The Dallas Cowboys won’t hold an open practice on Friday, July 31. However, fans in Oxnard will still have plenty to look forward to as the team hosts the 5th annual Oxnard Fan Night ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremony and practice.
After opening training camp with back-to-back practices on July 29 and July 30, the Cowboys will shift their focus to a community event that brings together players, alumni, cheerleaders and fans before the intensity of camp picks up.
What is happening on July 31?
The highlight of Friday’s schedule is Oxnard Fan Night, which takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. PT at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, California, according to the official website.
The event is free and open to the public, giving Cowboys fans a chance to celebrate the team’s return to Southern California during the franchise’s 20th training camp in Oxnard.
What can fans expect at Oxnard Fan Night?
Fans attending the event can enjoy a variety of Cowboys-themed activities, including:
- Performances by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with Cowboys mascot Rowdy
- Cowboys trivia, contests and giveaways
- Appearances by Cowboys Legends
- Live entertainment hosted by Junior Lledo and Francois the Great
- Exclusive Cowboys-themed performances and family-friendly activities
The event serves as one of the biggest fan celebrations of training camp before the team’s annual opening ceremony.
What’s next at the Cowboys training camp?
The Cowboys return to River Ridge Playing Fields on Saturday, Aug. 1, for Cowboys Back Together Saturday, presented by American Airlines.
The festivities begin with gates opening at 9:15 a.m. PT, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 11:15 a.m. PT featuring remarks from the Jones family, the Mayor of Oxnard, performances by the Cheerleaders and local NFL FLAG participants.
The team’s next open practice is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. PT on August 1, 2026. As a fan, you can expect another opportunity to watch Brian Schottenheimer‘s squad prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
What happened at Cowboys training camp on Day 1 and 2?
The first two days of Cowboys training camp gave fans an early look at what Brian Schottenheimer wants his team to look like in 2026. While the intensity was typical for the opening week, several players stood out right away.
George Pickens was one of the biggest talking points. Schottenheimer praised the star receiver for his focus and preparation in meetings. HC said he has been as “dialed in” as he’s ever seen him. That’s an encouraging sign for a player coming off a career-best 2025 season and entering the year on the franchise tag.
Quarterback Dak Prescott looked comfortable running the offense, while rookie safety Caleb Downs continued to attract attention as he began working with the defense. Importantly, one of the reporters revealed that the Cowboys might be planning something big for Caleb Downs and his versatility. Also, first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker got his first opportunity to put his defensive system into action.
Overall, the opening two practices were about laying the foundation for the season. As training camp continues, every workout and fan event will help build excitement for a Cowboys team aiming to make a strong start under its first-year head coach.