The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, once again played host to the highly anticipated Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) from February 20th to 22nd, 2026. This annual gathering, a cornerstone event for pinball enthusiasts and industry professionals across the United States and beyond, showcased a vibrant blend of classic and cutting-edge pinball machines, competitive tournaments, insightful seminars, and a bustling marketplace. The festival, renowned for its friendly atmosphere and commitment to celebrating the rich history and future of pinball, drew thousands of attendees eager to experience the latest offerings and connect with fellow aficionados.

A City Transformed by Pinball Fever

Frisco, Texas, a rapidly growing hub north of Dallas, provided an ideal backdrop for the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival. The sprawling Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, a landmark visible from miles away, offered ample space to accommodate the festival’s diverse attractions. Attendees enjoyed the convenience of lodging and the main event under one roof, fostering a sense of community throughout the weekend. This year’s festival was particularly notable for its ambitious theme: "Dragons." This mythical motif permeated the event, from the official logo and merchandise to themed pinball machines and decorative elements scattered throughout the venue, adding an extra layer of excitement and fantasy to the proceedings.

The journey to Frisco for many began earlier in the week, with Pinball News representatives arriving on Monday. Their itinerary included visits to key players in the pinball manufacturing sector, starting with Barrels of Fun in Houston to meet with David van Es and his team, followed by a drive north to Round Rock to visit Multimorphic’s factory and connect with Gerry Stellenberg and his crew. This pre-event exploration provided valuable insight into the industry’s current landscape and upcoming innovations, setting the stage for comprehensive coverage of the festival itself.

A Glimpse into the Preparations: Wednesday and Thursday

While the public opening of the festival was slated for Friday afternoon, the groundwork for this grand event began on Wednesday. The main exhibition hall, a cavernous space within the Frisco Convention Center, was already abuzz with activity as setup commenced. Paul McKinney, the driving force behind the Texas Pinball Festival, had implemented significant changes across various aspects of the show, from the floor layout to the event schedule, aiming to enhance the attendee experience. These strategic adjustments were detailed in Pinball News’s February PINcast, offering an exclusive preview of McKinney’s vision for the 2026 event.

One of the most innovative additions to this year’s festival was "TechDay," held throughout Wednesday. This unique initiative provided a dedicated space for machine owners to bring their beloved pinball machines for expert diagnosis and repair. Technicians worked alongside owners, not only fixing issues but also educating them on fault-finding and remedial techniques, empowering the community with practical knowledge. The $80 ticket for TechDay, coupled with discounted rates on replacement components, proved to be a valuable investment for many attending collectors and repair enthusiasts.

By Thursday morning, the main show hall was visibly transforming into a pinball paradise. More machines and vendor displays were arriving, and the distinctive show banners were being hung from the ceiling, creating an immersive atmosphere. Exhibitors like Fun!, representing Stern Pinball, were setting up their stands, showcasing a wide array of the latest Stern machines. Jersey Jack Pinball also had a prominent presence, as did Pinball Traders, who were busy preparing their display. Warped Pinball was on hand to demonstrate their connected system, hinting at the evolving digital integration within the pinball world. The constant flow of activity through the loading doors, as vehicles disgorged their contents before quickly vacating the space, underscored the dynamic and collaborative spirit of the setup process. A clear floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as a crucial guide for both machine owners and vendors, ensuring a well-organized flow throughout the venue. The festival’s footprint extended beyond the main hall, with additional machines and vendor stands occupying the adjacent corridors, maximizing the available space for engagement.

Upstairs, a dedicated area within the Convention Center was being prepared for the festival’s numerous pinball tournaments. This space, overseen by Tournament Directors Elizabeth Dronet, Kevin Stone, Louis Marx, and Ken Kemp, would host intense competitions throughout the weekend. On Thursday, the tournament machines were still arriving, but the anticipation was palpable. The walls outside the tournament room proudly displayed the names of previous years’ champions, a testament to the rich competitive history of the event.

Opening Day Buzz: Friday

Friday marked the official public opening of the Texas Pinball Festival at 4 PM, but the day’s activities commenced much earlier with a full schedule of tournaments and seminars beginning at midday. The main exhibition hall and corridors continued to fill with vendor stands and free-play machines, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. A significant draw was the display of the festival’s grand raffle prize: a coveted Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine, positioned near the newly established show entrance.

The anticipation surrounding the "dragon" theme culminated with the unveiling of an impressive animatronic dragon sculpture, which quickly became a popular spot for photos and social media sharing. This striking centerpiece, accompanied by a captivating video demonstration, perfectly encapsulated the festival’s playful and immersive approach.

Major pinball manufacturers were well-represented. Fun! showcased a comprehensive selection of Stern Pinball’s latest titles, while American Pinball returned with an updated model of their Houdini machine, featuring refreshed cabinet and backglass artwork, a new topper, and a return of the beloved playfield sculpts. Jersey Jack Pinball also presented a diverse collection of their popular games. Spooky Pinball’s stand was instantly recognizable, amplified by a larger-than-life Beetlejuice character, and the brand even featured a dedicated "BeetleTent" with additional machines. Demonstrating their rapid product development cycle, Turner Pinball unveiled their newly announced "Yukon Yeti" title, showcasing both the All-In and Legendary Edition models, along with an impressive animatronic Northern Lights topper.

The festival also paid homage to the roots of the game with a "History of Pinball" exhibit, offering a nostalgic journey through the evolution of the arcade classic.

Seminars and Competitions: A Packed Schedule

The newly designed Seminars Room, offering a more intimate setting, hosted a series of educational and engaging sessions throughout the weekend. Friday’s program kicked off at midday with Brian Haskell’s presentation, "More Than Just Leaderboards on your Leaderboard," demonstrating how to create custom pinball displays using affordable technology. This was followed by an advanced session on pinball machine troubleshooting led by Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley, continuing their popular educational series.

Simultaneously, upstairs in the Tournament Room, the prestigious Texas Wizards tournament commenced with its early qualifying rounds after an hour of free practice. The organizers’ desk hummed with activity as participants registered and prepared for competition.

As the main hall opened to the public, a vibrant performance by the Jui Long Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe added a festive and thematic flair, perfectly aligning with the year’s dragon motif. Merchandise sales also began, offering attendees a chance to purchase TPF-branded apparel and memorabilia, including designs from previous years.

The evening’s seminar schedule featured a strong lineup. Jersey Jack Pinball’s presentation included insights into the design and development of their Harry Potter pinball, with lead mechanical designer Dan Lachcik detailing the intricate mechanisms. Barrels of Fun shared their journey from inception to their latest release, "Winchester Mystery House," highlighting the growth and unexpected popularity of their games. The day concluded with a discussion on Multimorphic’s P³ pinball platform, featuring a panel of developers and owners who shared their experiences and insights into the platform’s unique features.

Outside the Seminars Room, the Scoma Jazz Band provided a lively musical backdrop for attendees enjoying refreshments from the adjacent catering stands, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Saturday’s Early Bird Specials and Main Event

Saturday at the Texas Pinball Festival traditionally begins with the highly popular Swap Meet, held in the parking lot. Organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club, the event’s official start time was moved forward to 7 AM this year, but dedicated vendors and eager buyers were already present by 6 AM, drawn by the promise of early bird bargains. Under the parking lot lights, a diverse array of pinball parts, manuals, translites, circuit boards, and even complete machines were available, offering a treasure trove for collectors and restorers. While the focus was on pinball-related items, occasional non-pinball curiosities also surfaced, adding to the eclectic nature of the swap meet. The early morning rush saw significant activity, with many attendees securing sought-after items before returning to the hotel for breakfast, preparing for another full day at the festival.

The festival organizers announced the dates for the 2027 Texas Pinball Festival, indicating the event’s long-standing commitment and future planning. This forward-looking announcement underscored the festival’s established presence and continued growth within the pinball community.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Texas Pinball Festival promised more updates throughout the weekend, with continued coverage of seminars, main hall attractions, and any unexpected developments. Saturday was anticipated to be particularly busy with a packed seminar schedule and the Pinball News-hosted "So You Think You Know Pinball?" quiz at 5 PM. The festival’s success in Frisco, Texas, solidified its reputation as a premier destination for pinball enthusiasts, showcasing the enduring appeal and dynamic evolution of this beloved pastime. The commitment to community, innovation, and education ensures that the Texas Pinball Festival will remain a highlight on the pinball calendar for years to come.