Guide

State Fair of Texas Food Guide: Must-Try Eats on Red River Rivalry Game Day

• Red River Rivalry Staff
#State Fair #Food #Game Day #Dallas #Traditions

One of the best parts of attending the Red River Rivalry? The State Fair of Texas food! Here’s your guide to the must-try eats on game day.

The Legendary Must-Haves

Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs

The #1 State Fair Food

  • Original corn dog since 1942
  • Crispy outside, juicy inside
  • Order with mustard (traditional) or ketchup
  • Multiple stands throughout the fair
  • Cost: $8-10
  • Lines: Can be long, worth the wait

Pro Tip: Get one before the game, one after!

Big Tex Choice Awards Winners

Every year, the fair crowns new creative foods. Recent winners include:

2024 Winners:

  • Fried Pickle Corn Dog - Genius combination
  • Buffalo Chicken Frito Pie - Texas meets Buffalo
  • Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Bacon - Don’t knock it till you try it

Hall of Fame Foods:

  • Fried Butter (2011)
  • Fried Beer (2010)
  • Chicken Fried Bacon (2008)

Classic Fair Foods

Sweet Treats

Funnel Cake

  • Crispy, powdered sugar heaven
  • Options: strawberries, chocolate, ice cream
  • Cost: $10-12
  • Best stand: Midway area

Deep-Fried Oreos

  • Warm, gooey cookies in funnel cake batter
  • Served with powdered sugar
  • Cost: $8-10
  • Best for: Dessert after the game

Texas-Sized Cinnamon Rolls

  • Bigger than your head
  • Fresh-baked daily
  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Cost: $12-15
  • Share: Definitely!

Savory Favorites

Turkey Leg

  • Massive, smoky, delicious
  • The ultimate game day protein
  • Cost: $15-18
  • Pro tip: Messy, bring napkins!

Frito Pie

  • Fritos, chili, cheese, onions
  • Texas in a bag
  • Cost: $8-10
  • Perfect for: Quick energy before game

Texas State Fair Burger

  • Half-pound patty
  • All the fixings
  • Bacon optional (but recommended)
  • Cost: $12-15

Game Day Strategy Foods

Pre-Game Fuel

Best Options 2-3 Hours Before Kickoff:

  1. Smoked Turkey Sandwich ($10-12)

    • Protein-rich
    • Not too heavy
    • Easy to eat while walking

  2. Chicken on a Stick ($8-10)

    • Grilled or fried
    • Hand-held
    • Filling but not overwhelming

  3. Corn on the Cob ($6-8)

    • Classic fair snack
    • Light and fresh
    • Multiple seasoning options

Halftime Snacks

Quick Bites to Grab:

  • Mini Donuts - Fast, sweet energy
  • Nachos - Classic stadium food
  • Pretzels - Salty and satisfying
  • Fresh Lemonade - Stay hydrated!

Post-Game Celebration

Victory (or Defeat) Foods:

  1. Fried Ice Cream ($8-10)

    • Celebrate or commiserate
    • Sweet comfort
    • Instagram-worthy

  2. BBQ Baked Potato ($10-12)

    • Loaded with everything
    • Hearty meal
    • Sit-down friendly

  3. Funnel Cake Supreme ($12-15)

    • Go all out
    • Ice cream, fruit, chocolate
    • Share with your crew

Deep-Fried Everything

The State Fair is famous for frying literally anything:

Current Deep-Fried Offerings

Sweet:

  • Fried Snickers
  • Fried Twinkies
  • Fried Cheesecake
  • Fried Cookie Dough
  • Fried Peaches & Cream

Savory:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Fried Mac & Cheese Balls
  • Fried Pickles
  • Fried Avocado
  • Fried Peanut Butter & Jelly

Adventurous:

  • Fried Alligator
  • Fried Spam
  • Fried Crickets
  • Fried Bubble Gum (yes, really)

Drinks & Refreshments

Non-Alcoholic

  • Fresh Squeezed Lemonade - Perfect for hot days
  • Sweet Tea - This is Texas, after all
  • Root Beer Floats - Classic treat
  • Agua Fresca - Refreshing fruit drinks

Adult Beverages

  • Texas Beer - Local brews on tap
  • Wine Coolers - Fair specialty drinks
  • Margaritas - Frozen or on the rocks
  • Specialty Cocktails - Fair-exclusive mixes

Remember: Drink responsibly, especially in the heat!

Budget-Friendly Strategy

The $30 Food Plan

Before Game ($15):

  • Fletcher’s Corny Dog ($8)
  • Lemonade ($5)
  • Mini Donuts ($4)

After Game ($15):

  • Frito Pie ($8)
  • Funnel Cake (split with friend) ($6)

The $50 Splurge Plan

Before Game ($25):

  • Corny Dog ($8)
  • Turkey Leg ($15)
  • Beer ($8)

After Game ($25):

  • Award-winning fried creation ($10)
  • Funnel Cake Supreme ($12)
  • Lemonade ($5)

The “Try Everything” Plan ($100+)

Go wild! Sample 10-15 different items throughout the day. Share with friends to maximize variety.

Food Location Tips

Main Food Courts

  • Tower Building - Indoor seating, A/C
  • Midway - Highest variety
  • Automobile Building - Near Cotton Bowl

Quick Service Areas

  • Multiple stands on Midway
  • Carts near Cotton Bowl
  • Express windows for basics

Sit-Down Options

  • Limited full-service restaurants
  • Book reservations if possible
  • Higher prices but good for families

Timing Your Meals

Optimal Schedule for 2:30 PM Game

11:00 AM - Arrive & Snack

  • Light snack (pretzels, lemonade)
  • Walk around, scope out options

12:30 PM - Main Pre-Game Meal

  • Corny Dog and turkey leg
  • Find seating area
  • Not too heavy before sitting in stands

2:00 PM - Head to Stadium

  • Bring water bottle if allowed
  • Skip heavy foods now

5:30 PM - Post-Game Feast

  • Crowds thinning out
  • Try those Big Tex Award winners
  • Funnel cake time!

Special Dietary Options

Vegetarian/Vegan

  • Corn on the cob (check for butter)
  • Fresh fruit cups
  • Vegetable skewers
  • Fried veggies (check oil)
  • Some stands offer veggie burgers

Gluten-Free

  • Turkey legs (naturally GF)
  • Corn on the cob
  • Some fried items use GF batter (ask!)
  • Fresh fruit

Kid-Friendly

  • Corn dogs (obviously)
  • Chicken strips
  • Mini donuts
  • Cotton candy
  • Ice cream

Food Safety Tips

Stay Safe in the Heat

  • Drink water regularly
  • Avoid heavy foods in extreme heat
  • Take breaks in A/C
  • Watch for signs of heat exhaustion

General Safety

  • Check food temperatures
  • Choose busy stands (fresh food)
  • Keep hands clean
  • Don’t eat food left sitting out

My Top Recommendations

First-Time Fair Visitors

  1. Fletcher’s Corny Dog - Must-have tradition
  2. Fried Oreos - Classic State Fair experience
  3. Funnel Cake - Can’t miss it
  4. Turkey Leg - Iconic

Adventurous Eaters

  1. Big Tex Award Winners - Try this year’s champions
  2. Deep-Fried Surprises - Pick something weird
  3. Unique Combinations - The crazier, the better
  4. Regional Specialties - Texas-only items

Budget-Conscious Fans

  1. Share Everything - Cut costs in half
  2. Skip Drinks - Bring water bottle
  3. Main Meal Outside Fair - Save 30-40%
  4. Focus on Must-Haves - Corny dog, funnel cake, done

Families with Kids

  1. Corn Dogs - Kid-approved
  2. Mini Donuts - Easy to share
  3. Cotton Candy - Classic treat
  4. Chicken Strips - Safe choice

The “No Regrets” Checklist

Don’t leave without trying:

  • Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog
  • At least one deep-fried “weird” item
  • Texas-sized cinnamon roll or funnel cake
  • Turkey leg (share if needed)
  • Fresh-squeezed lemonade
  • Current year’s Big Tex Award winner
  • Something fried on a stick

Money-Saving Hacks

  1. Bring Your Own Water - Saves $3-5 per bottle
  2. Share Large Items - Everything is huge
  3. Skip Soda - Overpriced, get lemonade instead
  4. Eat Breakfast Before - Save $10-15
  5. Set a Budget - Stick to it!
  6. Use Card - Some stands offer small discounts
  7. Coupons - Check fair website/app

Fair Food Etiquette

Do:

  • Share with friends
  • Try new things
  • Take photos (Instagram gold!)
  • Dispose of trash properly
  • Tip street performers

Don’t:

  • Cut in line (ever!)
  • Block pathways while eating
  • Waste food
  • Complain about prices (it’s a fair!)
  • Forget wet wipes/napkins

Bottom Line: Budget at least $30-50 per person for food. Must-tries are Fletcher’s Corny Dog, something deep-fried and ridiculous, and a funnel cake. Your taste buds (and Instagram) will thank you!

Want to plan your full game day? Check out our Complete Dallas Weekend Guide.