The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, located at 7600 John Q Hammons Drive, played host to the highly anticipated Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) from February 20th to 22nd, 2026. This annual pilgrimage for pinball enthusiasts, manufacturers, and collectors showcased the vibrant state of the pinball industry, from cutting-edge new releases to the cherished history of mechanical marvels. This year’s event, building on its established reputation, offered an expanded schedule, innovative features, and a passionate community coming together to celebrate their shared passion.

A Strategic Return to Frisco

Pinball News’s coverage began with an early arrival on Monday, February 16th, with a stop in Houston to connect with the team at Barrels of Fun, a prominent pinball manufacturer. The journey then continued north to Round Rock, Texas, to visit the factory of Multimorphic, a pioneer in modern pinball technology. This pre-show reconnaissance provided valuable insight into the industry’s pulse before the main event commenced. The weather forecast for the show weekend indicated a significant warming trend, with temperatures expected to peak around a balmy 37°C (98.6°F), underscoring the need for attendees to stay hydrated in the Texas heat.

Wednesday: The Calm Before the Storm

Arrival in Frisco on Wednesday evening, February 18th, revealed that while the public opening was still two days away, the main exhibition hall was already buzzing with activity. Setup for the show was in full swing, with exhibitors meticulously arranging their displays and machines.

Paul McKinney, the organizer of the Texas Pinball Festival, has been instrumental in the event’s growth and evolution. This year, he implemented numerous strategic changes across all facets of the festival, from the floor layout to the meticulously crafted events schedule. These adjustments were designed to enhance the attendee experience and accommodate the ever-growing popularity of the event. McKinney’s vision and dedication were further highlighted in an exclusive interview featured in the February edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, offering attendees a preview of the exciting plans for the 2026 festival.

A significant theme woven throughout the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival was "dragons." This motif was prominently featured in the event’s official logo, inspired by the mythical creature. Dragon-themed pinball machines commanded their own dedicated section of the show floor, and the dragon imagery adorned all official merchandise. Decorative dragon sculptures were also strategically placed throughout the venue, adding a unique and thematic flair to the overall atmosphere.

Introducing TechDay: Empowering Pinball Owners

Wednesday also marked the debut of "TechDay," an innovative new initiative designed to empower pinball machine owners. This hands-on event provided a platform for attendees to bring their pinball machines to the festival, where experienced technicians offered on-site diagnostics and repairs. The collaborative approach involved machine owners directly participating in the troubleshooting process, thereby equipping them with valuable fault-finding and remedial techniques for future reference. A ticket for TechDay was priced at $80, with replacement components available at a discounted rate, making it an accessible and beneficial service for many.

Thursday: The Show Floor Takes Shape

By Thursday morning, February 19th, the main show hall was rapidly transforming into a pinball paradise. Exhibitors continued to arrive, unloading a diverse array of machines and stand furnishings, while the festival’s vibrant banners were hung from the ceiling, signaling the imminent commencement of the public event.

Prominent industry players were actively setting up their booths. FUN!, a key representative for Stern Pinball, was busy showcasing the latest releases from the renowned manufacturer, promising a dazzling display of their newest offerings. Similarly, Jersey Jack Pinball was preparing to exhibit their impressive collection of titles, ensuring a strong presence of their innovative games. Pinball Traders were also observed setting up their stand, poised to offer a curated selection of pinball machines and related accessories. Warped Pinball was on-site, ready to demonstrate their cutting-edge connected system, which aims to enhance the social and competitive aspects of pinball.

The continuous flow of activity at the loading docks highlighted the logistical efforts involved in bringing such a large-scale event to life. Vehicles arrived and departed in rapid succession, ensuring that exhibitors could efficiently unload their equipment and set up their displays. The event’s meticulous organization was evident in the clear display of the show floor plan near the entrance, providing attendees and vendors with essential guidance to their designated areas.

The festival’s footprint extended beyond the main hall, with additional machines and vendor stands strategically placed in the corridors. This multi-location setup ensured a comprehensive pinball experience, allowing for a greater number of exhibits and interactive opportunities. The anticipation was palpable as the final preparations were made for the public opening.

Friday: The Festival Opens to the Public

Friday, February 20th, marked the official opening of the Texas Pinball Festival to the public at 4:00 PM. However, the day’s activities commenced much earlier, with tournaments and seminars beginning at noon. This staggered approach allowed for a gradual build-up of excitement and provided dedicated time for specific programming before the general admission crowds arrived.

The corridors and main hall continued to be hives of activity as stands were finalized and machines were powered up. Chris Munson was seen setting up his LeGrand PinCabs stand in the lobby area, promising a showcase of unique and visually striking pinball cabinet designs. The corridors were steadily filling with vendor stands and free-play machines, creating an immersive environment for attendees.

At the newly designated show entrance, the grand prize for this year’s raffle was proudly displayed: a brand-new Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine. This highly sought-after prize generated considerable excitement among attendees, who eagerly purchased raffle tickets throughout the event.

The previously noted wrapped model was unveiled, quickly becoming a focal point for photo opportunities and social media sharing. The impressive animatronic dragon sculpture, a centerpiece of the dragon theme, drew crowds eager to capture its grandeur. The FUN! stand, representing Stern Pinball, featured a comprehensive selection of the latest titles, drawing significant attention from players keen to experience the newest machines. American Pinball also made a strong showing, introducing both a new company logo and a promising new product, signaling their commitment to innovation in the industry. Their updated model of Houdini, boasting new cabinet and backglass artwork, an enhanced topper, and the return of detailed playfield sculpts, was a particular highlight.

Jersey Jack Pinball presented a substantial collection of their popular titles, offering attendees ample opportunity to play and admire their meticulously crafted machines. Spooky Pinball’s distinctive stand was easily identifiable thanks to its larger-than-life Beetlejuice character, a testament to their thematic approach to game design. The abundance of Beetlejuice machines available for play, including those housed in a dedicated "BeetleTent," ensured that fans of the classic film had plenty to enjoy. Turner Pinball made a notable appearance, showcasing both models of their recently announced title, Yukon Yeti, which had only been revealed on Wednesday, demonstrating their rapid product development cycle. The festival also provided a first look at the innovative animatronic Northern Lights topper for the Yukon Yeti, alongside a standard topper option for those seeking a different aesthetic.

The event’s programming also included a series of informative seminars. Brian Haskell’s midday presentation on "More Than Just Leaderboards" demonstrated how to create custom pinball displays using affordable technology, offering practical insights for enthusiasts. Following this, Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley continued their educational series with an "Advanced Class" on pinball troubleshooting, equipping attendees with essential repair skills.

Upstairs in the Tournament Room, the "Texas Wizards" tournament commenced after an hour of free practice, with early qualifying groups beginning their play. The tournament organizers’ desk was a hub of activity, ensuring the smooth operation of the competitive events. The Jui Long Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe delivered a captivating performance shortly before the hall opened to the public, perfectly embodying the festival’s dragon theme and adding a dynamic cultural element. The TPF merchandise desk also opened for business, offering a range of branded apparel and accessories, allowing attendees to take home a piece of the festival. Food trucks and stands were strategically positioned outside the conference center, providing a variety of refreshments and meals to keep attendees energized throughout the day, with the ice cream stand proving particularly popular on the warm Texas afternoon.

The evening sessions included presentations from industry leaders. The Jersey Jack Pinball team, led by Jack Guarnieri, provided an in-depth look at the creation of their Harry Potter pinball, with lead mechanical designer Dan Lachcik sharing insights into the game’s intricate mechanisms. Barrels of Fun shared their journey of growth and the development of their popular titles, including their latest release, Winchester Mystery House. Multimorphic hosted a panel discussion on their P³ pinball platform, featuring insights from various users and developers on the platform’s unique features and potential. The Scoma Jazz Band provided a lively musical backdrop in the lobby area, enhancing the convivial atmosphere as attendees enjoyed refreshments.

Saturday: A Full Day of Pinball Action

Saturday, February 21st, began with the traditional early morning "Swap Meet" in the parking lot, organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club. With an official start time pushed forward to 7 AM, many vendors and eager buyers were already present by 6 AM, illuminated by the early morning lights, to secure the best deals on parts, accessories, and machines. The diversity of offerings at the swap meet, from rare manuals and translites to complete machines, underscored the depth of the pinball collecting community.

The seminar schedule was packed, starting with American Pinball’s "Something New" presentation at 10:00 AM. Owner Bryan Vincent introduced the new American Pinball team and discussed their production plans, including original designs and their highly anticipated series of "reimagined" Williams/Bally titles. The first of these reimagined games, Cirqus Voltaire, was announced, with plans for both a modernized remake and a reimagined version featuring updated artwork, sculpts, rules, and audio-visuals.

At 11:00 AM, Imoto Harney of Marco Specialties and Craig Hassell from Fun! Superstore offered practical advice in their seminar, "Owning Your First Pinball Machine," covering essential checks and maintenance for both new and vintage machines. The technical aspect of pinball ownership continued with a "Pinball Tech Q&A" panel at noon, where audience members posed technical challenges to a group of experts, fostering a collaborative problem-solving environment. Brad Oldham of Evolution Mods presented on "How to Easily Add Interactive Light Shows, Servo Motors, Coils and More to Your Pinball Machine with the Pinnunciator," showcasing the capabilities of his company’s innovative modding system.

The homebrew community took center stage at 1:30 PM with Aaron Davis, co-founder of FAST Pinball, hosting "Making Pinball, Making Friends." This seminar invited numerous homebrew game creators to share their passion projects and the journey of bringing their unique pinball ideas to life. The "History of Pinball" exhibit continued to draw attention, showcasing pre-flipper mechanical devices and tracing the evolution of the pinball machine, featuring some truly remarkable historical examples.

At 3:00 PM, a tutorial on "Walk Through Game Play on Pokémon" was presented by Steve Bowden, Jack Danger, and Tanio Klyce, offering tips and strategies for achieving high scores on Stern Pinball’s latest release. The 4:00 PM autograph session provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to meet and interact with prominent figures in the pinball industry, including Steve Ritchie, Jack Guarnieri, Brad Albright, Dennis Nordman, Eric Meunier, Christopher Franchi, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, George Gomez, Mike Vinikour, Brian Savage, David van Es, and many others, who signed a variety of pinball memorabilia.

The popular "So You Think You Know Pinball?" trivia quiz, hosted by Martin Ayub of Pinball News and Jonathan Joosten of Pinball Magazine, took place at 5:00 PM. This engaging event tested attendees’ knowledge of pinball history and trivia, with numerous prizes generously donated by industry sponsors. The penultimate seminar featured Todd Tuckey in a "Fireside Chat," reflecting on his extensive career in the coin-op industry and his work with TNT Amusements, illustrated with extensive video content from his YouTube channel. The final seminar of the day, at 8:00 PM, was a "Stern Pinball Presentation" by George Gomez, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, and Jerry Thompson, detailing the development of the new Pokémon pinball machine, from initial concepts to final production. The day’s musical entertainment was provided by Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls in the lobby, adding a lively atmosphere to the evening.

Sunday: Tournaments, Awards, and the Grand Finale

Sunday, February 22nd, focused on the conclusion of major tournaments and the highly anticipated closing ceremony. The "Texas Takedown," a women’s pinball tournament, commenced with qualifying rounds from 9 AM to noon. The top four finalists – Emily Cosson, Ariel Dutton, Rebecca Salam, and Dawnda Durbin – competed in a final round on Big Ben, Kings of Steel, and The Walking Dead, utilizing a 4-2-1-0 scoring system. Emily Cosson emerged victorious, securing a perfect score and the championship.

The "Texas Wizards" main tournament also reached its climax on Sunday. The final round saw Jack Revnew, Steve Bowden, Tim Hansen, and Nick Mueller competing on Spider-Man, King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, and Panthera. Jack Revnew ultimately claimed the top spot after a closely contested final.

At 2:00 PM, the Seminars Room was transformed for the closing ceremony. The "Best in Show" awards were presented to recognize the outstanding craftsmanship and dedication of machine owners and restorers across various categories, judged by a panel of six experts. The "Best Antique (pre-1960s)" award went to Bryan Redshaw for his Spitfire. Colin Wood secured "Best 1960s" for his Doozie, while Chris Little’s Hot Shot took home "Best 1970s Electromechanical." Bill Stahly’s Freefall won "Best 1977-1985 Solid State," and Rick Ward’s Taxi was honored for "Best 1986-1991 Solid State." Mike Denton’s The Simpsons Pinball Party earned the "Best DMD 1991-2010" award, and Kim Keist/Corey Keist’s Dungeons and Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye received "Best Modern 2010-current." Adam Jordan’s Andromeda was celebrated as "Best Original," and Landon Fraker’s Spirit of 76 was recognized as "Best Newcomer." Scott McClure & Matt Pluff’s Brite Star received "Best Restoration," and Kyle Smet’s Big Trouble in Little China was named "Best Custom (Homebrew)." Stacey Devino/Stephen Wylile’s Wheel of Fortune won "Best Classic Arcade," and Estil Vance’s Cadillacs and Dinosaurs claimed "Best Custom / Innovative Video Game." The prestigious "Grand Champion: Best in Show" award was presented to Peter Batterton for his meticulously restored Tales of the Arabian Nights.

The highlight of the closing ceremony was the grand prize raffle draw for the Harry Potter Arcade Edition machine. American Pinball owner Bryan Vincent, alongside the machine’s designer Eric Meunier, conducted the draw. While the initial winner, Chris Engberg, was not present to claim his prize, a second draw resulted in Nicole Schulte being awarded the machine. In a generous move, Bryan Vincent later decided to award a second Houdini 100th Anniversary machine to Chris Engberg, acknowledging his prompt arrival. The final raffle draw for the Harry Potter Arcade Edition saw Adam Breakey emerge as the lucky winner.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the festival drew to a close, exhibitors began the process of packing up their displays, a testament to the organized and efficient breakdown of the event. The dates for the 2027 Texas Pinball Festival were prominently displayed, confirming its return to the Embassy Suites Frisco Hotel & Conference Center from March 19th-21st, 2027, with anticipation for an even earlier start for many attendees. The 2026 festival demonstrated a continued expansion in both duration and scope, with the successful integration of TechDay and the growing popularity of early-week events. The inclusion of musical performances in the lobby provided a welcome ambiance, enhancing the overall festival experience. The event successfully showcased new titles like Yukon Yeti and Pokémon, alongside impressive displays of classic and custom machines, reinforcing its status as a must-attend gathering for the global pinball community. The growing international attendance further underscores the festival’s increasing prominence on the global pinball calendar. Pinball News’s comprehensive coverage, including detailed photo galleries and video walkthroughs, offered an in-depth look at the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings of the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival. The event’s continued success solidifies its position as a cornerstone of the pinball calendar, promising an even more exciting experience in the years to come.