tailgate, hosted by the Dallas Texas Exes inside Gate 5, between the African American Museum and Magnolia Beer Garden. Expect live music, a DJ, and food available from TacoDeli and Dickey’s BBQ, with drinks purchased separately.
And at halftime? Fletcher’s Corny Dog stand is the place to be. Consider it your Dallas Curated meeting-point recommendation.
Good to know: Fair admission is required. Food and drinks are purchased separately. Fair admission does not include entry to the football game.
Plan your State Fair visit · Texas Sized Tailgate details
🤘 Friday Kickoff: Bash Before the Clash
Friday, October 9 | 6–10 p.m. | Klyde Warren Park
Start the weekend with live music, vendors, and a Texas-sized dose of school spirit. The Dallas Texas Exes’ Bash Before the Clash culminates in the Beat OU pep rally, giving Longhorn fans a place to gather before Saturday’s showdown.
The event is free and open to all ages, with optional paid VIP experiences. Proceeds support scholarships.
Why this: A Friday outing for families, visiting friends, and anyone ready to pull out the burnt orange.
⭕ For Sooner Fans: Beat Texas Pep Rally
Friday evening, October 9 | Renaissance Dallas Addison | $25 individual tickets
Oklahoma fans have their own Friday tradition. The OU Club of Dallas advertises appearances by the Pride of Oklahoma, Spirit Squad, Ruf/Neks, and Sooner Schooner for its Beat Texas pep rally.
Tickets are open to everyone, so you don’t need to be an OU graduate to join the crimson-and-cream crowd.
Good to know: The organizer’s page lists conflicting start times of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Confirm the arrival time when booking.
📺 Happiest Hour: The Big Watch Party
Saturday, October 10 | Doors at 10 a.m. | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
$25 general admission
Happiest Hour brings the rivalry to its outdoor patio and lawn, with a jumbo screen and outdoor TVs for catching the action.
General admission includes the pregame party and watch party, making this an option for a crew that wants to arrive early and make a full day of it.
Good to know: Table reservations are sold out. General admission is for patio and lawn viewing.
Event details and general admission tickets
🍻 Over Under: Game Day at The Village
Saturday, October 10 | Doors at 11 a.m. | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
Free entry
Over Under’s watch party includes big screens on both floors, food and beverage specials, and DJs before the game, at halftime, and afterward.
It’s an easy choice for a group looking to combine football with an afternoon out.
Good to know: Free underground garage parking is available. Groups of eight or more can contact the venue about advance table bookings.
🍺 Community Beer Co.: A Full Weekend of Rivalry
Friday, October 9 | Live music from 6–9 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
No cover
Community starts the weekend with Friday live music, then turns its attention to Texas–OU on Saturday.
The watch party promises game sound on, a full game-day food menu, and beer, wine, and cocktails. Come Friday for the music or Saturday to follow every play.
Why this: A brewery option with food and drinks for more than just the beer lovers in your group.
🌆 AT&T Discovery District: Go Big Downtown
Saturday, October 10 | 2:30–6 p.m.
For a Downtown backdrop, head to the AT&T Discovery District, where Texas–OU will be shown on the plaza’s 104-foot media wall.
Bring your school colors and watch one of college football’s signature rivalries on a screen that matches the occasion.
🏊 Virgin Hotels Dallas: The Pool Club
Saturday, October 10 | Check-in at 1:30 p.m. | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
Free RSVP | Ages 21+ | VIP rentals available
The Pool Club offers a hotel setting for game day, with indoor viewing and the option to spend some time by the pool.
Good to know: The game will be shown inside the bar only, with seating first come, first served. The outdoor pool deck remains open for swimming but will not have TVs.
Event details and reservations
🧡 Longhorn Icehouse: Watch With the Texas Exes
Saturday, October 10 | Seating begins at 12:30 p.m. | Kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
Free watch party | RSVP encouraged
For those who want to watch surrounded by fellow Longhorns, the Dallas Texas Exes gathering at Longhorn Icehouse is a straightforward choice.
Arrive early, bring your complete group, and get ready to cheer.
Good to know: Big-screen seating is first come, first served, even with an RSVP. Your full group must be present to be seated.
🎶 Beyond Dallas: Legacy Hall’s Postgame Party
Saturday evening, October 10 | Plano | Event listed for 7–10 p.m.
Keep the weekend going with Legacy Hall’s Texas–OU afterparty featuring Jon Wolfe and the Chris Stapleton tribute Texas, Whiskey, And You.
For country music fans, this is a reason to make the postgame plan part of the day.
Good to know: Check the concert listing for ticket options and the final performance schedule.
Find Your Game-Day Spot
A pep rally on Friday. A corn dog at halftime. Your friends gathered around a big screen. However you spend Texas–OU weekend, Dallas gives you plenty of ways to take part.
For more favorites beyond this weekend’s special events, explore the LOVE List: Where to Watch the Game.
Pick your side, find your people, and enjoy a Dallas tradition…worth sharing.
All times are Central. Event details, pricing, and availability may change; check the linked organizers before heading out.
Written and curated by Shay Lary
Global Real Estate Advisor, Christie’s International Real Estate | Lone Star