Brace yo' selves. It's time for that wonderful convergence on our Fair City-- the one we used to call the Red River Shootout, but now in gentler times we hail as the impending Red River Rivalry. It will clog our highways with Oklahomans, Austinites and respective alums from far and wide for three days of power drinking. All you can do is embrace it, and the best way to do that is to hunker down at a great party, shake your fist in the air and abuse the short-lived run of booze specials. Texas? Oklahoma? We don't judge. Here's a party list that will let you don your burnt orange or crimson and cream. (Go ahead and click the event titles for more information.)
See also: The Best Food (and Drink) Events of the Week: Oct 11 - 17
Thursday Texas-Oklahoma Red River Barbecue Shoot Out: Pitmasters from both sides of the state line rev up their grills for a smokin' good time. Check out the competition as Cliff Payne (2011 Event Champion) from Cousin's in Fort Worth battles Lance Kirkpatrick (Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, Austin), Kelly Duncan (Big Daddy's in Lavon), Rev. Jeremiah McKenzie (Baby J's BBQ & Fish, Palestine, TX), Robby Corcoran (Burn Co. BBQ, Tulsa, OK), Terel McNac (Steve's Ribs, Edmond, OK), Russ Garrett (Coach's in Oklahoma City) and Bill Ritter (Mud Creek BBQ, Ringling, OK). Live music, barbecue for everyone, and plenty of drinks for purchase. It's a two day party, picking up again on Friday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Main Street Garden Park (1901 Main Street).
Friday Red River Party at Eddie Deen's: You know those incredibly tacky airbrush t-shirts at the State Fair? You can get one here. And if that isn't enough to convince you that this TX party is the place to be, know that they'll let you bring your OU friends--as long as they promise to behave. Face painters and breakfast tacos round out the evening. Friday, October 12 at 10 p.m. at Eddie Deen's (944 South Lamar). Tickets are $70. OU Club of Texas Beat Texas Party: If you're more inclined toward the crimson (backing away to give distance), this party at the Hilton Hotel Dallas Lincoln Centre (5410 LBJ Freeway) will serve as your pep rally. Features appearances by Boomer, Sooner and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. Friday, October 12 at 10 p.m. Get your $30 tickets here.
W Dallas Victory Hotel: If pep rallies with valet service are more your speed, the W Dallas Victory Hotel (2440 Victory Park Lane) has your ticket. Feast on a classic barbeque dinner with a cocktail that's color coded to match whatever team you're rooting for and to pick out your opponents. Enjoy live music from country singer TJ Harrison, a former OU wide receiver, from 8 p.m. until midnight on Friday, October 12. No reservations required.
Pep Rally at Zouk & Block Party: Get a head start on that TX/OU hangover from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Zouk's Pep Rally (703 McKinney Avenue), featuring music by Joe Vega, drink specials and, somehow, go-go girls? (Oh, Zouk) On your way in, stop at the TX/OU Block Party right outside--DJs, live music, drinks and team spirit aplenty. No word on run-through banner availability. Block Party is from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and has a $10 cover.
Saturday: TX/Party on the Plaza: A monster viewing party on the biggest outdoor video screen in North Texas. Head to the American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Street) around 9 a.m. to stake out prime real estate for your gameday experience. Granada Theater: Always a reliable bet for sports viewing and a go-to for general great times, the historic Greenville venue knows how to host 'em: concert sound, three giant HD screens, plenty of libations (including beer bucket specials), and a fajita buffet for $24. Start filing in about an hour before kick-off. 3524 Greenville Avenue.
1310 The Ticket's TX/OU Watching Party: It doesn't matter if you're a TX fan or an OU supporter--you're a Ticket P1 first and foremost. Join your leaders at this watching party at the House of Blues (2200 North Lamar) around 10 a.m. There'll be food and drink specials, naturally. Amsterdam Bar: Since they sent us the most delightfully expletive-ridden event listing in the history of our TX/OU guide, we can't help but point you in their direction for your game day merriment. Not only do they have an extensive beer selection, but they'll have a food truck onsite...and best of all--they're right across the street from the action at the Cotton Bowl. 831 Exposition Avenue. In fact, let's include that press release, just for kicks.
We Gonna turn this into a sports bar for one weekend! TV's all around. Did I mention a full catering food truck all day? Of course not. I just got started. Location? We got location like a motherfucker... ACROSS THE GOD DAMNED STREET FROM THE BOWL, BITCHES! We got lots of Beer (Not just shitty sports bar beer neither), We got booze, we got the game on, We got it all. AND Did I mention We aren't charging some bullshit cover like some BULLSHIT MOTHERFUCKERS out there trying to SCREW everybody? We're just doing this thing up.21+only, please mofuckers.
Want more? Pick up the latest issue of the Dallas Observer. We have a special insert this week that lists every g-damn party in Dallas, mofuckers.
