The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, located at 7600 John Q Hammons Drive, once again served as the vibrant hub for the annual Texas Pinball Festival (TPF). From February 20th to 22nd, 2026, the event drew enthusiasts, collectors, manufacturers, and industry professionals from across the nation and beyond, celebrating the enduring allure of pinball. This year’s festival, marked by a captivating "dragons" theme, showcased a dynamic blend of classic gameplay, cutting-edge innovations, competitive tournaments, and educational seminars, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for pinball aficionados.

The sprawling complex, easily visible from miles around, provided ample space for the diverse array of activities that unfolded over the extended weekend. The anticipation for TPF 2026 was palpable, with many attendees arriving in the days leading up to the public opening. The Pinball News team, for instance, began their journey on Monday, a prelude that included visits to key players in the pinball manufacturing scene. Their itinerary involved a stop at Barrels of Fun in Houston to connect with the team behind popular titles, followed by a drive north to Round Rock for a visit to Multimorphic’s factory, offering a glimpse into the industry’s creative engine. The weather forecast for the show weekend predicted a significant warm-up, with temperatures expected to soar to around 37°C (98.6°F), a fitting backdrop for a festival themed around fiery dragons.

A Thematic Approach: Dragons Take Center Stage

A distinctive feature of TPF 2026 was its overarching "dragons" theme. This motif permeated various aspects of the festival, from the official event logo and merchandise to dedicated sections of the show floor showcasing dragon-themed pinball machines. Decorative dragon sculptures were strategically placed throughout the venue, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. The commitment to this theme underscored the festival’s dedication to creating a unique and memorable experience for attendees.

Pre-Show Buzz: Setup and Innovation

Wednesday: Laying the Foundation

Even before the official public opening on Friday afternoon, the main exhibition hall was already abuzz with activity on Wednesday. Setup for the extensive array of pinball machines and vendor booths was well underway. Paul McKinney, the organizer of the Texas Pinball Festival, had implemented numerous enhancements across all facets of the event, including refinements to the floor layout and the schedule of activities. McKinney’s vision for TPF 2026 was further detailed in the February Pinball Industry News PINcast, providing attendees with insights into the planned improvements and the festival’s overall direction.

A significant new addition to the TPF schedule was "TechDay," held throughout Wednesday. This initiative offered machine owners a unique opportunity to bring their pinball machines for professional diagnosis and repair. On-site technicians worked directly with owners, fostering a collaborative learning environment where participants could gain hands-on experience in fault-finding and repair techniques. The service, priced at $80 per ticket, also offered replacement components at a discounted rate, making it a valuable resource for the pinball community.

Thursday: Building Momentum

By Thursday morning, the main show hall was visibly transforming into a pinball paradise. As more machines and exhibitor booths arrived, the venue began to take shape. Banners signifying the event’s theme and sponsors were hung, signaling the imminent start of the festival. Prominent manufacturers and distributors, including FUN! showcasing the latest Stern Pinball machines, Jersey Jack Pinball, and Pinball Traders, were actively setting up their displays. Warped Pinball was also present, preparing to demonstrate their innovative connected system, highlighting the growing integration of technology within the pinball experience. The constant flow of exhibitors through the loading doors underscored the logistical effort involved in orchestrating such a large-scale event. The floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as a crucial guide for both machine owners and vendors, ensuring smooth navigation and placement within the designated areas. The exhibition space extended beyond the main hall, with numerous machines and vendor stands occupying the corridors, further amplifying the festival’s reach.

The Festival Unfolds: Events, Seminars, and Competitions

Friday: Doors Open to the Public

Friday marked the official opening of the Texas Pinball Festival to the public at 4:00 PM. However, the day’s activities commenced earlier at midday, with a packed schedule of tournaments and seminars commencing. As the venue prepared for the influx of visitors, work continued on setting up the remaining stands and machines. Chris Munson was seen setting up his LeGrand PinCabs stand in the lobby area, while the corridors were steadily filling with an eclectic mix of vendor offerings and free-play machines.

A focal point for many upon entering the show was the grand prize for the raffle: a brand-new Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine. Adding to the thematic excitement, a previously concealed animatronic dragon was unveiled, quickly becoming a popular spot for attendee photos and videos. The Jui Long Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe delivered a vibrant performance shortly before the hall opened, perfectly complementing the festival’s dragon theme and adding a cultural flair to the proceedings. The merchandise desk also opened its doors, offering TPF-branded apparel and accessories, including T-shirts and caps, many featuring the year’s dragon motif.

The seminar schedule kicked off with Brian Haskell’s presentation on leveraging affordable technology for creating custom pinball displays. Following this, Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley continued their educational series on pinball machine troubleshooting, offering practical advice for owners and restorers. Upstairs, the highly anticipated Texas Wizards tournament began its qualifying rounds, setting the stage for a weekend of intense competition. The day concluded with two engaging tournaments: the Scrutinizers Tournament, serving as a warm-up for major competitions, and the Media Mavens Tournament, which brought together prominent media creators for a unique gameplay challenge.

Saturday: A Day of Discovery and Competition

Saturday at TPF commenced with the traditional Swap Meet in the parking lot, organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club. The early start, with vendors and buyers arriving as early as 6 AM, highlighted the strong demand for parts, machines, and accessories. The Swap Meet offered a treasure trove of pinball-related items, from manuals and translites to complete machines, attracting collectors and restorers seeking rare finds.

The seminar schedule on Saturday was equally robust. American Pinball’s presentation, "Something New," offered a look into their production plans and the upcoming "reimagined" Williams/Bally titles, starting with Cirqus Voltaire. The session detailed plans for both modernized remakes and enhanced versions featuring updated artwork, sculpts, rules, and sound design. Imoto Harney of Marco Specialties and Craig Hassell from Fun! Superstore provided valuable tips for new pinball machine owners in their seminar, covering essential maintenance and checks for both new and vintage machines. The "Ask Us Anything!" tech Q&A panel offered a forum for audience members to present technical challenges, with experienced technicians offering diagnostic insights and repair solutions. Brad Oldham from Evolution Mods demonstrated how the Pinnunciator system can be used to add interactive light shows and mechanical enhancements to pinball machines. The homebrew community took center stage in a seminar hosted by Aaron Davis, co-founder of FAST Pinball, showcasing the growing creativity and technical skill within this segment of the hobby. The day also featured a tutorial on playing Stern Pinball’s Pokémon and an autograph session with prominent industry figures. Live music, provided by Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls, added a festive atmosphere to the lobby area. The day culminated with a presentation by Stern Pinball, detailing the development of their latest release, Pokémon, with insights from the design, rules, and sound teams.

Sunday: Finals, Awards, and Farewell

Sunday at TPF was dedicated to the conclusion of major tournaments and the highly anticipated closing ceremony. The Texas Takedown women’s tournament saw intense competition, with Emily Cosson emerging as the victor. The Texas Wizards main tournament also reached its thrilling conclusion, with Jack Revnew claiming the top spot after a closely contested final.

The closing ceremony, commencing at 2 PM, was a highlight of the festival. TPF organizer Paul McKinney opened the proceedings, followed by the presentation of "Best in Show" awards across various categories, recognizing outstanding machine restorations and custom builds. The judges, including Keith Holbrook, Scott Martin, Bill Morrison, Gary Stuart, Rich Wiski, and Michael Lube, meticulously evaluated the entries. Dan Horne of Nitro Pinball presented the awards, acknowledging the dedication and craftsmanship of the winners and runners-up.

A major draw of the closing ceremony was the raffle for a Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine from Jersey Jack Pinball. The lucky winner, Adam Breakey, was present to claim his prize. Adding an extra layer of excitement, American Pinball announced a second Houdini 100th Anniversary machine as a prize, with the initial winner, Chris Engberg, arriving just moments after the draw, leading to a magnanimous decision by American Pinball owner Bryan Vincent to award him a second machine. The event concluded with the official closing of the festival, as exhibitors began packing their machines and stands, already looking forward to the 2027 Texas Pinball Festival, with dates announced for March 19th-21st, 2027.

Pinball Innovation on Display

TPF 2026 provided a platform for showcasing the latest advancements and creative endeavors in the pinball world. The "History of Pinball" exhibit, a recurring and highly appreciated feature, traced the evolution of the game from its pre-flipper mechanical origins to the sophisticated digital machines of today. This display included a remarkable 1880s M. Redgrave’s Parlor Bagatelle Table, likely the oldest game present at the show, offering a tangible connection to the game’s rich heritage.

The burgeoning homebrew community was prominently featured, with an expanded section dedicated to custom and original pinball designs. Spearheaded by industry leaders like Marco Specialties and FAST Pinball, this area demonstrated the growing accessibility of game development, with numerous machines in various stages of completion highlighting the creativity and passion within this segment of the hobby. Notable homebrew titles included Tiki Tapu, Turbo, Monsters Inc., Pinball in Wonderland, and Friday the 13th, among others.

Manufacturers also used TPF as a key venue to unveil new products and engage with the community. Stern Pinball’s Pokémon and American Pinball’s reimagined Houdini with updated aesthetics and features were among the highly anticipated new releases on display. The extensive presence of manufacturers like Jersey Jack Pinball, Spooky Pinball, and Turner Pinball, who debuted their Yukon Yeti title just prior to the event, underscored the industry’s continued vitality. The festival also provided ample opportunities for attendees to play a vast selection of machines, from classics to the newest releases, in a free-play environment.

Community and Industry Engagement

The Texas Pinball Festival continues to foster a strong sense of community, evident in the numerous seminars, tournaments, and social events. The TechDay initiative, the educational seminars covering everything from troubleshooting to game design, and the interactive trivia quizzes all contributed to a learning-rich environment. The musical performances in the lobby, featuring artists like the Scoma Jazz Band and Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls, added a festive ambiance, enhancing the overall attendee experience.

The show’s growth, both in duration and scope, with pre-show events like TechDay and tournaments, indicates a trend towards a more comprehensive pinball weekend. The success of these expanded offerings suggests a fertile ground for future innovation and community engagement. The strong turnout from both local enthusiasts and those traveling from afar, combined with the significant presence of industry professionals and manufacturers, highlights the TPF’s sustained importance within the pinball calendar. The festival’s ability to attract international visitors further solidifies its status as a significant global pinball event.

As the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival concluded, the excitement for the 2027 event was already building, promising another unforgettable gathering for pinball enthusiasts. The festival’s commitment to innovation, community, and the celebration of pinball’s past, present, and future ensures its continued success and relevance in the years to come.