The State Fair of Texas is in full swing, and this weekend brings its biggest event: The Red River Showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma is a 90-year-old tradition, and the rivalry has only gotten uglier with age. On Saturday, the football teams face off at Cotton Bowl Stadium in front of over 100,000 fans, and also some people who are definitely just there for the tailgating. The Red River madness isn’t confined to Fair Park, of course–you can have an eventful game day while keeping a safe distance from the crowds at Fair Park. (Speaking of which, this survival guide from last year is still very relevant.) Here are some spots around the city where you can watch the game, join your team’s cheer squad, and enjoy an adult beverage or two. Kickoff is at 11 a.m.
The Union Dallas
The new development houses The Henry, Kotta Sushi Lounge, and TacoLingo. The party starts early with a pre-game event on its plaza on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, there’s a watch party on the plaza and each of the restaurants will have drink specials (Taco Lingo has the best deal with $3 frosé, mimosas, and bloody marys).
Happiest Hour
The Uptown bar is celebrating the showdown all weekend, including a big watch party on Saturday followed by live music for the rest of the night. It’s free to attend, but if you want to get on the bar’s beloved rooftop, you’ll have to buy a $25 ticket.
Legacy Hall
The Box Garden and Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. are having a watch party on Saturday, complete with tailgating, and a beignet pop-up by Haute Sweets. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so plan on arriving a little early to secure your seat.
Granada Theater
Yelp is hosting a watch party at the spacious and stereo-equipped Granada Theater on Greenville. Tickets are $10, which includes a gameday taco plate.
Four Corners Brewing Co.
The taproom is opening at 10:30 a.m. to prepare for one heck of a watch party. Kids and dogs are welcome here. There’s no cover.
Alamo Drafthouse (Lake Highlands)
Some bars have jumbo screens, but none of them have a full-on movie theater to watch the game on. Plus this theater has a bar. Tickets are free.
The Rustic
The bar and concert venue has Longhorn- and Sooner-friendly festivities all weekend, especially live music. On Saturday, there’s a Jam & Toast Brunch at 9 a.m., the watch party at 11 a.m., and concerts starting at 4 p.m. There’s no cover.
Punch Bowl Social
Deep Ellum’s new megabar isn’t having an official watch party, but they’ll have the game on TV, and they have two specially themed cocktails, Longhorn Lemonade and Here Comes the Boom, available from Thursday through Sunday.
Scout
The Statler’s casual bar and bowling alley will have the game on, plus game day specials like $5 wells and half-priced craft beer.
Grissom’s Fine Jewelry
If you find yourself in Fort Worth, head to this jewelry store to shop their burnt orange jewelry collection and join the watch party on the patio. They’ll have beer, a projector, and TVs. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
