Ultimate Dallas Weekend Itinerary for Red River Rivalry 2025

Planning your trip to Dallas for the Red River Rivalry 2025? We’ve created the perfect weekend itinerary that balances football festivities with Dallas’s best attractions, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re a Texas fan, Oklahoma supporter, or just a college football enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your October 2025 weekend.

Quick Overview

Game Day: Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM CT

Suggested Trip Duration:

Option 1 (Weekend Only): Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12
Option 2 (Extended): Thursday, October 9 - Monday, October 13

This guide focuses on the standard weekend trip (Friday arrival through Sunday departure).

Friday, October 10th: Arrival Day

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Airport Arrival & Transportation

Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)

DART Orange Line to Fair Park ($3-6, 45 minutes)
Uber/Lyft to downtown ($25-35, 30-40 minutes)
Rental Car - Consider parking costs ($20-30/day downtown)

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

DART Orange Line requires transfer
Uber/Lyft to downtown ($20-30, 20-30 minutes)

Hotel Check-in (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

Recommended Areas:

Downtown Dallas - Walking distance to bars/restaurants
Deep Ellum - Entertainment district, nightlife hub
Uptown - Upscale dining and shopping
Fair Park Area - Closest to stadium (limited options)

Lunch (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Texas Fans Spot:

Twin Peaks - Downtown

Address: 1600 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201
Why: 30+ TVs, game-day atmosphere, reasonable prices
Must-try: Bone-in wings, beer selection

Oklahoma Fans Spot:

The Rustic - Uptown

Address: 3656 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Why: Outdoor space, live music, great for group gatherings
Must-try: Brisket tacos, local beer selection

Afternoon Activities (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

Option 1: Football History

College Football Hall of Fame (if open)

Check for special Red River Rivalry exhibits
Great for football enthusiasts
Allow 2-3 hours

Option 2: Dallas Sightseeing

Reunion Tower

360-degree views of Dallas
GeO-Deck observation deck
Perfect for photos and city orientation
Cost: $18-24 per person

Option 3: Shopping

NorthPark Center

High-end shopping destination
Art installations throughout
Great for killing time before dinner

Dinner (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

For Large Groups:

Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum)

Address: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Cuisine: Texas BBQ
Price: $$ ($25-40 per person)
Reservations: Essential for groups
Signature: Brisket, ribs, beef ribs

For Texas Fans:

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse (Downtown)

Address: 702 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75202
Cuisine: Texas Steakhouse
Price: $$$ ($40-70 per person)
Atmosphere: Classic Texas vibe, great for pre-game rituals

For Oklahoma Fans:

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (Stockyards - Fort Worth)

Address: 2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Note: 45-minute drive, but worth it for Oklahoma fans
Cuisine: Steakhouse (Oklahoma-style)
Price: $$$ ($35-60 per person)

Evening Entertainment (8:30 PM - 11:00 PM)

Texas Fans Headquarters:

The Nodding Donkey (Uptown)

Address: 3406 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Why: Texas alumni hangout, great patio, college football atmosphere
Drink specials: Texas-themed cocktails
Crowd: Mix of locals and visiting fans

Oklahoma Fans Headquarters:

Stadium Club (Galleria Area)

Address: 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240
Why: Known Oklahoma fan gathering spot
Features: Multiple TVs, game replays, fan camaraderie
Note: Short Uber ride from downtown

Neutral Territory:

Concrete Cowboy (Uptown)

Address: 2802 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Why: Mechanical bull, country music, great for mingling
Price: $$$
Music: Live country band

Saturday, October 11th: GAME DAY!

Early Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Breakfast Options:

For the Early Birds:

Whataburger (Multiple locations) - Texas classic
Waffle House (Multiple locations) - Southern tradition
Local Coffee Shop: Ascension Coffee (Design District) - Great coffee, pastries

Pre-Game Prep:

Finalize transportation to Cotton Bowl
Check weather (October Dallas: 60-80°F typically)
Charge phones and bring portable chargers
Apply sunscreen (stadium is partially uncovered)

Morning Pre-Game (9:00 AM - 11:30 AM)

Option 1: State Fair Experience

Texas State Fair Grounds

Entry: Fair admission required separate from game ticket ($18-25)
Must-See:
- Big Tex - Iconic 55-foot cowboy statue
- Fletcher’s Corny Dogs - The original and best
- Car Show - Classic car exhibition
- Livestock Barns - Texas agricultural heritage

Option 2: Tailgating District

Fair Park Parking Lots

Texas Lots: Sections 5-8 (Orange decor)
Oklahoma Lots: Sections 12-15 (Crimson decor)
What to Expect:
- BBQ grills, cornhole, music
- Fan traditions and rituals
- Family-friendly atmosphere (until noon)

Option 3: Bars Near Stadium

Local Favorites:

Adair’s Saloon (Deep Ellum) - Historic Dallas bar
Twilite Lounge (Deep Ellum) - Live music, dive bar atmosphere
Ship’s Lounge (Lakewood) - Local dive, strong drinks

Stadium Entry (11:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Security Tips:

Clear bag policy enforced strictly
Arrive early - Long security lines expected
Entry gates: Open 2 hours before kickoff (around 12:30 PM for 2:30 PM kickoff)
Prohibited items: Outside food/drink, cameras with professional lenses

Inside Cotton Bowl:

Find your section early (stadium can be confusing)
Locate restrooms and concessions
Take photos before crowds arrive
Visit team stores for last-minute merchandise

Game Time (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

Essential Game Day Tips:

Stay hydrated - Beer lines are long, bring water
Sun protection - Even in October, Texas sun is strong
Noise level - Bring earplugs for sensitive fans
Seat cushions - Bleacher seats are hard metal

Cotton Bowl Food Options:

Classic: Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts
Texas: BBQ sandwiches, brisket nachos
Local: Corny dogs, funnel cakes
Prices: $8-15 per item, expect high costs

Post-Game (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Immediate Aftermath:

Exit strategy: Leave 10 minutes before game ends to avoid crowds
Meeting point: Pre-arranged spot if separating from group
Transportation: Uber prices surge 2-3x immediately post-game

Victory Celebrations:

If Texas Wins:

The Rustic (Uptown) - Large outdoor space
Bottle & Bone (Design District) - Upscale celebration
Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill (Addison) - Dallas favorite

If Oklahoma Wins:

The Pour House (Addison) - Oklahoma-friendly crowd
Shenanigans (Addison) - Sports bar atmosphere
Local pubs in Plano area (strong OU alumni presence)

For Neutral Fans:

Klyde Warren Park - Food trucks, outdoor activities
Trinity Groves - Restaurant district with options for everyone
Deep Ellum - Continue the party in entertainment district

Evening Recovery (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

Casual Dinner:

Pappasito’s Cantina (Multiple locations)

Tex-Mex favorite, consistent quality
Can accommodate large groups
Full bar available

Late Night:

Lower Greenville Avenue

Multiple bars within walking distance
Live music venues
Late-night food options

Sunday, October 12th: Recovery Day

Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

Recovery Breakfast:

For the Hungover:

Snooze AM Eatery (Uptown) - Potentially long waits
Bubba’s Cooks Country (Multiple locations) - Southern comfort food
The Original Pancake House (Multiple locations) - Classic recovery spot

For the Early Departures:

Hotel breakfast - Quick and efficient
Starbucks - Coffee and pastries for the road
Fast food - Quick airport/downtown access

Late Morning Activities (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Option 1: Cultural Dallas

Dallas Museum of Art

Free general admission
Excellent collection, peaceful environment
Good for quiet reflection after game day

Option 2: Outdoor Recovery

Katy Trail

Urban walking/biking trail
Great for walking off game day indulgence
Scenic route through Dallas neighborhoods

Option 3: Shopping

Galleria Dallas

Indoor mall, ice skating rink
Last-minute souvenir shopping
Climate-controlled comfort

Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)

For Departing Groups:

Yard House (Multiple locations)

Extensive menu, good for groups
Reliable quality, efficient service
Multiple locations across Dallas

For Lingering Fans:

HG Sply Co. (Lower Greenville)

Healthy-ish options to recover from weekend indulgence
Great patio for people-watching
Local Dallas favorite

Afternoon Departure (2:30 PM+)

Airport Transportation:

Allow 2+ hours for DFW, 1.5 hours for DAL
Post-Game Sunday Traffic: Expect delays on highways
Uber/Lyft: Still surge pricing but lower than Saturday

Last-Minute Dallas:

Dallas Love Field - Close to downtown, easier for departures
Souvenir shopping - Airport options or quick stops
One last Texas/ Oklahoma meal if time permits

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Budget Option ($250-350)

Hotel: Hostel or budget hotel ($80-120/night)
Food: Fast food + casual dining ($50-70/day)
Entertainment: Free activities + bar cover charges ($20-30)
Transportation: Public transit + walking ($30-40)
Game: Standing room only tickets ($100-150)

Mid-Range Option ($400-600)

Hotel: 3-star hotel downtown ($150-250/night)
Food: Mix of casual and mid-range restaurants ($80-120/day)
Entertainment: Attractions + nightlife ($50-80)
Transportation: Mix of rideshare and public transit ($60-80)
Game: Decent stadium seats ($150-250)

Luxury Option ($700-1000+)

Hotel: 4-5 star hotel ($300-500/night)
Food: Upscale dining experiences ($150-250/day)
Entertainment: Premium experiences, private events ($100-200)
Transportation: Private car service ($150-200)
Game: Premium seats with hospitality ($300-500)

Pro Tips for the Perfect Weekend

Booking Tips:

Book 6+ months ahead for best hotel rates
Saturday flights are 40-60% more expensive
Stay Monday if possible for better flight deals
Package deals sometimes available through alumni associations

Money-Saving Strategies:

State Fair combo tickets save $10-15
Public transit day passes are economical
Happy hour specials at bars (4-7 PM)
Group dining often includes automatic gratuity

Safety Tips:

Stick with your group at night
Designate meeting points if separated
Keep phones charged and portable chargers handy
Stay aware of surroundings in crowded areas

Weather Contingencies:

If it rains:

Bring ponchos (stadium doesn’t have much cover)
Indoor backup activities: Museums, shopping centers
Covered bars with good atmospheres

If it’s unusually hot:

Hydrate frequently
Seek air-conditioned spaces between activities
Modify outdoor activities for early morning/evening

Making the Most of Your Red River Rivalry Weekend

This itinerary balances football passion with Dallas’s incredible offerings. The Red River Rivalry is more than just a game – it’s a cultural experience that brings together two passionate fan bases in one of America’s most vibrant cities.

Key to Success:

Plan ahead but stay flexible – The best moments often happen spontaneously
Embrace the rivalry – The back-and-forth between fans is part of the fun
Experience Dallas – Don’t just stick to football-only activities
Make memories – This weekend will be talked about for years to come

Whether you’re watching Texas burn orange or Oklahoma crimson, Dallas provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable college football weekend. The combination of world-class barbecue, passionate fans, historic State Fair traditions, and gridiron excellence creates an experience unlike any other in sports.

Hook ‘em or Boomer Sooner – enjoy every moment!

Looking for more specific information? Check out our other Red River Rivalry guides: