With less than a week before OU’s annual game against the University of Texas, many are planning their trip to Dallas. The Red River Showdown and the State Fair of Texas may be the stars of the weekend, but the Dallas area has plenty more to offer.

For rookies and veterans alike, this guide provides information on highly rated travel stops, restaurants, Dallas area concerts and events and everything to know about the State Fair of Texas and Dallas public transportation.

TRAVEL STOPS

By Emma Blakley

The drive from Norman to Dallas clocks in at just under three hours without traffic and is scattered with highly rated restaurants and scenic stops for those grabbing a quick bite before hitting the road or those traveling with children and looking for ways to break up the drive.

The early part of the drive drive offers Mimi’s Mexican Restaurant in Purcell, Oklahoma. 

Half an hour further are Main Street Restaurant and Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, in Davis, Oklahoma, both just over 10 minutes from Turner Falls.

The scenic overlook is available for drive-up viewing, and the park features walking and hiking trails and swimming at the falls with an admission fee.  

About 15 minutes off of I-35 during hour two is Tucker Tower, a lakeside castle with a 360-degree rooftop view in Lake Murray State Park, which also features a nature center, trails and picnic spots.

Across the state line, Babe’s Chicken Dinner House in Carrollton, Texas, sits just six minutes off the interstate for those who want to eat right before hitting the city. Hanasato Sushi and Starwood Cafe are highly rated options in Denton, Texas.

Fuel under five minutes from the interstate:

Shell in Purcell, Oklahoma

Conoco in Davis, Oklahoma

Exxon in Springer, Oklahoma

Buc-ee’s in Denton, Texas

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

By Cassidy Martin

The State Fair of Texas brings a crowd and is a popular pairing with Saturday’s game. Throughout this weekend, temperatures will range from the mid-70s to low 80s. 

Admission:

Tickets for the State Fair of Texas can be purchased online or at the gate. Tickets to the Red River Showdown provide free admission to the fair on game day. 

Friday: $20 for adults and $15 for children and seniors.

Saturday & Sunday: $25 for adults and $18 for children and seniors. 

Every day after 5 p.m., all admission drops to the child rate.

Additional admission discounts can be found on the fair website.

Hours:

The State Fair of Texas is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday with the latest entry time at 9 p.m. The fair will run until Oct. 22. 

The weekend of the Red River Showdown will be one of the fair’s busiest times. Peak business occurs in the late afternoon, so attendees can avoid some of the crowds by arriving immediately when the gates open at 10 a.m.

Food:

The State Fair of Texas serves decades-old favorites, including Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs and Fernie’s Funnel Cakes. Fletcher’s Corny Dogs debuted at the Texas State Fair in 1942 and Fernie’s Funnel Cakes in 1969.

Many other other classics can be found at the fair including turkey legs, roasted corn, cotton candy and candy apples.

There are many new additions to the fair menu each year. To discover the most delicious and creative new additions, the fair hosts the “Big Tex Choice Awards.” 

The Big Tex Choice Awards 2023 winners are Deep Fried Pho for “Best Taste - Savory,” Biscoff Delight for “Best Taste - Sweet,” and Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas for “Most Creative.” 

In addition to the Big Tex Choice Award winners, 33 new food items were added to the 2023 food vendor list.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink into the fair as long as no metal or glass is packed. Coolers are permitted. 

Disability accommodations: 

The State Fair of Texas amenities and accessibilities include ASL interpretation, baby care centers, bike racks, first aid, sensory-friendly Wednesday mornings, handicap parking and unisex restrooms. 

Wagons, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to rent at the Front Gate, Gate 5, Gate 11 and the Pan Am Gate, but reservations must be placed 24 hours in advance. 

Child safety: 

For those attending the fair with children, Safe Kids wristbands are available at information booths throughout the grounds. Wristbands contain parents’ contact information for children to wear while at the fairgrounds. If they get lost, authorities are notified, and children are taken to the Safe Kids Corral in the Guest Relations Midway Complex, across from the Top O’ Texas Tower and Neon Big Tex. 

The State Fair of Texas's full schedule of daily free events, shows, concerts, and activities is available for download.

TRANSPORTATION

By Emma Blakley

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides public transportation across the metro area by rail and bus, a valuable resource for those staying in Dallas itself or in the suburbs. 

The DART’s Green Line rail provides service to the The Cotton Bowl Stadium and the State Fair of Texas, just outside downtown Dallas, connecting to lines across the city and metro area.

Game day

On Oct. 7, additional Red Line trains will run from Parker Road Station directly to the Cotton Bowl Stadium, labelled as “Special Event” trains. Additional Green Line trains will run every 5 to 10 minutes across downtown Dallas for the three hours before and after the game. 

State Fair of Texas

GoPass is partnered with the State Fair of Texas to celebrate 40 years of the DART. Riders using GoPass save $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends on fair admission with promotional code from the app. 

Metro area station lines: 

The Red and Orange lines service Plano’s Parker Road Station.

The Blue Line services the Downtown Rowlett Station.

The Orange Line services the Dallas Forth Worth Airport Station.

The Trinity Railway Express services the West Irving Station.

Southbound travelers will connect to the Green Line at the Pearl/Arts District Station, and northbound Blue and Red line riders connect at Akard station.

A local day pass is $6 for adults and is valid until 3 a.m. the day following the purchase. Tickets can be purchased at a rail kiosk or through the DART’S GoPass app, which provides real-time rail and bus updates and contactless tickets.

PARKS & MUSEUMS

By Madeline Hoffmann

Klyde Warren Park:

Klyde Warren Park draws large crowds to downtown Dallas with daily events for all ages and a lineup of food trucks along Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Smaller parks and plazas are scattered throughout its 5.2 acres across from the Dallas Museum of Art at 2012 Woodall Rogers Fwy. The public park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and is hosting a silent disco Friday, Oct. 6 from 8 to 11 p.m.

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre botanical garden open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that hosts concerts, special exhibits and classes. It is currently featuring “Autumn at the Arboretum,” showcasing over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash along with 150,000 fall plants throughout the garden until Nov. 5.

The Fall Vendor Market and Craft Fair, which features over 30 local vendors, will take place Oct. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8525 Garland Road. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (age 65+), and $12 for children (ages 2-12).

Dallas Museum of Art:

Within the nation’s largest arts district, The Dallas Museum of Art showcases around 25,000 works from different cultures over a 5,000 year period. The museum displays many long-term exhibitions, one of which is "The Keir Collection of Islamic Art Gallery," and short-term exhibitions such as "Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks." 

General admission is free, but guests must have a ticket to enter, which can be reserved online or acquired upon entry. At 1717 N. Harwood, the museum is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Perot Museum:

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is an IMLS Grant winning interactive museum that features 11 permanent exhibits about space, gems and minerals, sports and more. The museum is hosting “Thursdays on Tap” with live music, food trucks and drinks on Oct. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. with an admission fee of $25 for those aged 21 and older.

General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 2-12), and must be pre-purchased for specific dates and entry times. The Perot Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2201 N. Field St.

Dallas World Aquarium:

The Dallas World Aquarium is one of Dallas’ most popular attractions and provides animal and plant lovers the opportunity to see wildlife up close. 

The aquarium is home to six exhibits: Cloud Forest Trek, Mundo Maya, Orinoco, Aquarium, South Africa and Borneo and is committed to conservation, furthered through their diverse habitats and species. 

Tickets can be purchased online or upon entry and are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors (age 65+), and $19.95 for children (ages 3-12). They open Monday through Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and accept entrants till 4:30 p.m. at 1801 N. Griffin St.

CONCERTS & PERFORMING ARTS

By Shelby Emery

The State Fair of Texas:

Friday, Oct. 6

Pearl Earl is a neo-psychedelic rock band based in Denton, Texas, that started in 2014 as a project by lead singer-songwriter Ariel Hartley while she was in college. The band’s most popular tracks include “Evil Does It” and “Meet Your Maker” and is preparing for its first European tour. Pearl Earl will perform at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Friday at the Bud Light Stage.

Austin, Texas-based Americana-country singer Katrina Cain rose to fame with her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” on Season 15 of NBC’s The Voice. Cain will be bringing her musical storytelling to the Yuengling Flight Stage at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday.

Hairball is a 1980s cover band that recreates the concert experience of bands like KISS, Queen, Aerosmith and more. Fans of all things 80s can sing along to their favorites with Hairball at the Chevrolet Main Stage at 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Dallas-based DJ Mark Ridlen, known as DJ Mr. Rid, has been mixing up the Dallas music scene for over 20 years, playing at parties, weddings and other events. DJ Mr. Rid will be mixing a range of beats, from the classics to today’s most popular hits, on the Bud Light Stage at 9:45 a.m. and 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Jon and former member of Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, best known for songs like “Get Low” and “Turn Down for What” will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Chevrolet Main Stage.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Southern rock band 38 Special was formed by Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Ronnie Van Zant, and Don Barnes in 1974. While Van Zant is no longer in the band, the current group is still bringing its rock-and-roll sound to stages across the U.S. 38 Special will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Chevrolet Main Stage.

Dallas Area

Friday, Oct. 6

Those looking for a fun night of dancing can dance their way through Taylor Swift’s eras at “Tis' the Damn Season: A Taylor Swift Dance Party,” featuring songs from all of Taylor Swift’s eras, a costume contest, lip sync battle, bracelet trading and more. The event is for ages 18 and up, and will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday at Trees at 2709 Elm St., Dallas, Texas. Tickets can be purchased here.

Those looking for a free, family-friendly night of music can stop by the "Music on Main Concert Series" at Heritage Park in Irving, Texas. The event will feature rock-and-roll band Ashmore, who has shared the stage with artists such as Bon Jovi and Nickelback. There will be on-site food vendors at the park, and those who attend can stop by restaurants in the nearby Heritage District. Music on Main will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at 217 S. Main St., Irving, Texas.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Samuel Holden Jaffe, known professionally as Del Water Gap, is a Brooklyn-based indie artist best known for songs such as “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” and “Better Than I Know Myself.” The artist will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall on 1323 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, Texas. Tickets to the show can be purchased online.

Dope Lemon is an indie rock band created by Australian singer-songwriter Angus Stone. The band will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday at House of Blues Dallas at 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas, Texas. Tickets to the show can be purchased here.

The Arlington Improv is hosting "Family Magic & Comedy," an afternoon of comedy and magic for all ages. The event will feature family-friendly variety comedy, stand-up comedy and magic in one show. Family Magic & Comedy will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the Arlington Improv Comedy Club at 309 Curtis Mathes Way #147, Arlington, Texas. Tickets to the event can be purchased here.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Just in time for Halloween, the Texas Ballet Theater will perform "Dracula," a ballet that is based on the sinister tale of the vampire. The performance is two hours and 20 minutes, and will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Bass Performance Hall at 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, Texas. Tickets for all dates can be purchased online.

Chromeo is an electro funk duo composed of Dave Macklovitch and Patrick Gemayel. The duo will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall at 1323 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, Texas.

EVENTS

By Madisson Cameron

The Other Art Fair

Starting Oct. 5, The Other Art Fair will arrive in Dallas with performances, music and immersive installations for all ages. The pop-up art fair will also have full bar service.

The exhibit will be at the Dallas Market Hall in the North Hall, a 10-minute drive away from the Texas State Fair. Ticket prices range between $18 and $45. Workshops will be an additional $15. General admission is free for children ages 12 and under.

Two Bit Circus

Two Bit Circus is Dallas’ only micro amusement park. The year-round circus has several attractions including an arcade, a virtual reality arena, Midway-style games and story rooms.

Several promotions and different packages are available. Package costs can range from $35 to $200. Waivers will need to be signed to enjoy some of the attractions.

There are numerous food options and a bar available in addition to the attractions.

Two Bit Circus is located at 8030 Park Ln. Suite #200, a 20-minute drive from the fairgrounds. The circus is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 1 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Truck Yard Dallas 10 Year Anniversary Party

On Saturday, Truck Yard is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. There will be food, drinks, giveaways and live music from country singers, Dale Watson and Matt Hillyer. In addition to Truck Yard’s menu, Eloisa’s Kitchen, J Wok Kitchen and Avila Arepa food trucks will serve the event. This event is intended for adults.

Truck Yard can be found at 5624 Sears St., just a 10-minute drive from the fairgrounds. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and tickets start at $10 and can be paid for online or at the door.

19th Annual Oktoberfest at Sons of Hermann Hall

It’s officially Oktoberfest in Dallas at Sons of Hermann Hall. On Saturday, the venue will have an authentic Oktoberfest celebration with beer, brats and a live polka band.

Sons of Hermann Hall can be found at 3414 Elm St., a two-minute drive from the fairgrounds. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 and cover the cost of dinner.

DINING

By Hannah Rystedt

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood

A five-minute walk from Cotton Bowl Stadium, Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood serves a mixture of barbecue and seafood at an affordable price. Their extensive menu features fried catfish, chicken tetrazinni and meatloaf. 

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood is located at 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd. They are open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. 

Terry Black's Barbecue

With beef ribs weighing around 1 to 1.5 pounds, Terry Black’s Barbeque is hard to beat. Their authentic barbecue includes meats such as beef ribs and brisket, which are complete with mac and cheese, banana pudding and more. Try out their signature frozen black margarita or their savory smoked brisket. 

Terry Black’s Barbeque is located at 3025 Main St. Their hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

The Reserve Mexican Cuisine

The Reserve Mexican Cuisine offers elote, empanadas, tamales and flautas to name just a few menu options. They also serve vegetarian options, some including plant-based fajitas and burgers as well as Mexican cauliflower. 

The Reserve Mexican Cuisine is located at 900 S. Harwood St. They are open from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. 

Angry Dog 

Angry Dog Bar and Grill is a one-stop shop for cravings such as burgers, wings or nachos. The tavern also offers multiple award-winning hot dogs. Chili, the official Texas state dish, is available by itself or as an “angry dog,” a hot dog topped with chili, cheese, mustard and grilled red onions.  

Angry Dog is located at 2726 Commerce St. They are open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

Yolk - One Arts Plaza

This quaint spot offers indoor and outdoor seating and a boastful menu with plenty of caffeine and mimosas. Yolk serves well-known dishes such as eggs Benedict and breakfast burritos alongside more experimental options, such as chocolate peanut butter cup lattes and red velvet French toast. Yolk’s lunch options include patty melts, southwestern salad and loaded chili. 

Yolk is located at 1722 Routh St. Suite #132 and is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar 

For a more elevated brunch experience, Yardbird Southern Table and Bar offers unique, delectable entrees such as lemon meringue pie pancakes, creme brulee waffles and acai bowls alongside house-made cocktails and mimosas. 

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar is located at 2121 N. Pearl St. Suite #170 and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Avery Avery, Cooper Marshall, Grace Rhodes, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.