The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, is set to become the epicenter of pinball excitement from February 20th to 22nd, 2026, as it hosts the highly anticipated Texas Pinball Festival. This year’s event, returning to its established Frisco location, promises a captivating blend of classic and modern pinball experiences, highlighted by a vibrant "dragon" theme that permeates every aspect of the festival. Organized by Paul McKinney, the festival has undergone significant revisions to its layout and schedule, aiming to enhance the attendee experience and foster a stronger sense of community within the pinball world.

A Journey to the Heart of Texas Pinball

The Pinball News coverage team embarked on their journey to Texas several days prior to the official opening, arriving in Houston on Monday. This initial leg of their trip included a visit to Barrels of Fun in Houston, a meeting with David van Es and his team, before heading north to Round Rock. There, they visited the Multimorphic factory, engaging with Gerry Stellenberg and his crew. This pre-show reconnaissance provided valuable insights into the burgeoning pinball industry in Texas, setting the stage for the festival itself.

The weather forecast for the show weekend anticipates a significant warm-up, with temperatures expected to reach approximately 37°C (98.6°F), a stark contrast to the cooler start to the week. This embrace of the Texas climate is a familiar characteristic for attendees of this well-established event.

Setting the Stage: The Eve of the Festival

Wednesday marked the arrival of the coverage team in Frisco, a full two days before the public opening. Even with the official commencement still on the horizon, the main exhibition hall was already a hive of activity. Setup was well underway, with vendors and exhibitors beginning to transform the space into the vibrant festival grounds attendees would soon experience.

Paul McKinney, the driving force behind the Texas Pinball Festival, has been instrumental in implementing numerous enhancements for this year’s event. These changes span from the intricate floor layout, designed to optimize flow and accessibility, to a thoughtfully curated schedule of events intended to cater to a diverse range of pinball enthusiasts. McKinney shared his vision and detailed plans for the festival in the February edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, which is now available in the PINcasts section of Pinball News.

The Dragon’s Roar: A Thematic Unveiling

A defining feature of the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival is its captivating "dragon" theme. This motif is not merely decorative; it is woven into the very fabric of the event. The official festival logo prominently features a dragon, and a dedicated section of the show floor is showcasing dragon-themed pinball machines. Furthermore, the theme extends to the festival’s merchandise, with dragon imagery adorning various items, and elaborate dragon sculptures are strategically placed throughout the venue, adding a touch of fantasy and spectacle. This immersive theme aims to create a memorable and engaging atmosphere for all participants.

Innovation Takes Center Stage: The Inaugural TechDay

A notable new addition to the Texas Pinball Festival is "TechDay," which commenced on Wednesday. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for machine owners to bring their pinball machines to the venue for expert diagnosis and repair. A dedicated team of technicians is on hand to address faults, with the owners actively involved in the process. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only have their machines repaired but also gain valuable knowledge in fault-finding and remedial techniques. The cost for participation in TechDay is $80, with replacement components offered at a discounted rate, making it an attractive proposition for enthusiasts seeking to maintain their beloved machines. The successful implementation of TechDay underscores the festival’s commitment to supporting the pinball community and promoting the longevity of these intricate electromechanical devices.

Thursday: The Festival Takes Shape

By Thursday morning, the main show hall had significantly evolved. The space was increasingly populated with pinball machines and vendor stands, and the distinctive show banners were being suspended from the ceiling, further enhancing the festive ambiance. Exhibitors, including prominent names in the pinball industry such as Fun! (showcasing the latest Stern Pinball machines), Jersey Jack Pinball, Pinball Traders, and Warped Pinball (demonstrating their connected system), were in the process of setting up their displays. The constant influx of vehicles at the loading doors, delivering equipment and machines, underscored the dynamic nature of event preparation. The floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as a crucial guide for both machine owners and vendors, directing them to their designated areas and ensuring an organized setup.

Beyond the main hall, the festival’s reach extends into the corridors, where additional machines and vendor stands are strategically placed. This multi-area layout maximizes the exhibition space and provides a more comprehensive experience for attendees. The organizers have clearly put considerable effort into optimizing the spatial arrangement to ensure a smooth and engaging flow of activity.

The Tournament Arena: A Separate Sphere of Competition

A distinct and vital component of the Texas Pinball Festival is located on the upper level of the Convention Center, dedicated to the numerous pinball tournaments. This area is overseen by a team of experienced Tournament Directors, including Elizabeth Dronet, Kevin Stone, Louis Marx, and Ken Kemp. On Thursday, as the coverage team visited this space, most of the tournament machines had yet to arrive, indicating the meticulous scheduling required to prepare for these high-stakes competitions. Displays of previous years’ winners outside the tournament room serve as a testament to the event’s rich competitive history and inspire current participants. The registration desk is also situated in this area, ensuring a streamlined process for competitors. Trophies for the top finishers in events like the "Texas Wizards" tournament are already on display, hinting at the prestigious nature of the competitions to come.

Looking Ahead: Dates for 2027 Announced

Even as the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival was poised for its grand opening, the organizers have already announced the dates for the subsequent year. The 2027 festival is scheduled to take place from February 19th to 21st, 2027. This early announcement allows enthusiasts to mark their calendars and plan their attendance well in advance, reflecting the enduring popularity and established presence of this premier pinball event in the calendar of aficionados.

The Pinball News team will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival as it unfolds, bringing readers the latest updates from the setup and the official opening. Attendees and enthusiasts are encouraged to revisit Pinball News for ongoing reports and insights from this exciting gathering of the pinball community. The festival’s strategic location, innovative programming, and the passionate dedication of its organizers and participants solidify its position as a cornerstone event for pinball enthusiasts across the nation and beyond. The return to Frisco, Texas, signifies not just a continuation of tradition but also a forward-looking approach to engaging and growing the pinball community.