Every fall, the State Fair of Texas turns Dallas into a playground of flavor — and during the OU vs. Texas weekend, that energy reaches its peak. Sure, the Sooners and Longhorns face off at the Cotton Bowl, but the real action happens outside the stadium, where deep-fried creativity, smoky barbecue, and sweet fair treats steal the show.
The Fair Before the Football
Before kickoff, Fair Park is already buzzing. You’ll smell the buttery air before you even spot Big Tex. Fans in crimson and burnt orange line up for classic favorites like Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, turkey legs, and fried Oreos long before the first whistle blows.
Even if you’re not there for the game, this is Dallas’ biggest food festival disguised as a football weekend. Vendors unveil new Big Tex Choice Award creations every year, pushing the limits of what can be deep-fried — think Texas-style pho, fried lasagna rolls, or even cotton candy burritos.
This year’s Red River Showdown kicks off on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM, but most locals will tell you: come early, eat often, and bring stretchy pants.
A Deep-Fried Tradition
The State Fair of Texas has been serving up wild, over-the-top food since the 1800s, and today it’s a competition as fierce as the game itself. While one half of the Cotton Bowl roars for Texas and the other for Oklahoma, everyone unites over the smell of fryers sizzling in the background.
Don’t leave without trying these crowd favorites:
Fried butter – outrageously rich, but a rite of passage.
Texas Twister fries – crispy spirals with chili or cheese sauce.
Brisket empanadas – smoky, savory, and pure Dallas fusion.
Cheesecake on a stick – because dessert at the fair deserves drama.
Locals often skip the game altogether just to eat, people-watch, and wander through the fairgrounds with lemonade in hand. The food itself has become part of the city’s cultural identity — a reminder that in Dallas, flavor is as important as football.
Where to Eat and Wander
Fair Park is divided into zones of flavor. Near the Cotton Bowl, you’ll find the Tower Building Food Court serving fair staples and fan favorites. Over by Chevrolet Park Plaza, the food gets experimental, with the year’s newest Big Tex Award winners and limited-edition fried surprises.
Need a break from the crowds? Grab a shaded spot by the Midway, where you can enjoy barbecue sandwiches, Tex-Mex plates, and loaded nachos while live bands play nearby. For a local sip, check out the Texas Wine Garden or Craft Beer Terrace, both perfect for pairing with all those fried indulgences.
Getting There and Making It Count
If you’re planning to go, arrive early and hungry. Parking fills up fast, so hop on the DART Green Line to Fair Park Station for the smoothest trip. Once inside, follow your senses — the smell of smoked meats and cinnamon sugar will lead you to something worth trying.
Between bites, enjoy a few classic fair experiences: ride the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, visit the creative arts exhibits, or stop by a livestock show to see the roots of Texas agriculture (and maybe the next barbecue inspiration).
Beyond the Fair: Taste Dallas After the Game
When the crowd leaves the Cotton Bowl and the fair lights start to dim, your food journey doesn’t have to end. Dallas is packed with incredible local restaurants that carry the same energy — bold flavors, diverse influences, and a deep love of Southern comfort.
If you want to keep tasting your way through the city, join Incloodie Food Tour for a local-led exploration of Dallas’ best eats. From soulful neighborhood spots to modern global kitchens, the tours capture the heart of Dallas through the food that defines it — no game ticket required.
Experience the Best of Dallas This Fair Season
The OU vs. Texas game might be the centerpiece of the State Fair, but it’s only one part of what makes October in Dallas unforgettable. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, people-watching outside the Cotton Bowl, or sampling your way through the fairgrounds, this weekend is a celebration of everything that makes Dallas feel alive.
After the game, keep that spirit going with a local food adventure. Book a tour with Incloodie Food Tour and experience the other side of Dallas — one that’s full of flavor, stories, and local pride. Because here, the food is just as legendary as the football.