The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, located at 7600 John Q Hammons Drive, once again played host to the highly anticipated Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) from February 20th to 22nd, 2026. This year’s event, a cornerstone of the pinball calendar, offered an immersive experience for enthusiasts, industry professionals, and newcomers alike, showcasing a vibrant mix of classic and cutting-edge machines, competitive tournaments, educational seminars, and a bustling marketplace.

Event Overview and Chronology

The festival officially commenced on Friday afternoon, but preparations and ancillary events began earlier in the week, setting a dynamic tone for the weekend. The organizers, led by Paul McKinney, implemented several strategic changes aimed at enhancing the overall attendee experience. These included a revised floor layout for improved flow and a more structured events schedule, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the growing demands of the pinball community.

Early Arrivals and Preparations (Monday-Wednesday)

The Pinball News team arrived in Texas on Monday, beginning their coverage with visits to industry stalwarts. An initial stop in Houston allowed for an engagement with David van Es and the team at Barrels of Fun. This was followed by a journey north to Round Rock, Texas, to tour the Multimorphic factory and meet with Gerry Stellenberg and his crew. These early interactions provided valuable insights into the industry’s pulse ahead of the festival’s public opening.

As Wednesday evening approached, the team arrived in Frisco, observing the initial stages of setup. Despite the public opening being two days away, the main exhibition hall was already a hive of activity, with machines and vendor booths being meticulously arranged. The anticipated weather for the show weekend was exceptionally warm, with temperatures expected to reach approximately 37°C (98.6°F), underscoring the need for attendees to stay hydrated and prepared for the Texan heat.

TechDay Innovation and Educational Initiatives (Wednesday)

A notable new addition to the TPF 2026 schedule was "TechDay," held throughout Wednesday. This dedicated session offered machine owners a unique opportunity to bring their pinball machines for on-site diagnostics and repairs. A team of skilled technicians worked collaboratively with owners, fostering a hands-on learning environment. This initiative not only addressed immediate technical issues but also empowered participants with practical fault-finding and repair techniques, enhancing their ability to maintain their own collections. The cost for TechDay access was $80, with replacement components available at a discounted rate, making it a cost-effective solution for many enthusiasts.

Building Momentum: Thursday’s Preparations

By Thursday morning, the main show hall was visibly taking shape. The influx of machines and exhibition furniture continued, with prominent industry players like FUN! setting up to showcase the latest Stern Pinball offerings. Jersey Jack Pinball also presented a comprehensive display of their popular titles, alongside Pinball Traders and Warped Pinball, who were preparing to demonstrate their innovative connected system. The efficient logistics of exhibitors unloading and setting up their stands highlighted the professional execution of the event’s operational planning. The floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as a crucial guide for both vendors and attendees navigating the expansive venue. Beyond the main hall, corridors also became active spaces, accommodating additional vendor stands and free-play machines, maximizing the utilization of the venue’s available space.

Dragon Theme and Merchandise Integration

A distinctive thematic element for TPF 2026 was the "dragons" motif. This creative choice permeated various aspects of the festival, from the official event logo and branded merchandise to a dedicated section showcasing dragon-themed pinball machines and decorative dragon sculptures strategically placed throughout the venue. This thematic consistency added a layer of visual appeal and cohesive identity to the event, enhancing the overall attendee experience.

Friday: The Grand Opening and Industry Presentations

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 series of engaging seminars and tournaments. In the main hall, setup continued, with Chris Munson showcasing his LeGrand PinCabs in the lobby area. The corridors filled with an array of vendor stands and free-play machines, creating a lively atmosphere.

The grand prize for the festival’s raffle, a new-in-box Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine, was prominently displayed, generating significant excitement among attendees. The previously unveiled animatronic dragon became a popular attraction, serving as a focal point for photos and videos, embodying the festival’s dragon theme.

The seminar schedule kicked off at midday with Brian Haskell’s presentation on leveraging affordable technology for creating custom pinball leaderboards and displays. This was followed by an advanced technical session led by Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley, continuing their educational series on pinball machine repair and maintenance.

Upstairs in the Tournament Room, the "Texas Wizards" tournament commenced after an initial practice session, with early qualifying groups competing for top honors. The day also featured two tournaments: the "Scrutinizers Tournament" in the upstairs room, serving as a warm-up for main competitions, and the "Media Mavens Tournament" on the main floor. Garrett Shahan emerged victorious in the Scrutinizers Tournament, while Clark McCoy secured first place in the Media Mavens event.

As the main hall opened to the public, a performance by the Jui Long Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe added a cultural flair, reinforcing the event’s theme. The merchandise desk also opened, offering TPF-branded apparel and accessories. Food trucks and stands outside the conference center provided diverse culinary options, catering to the anticipated large crowds and the warm weather.

The evening’s seminars included an in-depth look at Jersey Jack Pinball’s latest offerings, featuring insights from Jack Guarnieri, Eric Meunier, and Dan Lachcik on the creation of the Harry Potter pinball. Barrels of Fun presented their company’s journey and product development, including their successful "Labyrinth," "Dune," and "Winchester Mystery House" titles. Multimorphic concluded the day’s seminars with a panel discussion on their innovative P³ pinball platform, featuring key figures like Gerry Stellenberg. The Scoma Jazz Band provided live music in the lobby, creating a relaxed ambiance for attendees enjoying refreshments.

Saturday: Swap Meets, Seminars, and Industry Insights

Saturday at TPF 2026 began early with the popular Swap Meet, organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club. Moved forward to 7:00 AM, the event saw vendors and buyers engaging in transactions from as early as 6:00 AM, highlighting the keen interest in acquiring parts and machines. The variety of items available, ranging from manuals and translites to complete machines, underscored the Swap Meet’s significance as a treasure trove for collectors and restorers.

The day’s seminar schedule commenced at 10:00 AM with an "American Pinball: Something New" presentation by Bryan Vincent and his team, detailing their production plans for original designs and the highly anticipated "reimagined" Williams/Bally titles, starting with "Cirqus Voltaire."

Following this, Imoto Harney of Marco Specialties and Craig Hassell from Fun! Superstore offered practical advice in their "Owning your first pinball machine" seminar, covering essential maintenance tips for both new and vintage machines. The technical focus continued with an interactive "Ask Us Anything!" Q&A panel, where industry experts addressed audience queries on pinball troubleshooting. Brad Oldham of Evolution Mods presented on integrating custom electronics and lighting with his "Pinnunciator" system, while Aaron Davis of FAST Pinball hosted a "Making Pinball, Making Friends" session, spotlighting the burgeoning homebrew community and their innovative creations.

A "Walkthrough Game Play on Pokémon" seminar featured Steve Bowden, Jack Danger, and Tanio Klyce, offering strategic insights into mastering Stern Pinball’s latest release. The afternoon included an autograph session with prominent industry figures, providing fans an opportunity to connect with their favorite designers and personalities. The "So You Think You Know Pinball?" trivia quiz, hosted by Martin Ayub and Jonathan Joosten, offered a fun and competitive engagement for attendees, with numerous prizes sponsored by leading pinball manufacturers. Todd Tuckey of TNT Amusements shared his extensive career insights in a "Fireside Chat," complemented by musical performances by Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls. The day concluded with a Stern Pinball presentation, featuring George Gomez, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, and Jerry Thompson discussing the development of the Pokémon pinball machine.

Sunday: Tournaments, Awards, and Closing Ceremonies

Sunday at the Texas Pinball Festival was dedicated to high-stakes tournaments and the concluding events. The "Texas Takedown" women’s tournament saw 72 competitors vying for top honors, with Emily Cosson ultimately claiming first place after a compelling final round. Simultaneously, the "Texas Wizards" main tournament reached its climax, with Jack Revnew emerging as the overall champion after a closely contested final.

The festival culminated in the closing ceremony at 2:00 PM, featuring the "Best in Show" awards and the highly anticipated grand prize raffle draw for the Harry Potter Arcade Edition. American Pinball also conducted a separate raffle for a Houdini 100th Anniversary machine, which saw Nicole Schulte as the fortunate winner after an initial ticket holder’s absence. The Best in Show awards recognized outstanding contributions across various categories, including Best Antique, Best 1960s, Best Electromechanical, Best Solid State, Best DMD, Best Modern, Best Original, Best Newcomer, Best Restoration, Best Custom (Homebrew), Best Classic Arcade, Best Custom Video Game, and the coveted Grand Champion: Best in Show award, presented to Peter Batterton for his Tales of the Arabian Nights machine. The festival officially concluded with the drawing of the main raffle, awarding the Harry Potter Arcade Edition to Adam Breakey.

Industry Presence and Machine Showcase

The Texas Pinball Festival consistently attracts a significant presence from major pinball manufacturers and distributors. This year was no exception, with Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, and Multimorphic all showcasing their latest machines and technologies. Smaller manufacturers and custom builders also played a vital role, with the expanded "Homebrew & Custom Games" section highlighting the growing creativity and innovation within the enthusiast community. Notable vendors included Barrels of Fun, Pinball Traders, Spooky Pinball, Turner Pinball, LeGrand PinCabs, and numerous others offering a wide array of parts, accessories, and services. The sheer volume and diversity of machines available for free play, from rare classics to the newest releases, provided attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to experience and appreciate the breadth of the pinball hobby.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The Texas Pinball Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a premier event, drawing significant attendance from local enthusiasts and a growing international contingent. The festival’s expansion to include ancillary events like TechDay and its commitment to fostering both competitive and casual play, alongside educational seminars and industry showcases, positions it as a vital hub for the pinball community. The success of TPF 2026 underscores the enduring appeal of pinball and the vibrant, dedicated community that supports it. With the dates for the 2027 festival already announced – March 19th-21st, 2027, at the same Frisco venue – anticipation is already building for another exceptional gathering. The continued growth and evolution of the Texas Pinball Festival demonstrate its critical role in the ongoing vitality and advancement of the pinball industry.