With just a few days away until the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns make their way into the Cotton Bowl for the 2026 Allstate® Red River Rivalry, it’s time to plan your visit to the State Fair of Texas! Whether you are stepping into the stadium for the anticipated matchup or finding the best spot on fairgrounds to watch the game on a big screen, there are several ways to celebrate and root for your favorite team at the Most Texan Place on Earth®.
THEMED FOOD AND DRINKS:
Fair food is always a highlight at the State Fair of Texas, and the Red River Rivalry weekend brings even more reasons for fans to dig in. This year, select vendors will offer themed Texas and Oklahoma items for fans to enjoy, including:
- Beer Barn: Step right into Cotton Bowl Plaza for the Beer Barn’s Hook ‘Em Orange Frozen Ranch Water and Boomer Sooner Strawberry Frozen Ranch Water.
- Darn Good Corn: As fans head into the Midway, they can stop by Darn Good Corn for their limited-time Big Red Frozen Lemonade, that comes out the perfect University of Oklahoma shade of red.
- Dippin Dots Ice Cream®: Dippin Dots will be mixing things up with their new “Bevo Bites”. Instead of the white ice cream pearls, the treat will be dyed orange, and each cup will be served with a mini-foam finger on the spoon.
- Eat Crispies: Eat Crispies introduced their new Deep Fried Bourbon Banana Bread this year and for Red River Rivalry weekend, they will be enhancing it, by giving fans the option of a Texas orange or Oklahoma red drizzle on top of the dish. Find this delicious bite on the Midway.
- Fernie’s Funnel Cakes: If you are looking for a sweet way to root for your team, Fernie’s Funnel Cakes will be serving glazed mini funnel cakes with the option of red or orange glaze. Fernie’s will also offer orange and red cocktails for a spirited game day pairing.
- Fletcher’s Corny Dogs: Fletcher’s Corny Dogs brought fairgoers a brand-new item to its menu that took home the Big Tex Choice Award for Best Taste – Sweet. During Red River Rivalry weekend, Fletcher’s new Chocolate Corny Dog will be topped with either red or orange icing and served with a side of raspberry syrup. If you’re looking to show some extra love for your favorite team and your favorite corny dog stand, Fletcher’s will also have red or orange shirts available for purchase.
- Hans Mueller: Located next door to the new Little Lone Stars Land, Hans Mueller will be introducing orange and red salted pretzels to their starting lineup.
- Mr. Ramen Fusion: Mr. Ramen Fusion will have red and orange frozen margaritas with mini flags for fans to enjoy. Grab a bowl of ramen with this sweet game day sip on the Midway!
- Nevins Concessions: Nevin’s Concessions is putting a Red River Rivalry twist on its iconic nutty bars with team-colored sprinkles. Fans can choose orange-and-white or red-and-white toppings for the dessert, along with red and orange frozen drinks to complete your game day experience.
- Rita’s Italian Ice: If you are looking for a treat to cool down on an intense game day, visit Rita’s Italian Ice located inside of the Tower Building. Rita’s will be serving their Island Fusion Italian Ice for Texas fans and will also have their Mango Strawberry Italian Ice for Oklahoma fans. Find this sweet treat in the Tower Building.
- Sandoitchi: Fan-favorite Sandoitchi will be featuring the Mango Matcha Latte and the Strawberry Matcha Latte for this rivalry filled weekend. Find these sweet sips in the Tower Building.
- Shrimp Doc: If you need a quick snack before heading into the Cotton Bowl or waiting at the merch truck, Shrimp Doc will have themed shrimp baskets for fans to enjoy. Texas fans can enjoy the Mango Habanero Shrimp, and Oklahoma fans can enjoy the Cajun Buffalo Shrimp.
- Southside Steaks And Cakes: Southside Steaks and Cakes is the perfect pre-game and post-game snack located right in Cotton Bowl Plaza. Southside will serve a Longhorn Chicken Pre-Roll drizzled in Queso and a Boomer Sooner Steak Pre-Roll rolled in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos®.
- Stiffler’s Concessions: Looking for a sweet treat? All Stiffler’s locations will serve strawberry and orange syringe JELLO® shots, sure to amp up your game day experience!
- Tony’s Taco Shop: Tony’s Taco Shop will be putting a spin on their Big Tex Choice Award finalist item. Located inside the Tower Building, Tony’s will be serving their Golden Crunch Wrap with a deeper burnt orange finish, as well as their Midnight Ruby Rush with a deep crimson finish.
- Trio on the Green: Located on the outside of the Coliseum, Trio on the Green will be serving red and orange JELLO® shots for just three coupons. Pair one with a Fried Thanksgiving Dinner for the perfect game day snack.
- Zable’s Belgian Waffles: Already known for its delicious waffles, Zable’s Belgian Waffles is ready for the fan-filled weekend on the grounds, as they will serve Belgian waffles dyed orange or red and topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME AT THE FAIR:
If you aren’t stepping into the Cotton Bowl for the game and are looking for a place to sit back, enjoy a delicious State Fair treat, and root for your favorite team, check out these fun areas on the fairgrounds offering the perfect game day experience.
- Dickel’s Smokehouse: Located in Cotton Bowl Plaza, Dickel’s Smokehouse is the perfect place to join fellow Sooners or Longhorns to watch the game. Be sure to grab Dickel’s Texas Two Step Tacos or Triple Meat Big Back Snack before your team’s first touchdown.
- Impact: Impact, one of two new rides introduced at the State Fair of Texas this year, is getting a Red River Rivalry makeover. Located on the newly reimagined Kidway, the ride will show the big game live on its screens, so fans can follow the action whether they are waiting in line or flying through the sky.
- Juicy’s Texas Tailgate: The Red River Rivalry tends to bring fans some of the most intense moments each year. Experience those moments at Juicy’s Texas Tailgate, right next to the Texas Star.
- Rousso’s Fat Bacon: Rousso’s Fat Bacon has the ultimate Texas-sized screen, a great courtyard, and all your savory favorites for game day at the Fair. If you’ve never had Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick, stop by for the ultimate Red River Rivalry watch party with a sweet-and-savory treat.`
- Stiffler’s Music Lounge: Satisfy your appetite at Stiffler’s Music Lounge, where the flavors are just as bold as the concerts next door. With plenty of room to gather and relax, you can dig into smoky BBQ creations, crispy fried favorites, and hearty fair bites, all served alongside ice-cold drinks.
- Texas-sized Tailgate: The University of Texas Alumni Association will be hosting its annual Texas Sized Tailgate at Gate 5. Whether you’re a Longhorn or just a fan of the big game, check out this fun-filled stop.
SPONSORSHIPS AND ACTIVATIONS:
The Red River Rivalry weekend is already packed with excitement, memories, and classic Fair and football fun. In addition to the game day traditions, several brands and sponsors will showcase special activations throughout the weekend, giving fans even more ways to celebrate on the fairgrounds.
- Chevy Park Plaza:
- FOX News
- Harlequin
- Nescafé
- Waymo
- Nimitz Terrace:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- e.l.f. Cosmetics
- Johnsonville
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Scooter’s Coffee
- Sonic
- White Claw
- Nimitz Drive:
- U.S. Marines
- First Avenue:
- AT&T
- DirecTV
- DraftKings
- GoRVing
- News Nation
- U.S. Army
In addition, before heading into the Cotton Bowl or your favorite watch party spot on the fairgrounds, stop by the Kidway and visit Faces by Nelly for the ultimate face painting experience. Nelly will have various face painting designs for Texas and Oklahoma fans to choose from.
The 2026 Allstate Red River Rivalry takes place on October 10 at 2:30 p.m. inside of the Cotton Bowl. Don’t forget to get your photo with Boomer and Bevo in front of the Hall of State or the team helmets in Cotton Bowl Plaza. May the best team win!