Some traditions are worth the drive, and Red River Rivalry weekend is one of them. This October I headed up to Dallas with two of my favorite people for Texas vs. OU at the Cotton Bowl, right in the middle of the State Fair of Texas. One big Texas weekend, and more fried food than I will admit to.
We Rooted for the Longhorns
There was never a question which side of the stadium we were sitting on. We rooted for the Longhorns, burnt orange head to toe. My mom got her law degree at UT (the University of Texas), so this game means a lot in our family, and sharing it with these two made it extra special.
The Cotton Bowl is split right down the 50-yard line, burnt orange on one side and crimson on the other, and the noise when you walk in is something you feel in your chest. Texas and Oklahoma have played this game in Dallas during the State Fair since 1929, and at the Cotton Bowl since 1932.
This year's game on Saturday, October 10, 2026 came down to the very last second. Texas came in ranked No. 1 and led 17-7 at halftime, but Oklahoma came back and won 27-24 on a 47-yard field goal as time expired. We might have lost, but we had the best time.
The Best Part: The State Fair of Texas Is Right There
What makes this game different from any other is that the Cotton Bowl sits inside Fair Park, so the State Fair of Texas is all around you. You walk out of the stadium and you are surrounded by the midway, the music and Big Tex, all 55 feet of him, saying "Howdy, folks!" The 2026 fair ran September 25 through October 18.
A few things we loved:
- Big Tex. You have to get the photo. It is the law.
- The Texas Star. The giant Ferris wheel is 212 feet tall and lights up the whole midway.
- All the tailgating promos. Booths, giveaways, games and music everywhere you turned, which made the walk to the game half the fun.
- People watching. Half the crowd is in burnt orange and half is in crimson, and everyone is in a good mood once the corny dogs come out.
Yes, We Got a Corny Dog
You cannot go to the State Fair and skip a corny dog. That first bite with a stripe of mustard is pure Texas nostalgia. This year Fletcher's, the original fair corny dog, even won the Big Tex Choice Award for Best Sweet with a chocolate corny dog filled with milk chocolate fudge, but for me the classic is still the one to beat.
Tips If You Want to Go Next Year
- Plan early. Game tickets and Dallas hotels go fast for this weekend.
- Wear comfy shoes. Between the fair and the stadium you will walk for miles.
- Pick your colors. Burnt orange or crimson, there is no neutral at the Cotton Bowl.
- Save room. Fair food is the main event for a lot of people. Check the State Fair of Texas website for next year's dates and tickets.
Coming Home to Fredericksburg
As fun as Dallas was, there is nothing like driving back into the Hill Country. Fredericksburg has plenty of Longhorn fans (and a few brave Sooners), and on game days you will find them watching together all over town. My husband David's go-to is Witcher Brewing, with its big lawn and that huge pretzel. You can find more of our favorite spots in my guide to where to eat and drink in Fredericksburg.
That is one of the things I love about living here. You can make the big Texas trips, then come home to a small town where you run into friends on Main Street the next morning. If you are thinking about making Fredericksburg home, my local's guide to moving to Fredericksburg is a great place to start, and you can browse our Fredericksburg neighborhoods any time. As a local REALTOR®, I would love to help you find your spot when you are ready.
