Texas Pinball Festival 2026 Schedule

Join us for the ultimate pinball experience at the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival! From tournaments and seminars to special guests and entertainment, we’ve packed three days with non-stop pinball action for enthusiasts of all ages.
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Wednesday & Thursday: Pre-Festival Events

Wednesday, March 18th

Kick off your festival experience with our exclusive TechDay, limited to just 100 collectors. This special pre-event runs from noon to 8pm at Frisco 7-9, giving dedicated enthusiasts early access to technical discussions and hands-on experiences before the main festival begins.

Thursday, March 19th

The excitement builds as we open for exhibitor check-in and packet pickup from noon to 8pm. The main exhibit hall will be available for collectors and exhibitors to set up their displays during this same timeframe. For those looking to unwind after setup, our board game room will be open, followed by a late-night karaoke session at a venue to be announced.

Wednesday

Noon-8pm: TechDay (limited to 100 collectors)
Location: Frisco 7-9 (West side by Rolling Door)

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Thursday

Noon-8pm: Exhibitor Check In and packet pickup
Noon-8pm: Main Exhibit Hall opens for setup
Noon-8pm: Board Game Room
4:15 – 9pm ($20 cash First come First Serve -Tournament Room)
6pm: Media Mavens Tournament (Location TBD)
9pm-???: Karaoke bar (Location TBD)

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Wednesday

Noon-8pm: TechDay (limited to 100 collectors)
Location: Frisco 7-9
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Thursday

Noon-8pm: Exhibitor Check In and packet pickup
Noon-8pm: Main Exhibit Hall opens for setup
Noon-8pm: Board Game Room
6pm: Media Mavens Tournament (Location TBD)
9pm-???: Karaoke bar (Location TBD)

Friday, March 20th: Opening Day

The festival officially kicks into high gear on Friday with a packed schedule of events. Early birds can pick up pre-registration packets starting at 8:00 am, avoiding the lines when the gameroom opens to the public. Collectors and exhibitors will have access to the exhibit hall for final setup preparations before the doors open to the public.

Morning

8:00 am: Pre-registration booth opens
8:00 am: Exhibit Hall open for setup
8:30 am: Tournament area opens
9:00 am – 12:00 am: Texas Wizards Tournament Qualifying

Evening

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Scoma Jazz Band (Lobby Stage)
6:00 pm: Jersey Jack Pinball (Seminar Room)
7:00 pm: Barrels of Fun Pinball (Seminar Room)
8:00 pm: Multimorphic Inc. (Seminar Room)
10:00 pm: Texas Smoke (Embassy Suites Cypress Bar)
10:00 pm: Gift Shop Closes
1:00 am: Gameroom closes

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Afternoon

Noon: Main exhibit hall open to Early Ride Time Passes
Noon – 10:00 pm: Kids Bump & Win Tournament Qualifying
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Gift shop open
3:45 pm: Opening Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
4:00 pm: Festival opens to the public
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Morning

8:00 am: Pre-registration booth opens
8:00 am: Exhibit Hall open for setup
8:30 am: Tournament area opens
9:00 am – 12:00 am: Texas Wizards Tournament Qualifying
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Afternoon

Noon: Main exhibit hall open to Early Ride Time Passes
Noon – 10:00 pm: Kids Bump & Win Tournament Qualifying
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Gift shop open
3:45 pm: Opening Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
4:00 pm: Festival opens to the public
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Evening

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Celebrity Autograph session
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Scoma Jazz Band (Lobby Stage)
6:00 pm: Jersey Jack Pinball (Seminar Room)
7:00 pm: Barrels of Fun Pinball (Seminar Room)
8:00 pm: Multimorphic Inc. (Seminar Room)
9:00 pm: Half-price Friday Day pass available
10:00 pm: Texas Smoke (Embassy Suites Cypress Bar)
10:00 pm: Gift Shop Closes
1:00 am: Gameroom closes

Saturday, March 21st: Main Event Day

Saturday brings the festival to its peak with a full day of activities starting bright and early. The DFW Pinball & Arcade Club hosts a Swap Meet from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, perfect for collectors looking to trade or acquire new pieces for their collection. Registration opens at 8:00 am, followed by the gift shop and tournament area at 9:00 am.

Tournament action continues with the Kids Bump & Win Tournament Qualifying from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with finals scheduled for 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The Texas Wizards Tournament Qualifying runs from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with finals taking place from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The main gameroom opens at 9:00 am, with seminars beginning at 10:00 am. Throughout the day, shuttles will be available to transport attendees to the National Videogame Museum, with pickup on the north side of the convention center.

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Morning Events

  • 7:00 am: Swap Meet begins
  • 8:00 am: Registration opens
  • 9:00 am: Gift shop & tournament area open
  • 9:00 am: Gameroom opens
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Afternoon Events

  • 10:00 am: Seminars begin
  • 10:00 am – 6:00 pm: National Videogame Museum shuttle service
  • 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Kids Bump & Win Tournament Finals
  • 4:00 pm: Special Guest Autograph Session (Convention Center Lobby)
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Evening Events

  • 5:00 pm: Pinball Trivia with Martin Ayub & Jonathan Joosten (Embassy Suites)
  • 6:00 pm: Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
  • 8:00 pm: Stern Pinball presentation (Seminar Room)
  • 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Texas Wizards Tournament Finals
  • 9:00 pm: Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
  • 11:30 pm: Gameroom closes to public
  • 12:00 am – 2:00 am: Exhibitor/Collector Party

Sunday, March 22nd: Final Day

The festival concludes on Sunday with a half-day of activities. Registration and the gift shop open at 8:30 am, with the gameroom following at 9:00 am. The tournament area opens at the same time, hosting the Texas Wizards Tournament Finals and the Texas Takedown: Women’s Pinball Championship.

Morning

8:30 am: Registration opens
8:30 am: Gift shop opens
9:00 am: Gameroom opens
9:00 am: Tournament area opens
9:00 am: Texas Wizards Tournament Finals (3 & 4)
9:00 am – Noon: Texas Takedown: Women’s Pinball Championship Qualifying
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Afternoon

Noon – 2:00 pm: Texas Takedown: Women’s Pinball Championship Finals
2:00 pm: Gameroom closes
2:00 pm: Best in Show Awards / Closing Ceremony / Pinball Raffle Drawing (Seminar Room)
The festival wraps up with the Best in Show Awards, Closing Ceremony, and Pinball Raffle Drawing at 2:00 pm in the Seminar Room. This is your last chance to celebrate with fellow pinball enthusiasts and potentially win some amazing prizes before saying goodbye until next year.
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Please note that all guests are subject to cancellation or schedule changes. Seminars have limited seating capacities and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Morning

8:30 am: Registration opens
8:30 am: Gift shop opens
9:00 am: Gameroom opens
9:00 am: Tournament area opens
9:00 am: Texas Wizards Tournament Finals (3 & 4)
9:00 am – Noon: Texas Takedown: Women’s Pinball Championship Qualifying
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Afternoon

Noon – 2:00 pm: Texas Takedown: Women’s Pinball Championship Finals
2:00 pm: Gameroom closes
2:00 pm: Best in Show Awards / Closing Ceremony / Pinball Raffle Drawing (Seminar Room)
The festival wraps up with the Best in Show Awards, Closing Ceremony, and Pinball Raffle Drawing at 2:00 pm in the Seminar Room. This is your last chance to celebrate with fellow pinball enthusiasts and potentially win some amazing prizes before saying goodbye until next year.
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Please note that all guests are subject to cancellation or schedule changes. Seminars have limited seating capacities and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tournament Schedule

Qualifying Rounds

Texas Wizards

Kids Bump & Win

Women's Championship

Finals

Texas Wizards Tournament

Our premier competitive event spans all three days of the festival:

  • Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am – Qualifying rounds
  • Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm – Qualifying continues
  • Saturday: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm – Finals (1 & 2)
  • Sunday: 9:00 am – Finals (3 & 4)

This tournament attracts the best pinball wizards from across the region, showcasing incredible skill and strategy throughout the weekend.

Kids Bump & Win Tournament

Designed for our younger pinball enthusiasts:

  • Friday: Noon – 10:00 pm – Qualifying
  • Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Qualifying continues
  • Saturday: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Finals

This tournament provides a fun, competitive environment for kids to showcase their pinball skills and potentially win exciting prizes.

Texas Takedown: Women's Pinball Championship

Celebrating the growing community of women pinball players:

  • Sunday: 9:00 am – Noon – Qualifying
  • Sunday: Noon – 2:00 pm – Finals

This championship highlights the incredible talent in the women’s pinball community, with competitors from all skill levels welcome to participate.

All tournaments will take place in the designated Tournament Area. Additional side tournaments may be available throughout the weekend – check the tournament desk for details and registration information.

Featured Presentations

Throughout the festival, we’re proud to host presentations from the leading companies in the pinball industry. These sessions provide unique insights into upcoming releases, technical innovations, and the future of pinball.

Jersey Jack Pinball

Friday, 6:00 pm – Seminar Room

Join the team from Jersey Jack Pinball as they showcase their latest innovations and possibly reveal upcoming machines. Their presentations are known for their excitement and technical depth.

Watch last year’s presentation

Barrels of Fun Pinball

Friday, 7:00 pm – Seminar Room

The creative minds behind Barrels of Fun Pinball will share their unique approach to pinball design and manufacturing, with potential announcements about new titles in development.

Watch last year’s presentation

Multimorphic Inc.

Friday, 8:00 pm – Seminar Room

Known for their innovative P3 platform, Multimorphic continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern pinball. Don’t miss their presentation, which may include exciting announcements.

Watch last year’s “Portal” announcement

Stern Pinball

Saturday, 8:00 pm – Seminar Room

The industry leader Stern Pinball returns with what’s sure to be an exciting presentation about their latest and upcoming machines. Their Saturday night slot is traditionally one of the most anticipated events of the festival.

Watch last year’s D&D presentation

Seating for all presentations is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to secure your spot for these popular events.

Entertainment & Special Events

Live Music & Entertainment

The festival features multiple entertainment options throughout the weekend:

  • Friday, 3:45 pm: Opening Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
  • Friday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Scoma Jazz Band (Lobby Stage)
  • Friday, 10:00 pm: Texas Smoke (Embassy Suites Cypress Bar)
  • Saturday, 6:00 pm: Entertainment (Lobby Stage)
  • Saturday, 9:00 pm: Entertainment (Lobby Stage)

These performances provide the perfect soundtrack to your pinball adventures, offering a chance to relax and enjoy some great music between gaming sessions.

Special Events

Beyond the tournaments and presentations, we’ve organized several special events to enhance your festival experience:

  • Thursday, 9:00 pm: Karaoke Bar (Location TBD)
  • Saturday, 7:00 am – 10:00 am: Swap Meet hosted by DFW Pinball & Arcade Club
  • Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm: National Videogame Museum Shuttle Service
  • Saturday, 4:00 pm: Special Guest Autograph Session (Convention Center Lobby)
  • Saturday, 5:00 pm: “So You Think You Know Pinball?” Trivia with Martin Ayub & Jonathan Joosten (Embassy Suites Cypress Bar)
  • Saturday, 12:00 am – 2:00 am: Exhibitor/Collector Party

Autograph Sessions

Meet your pinball heroes during our scheduled autograph sessions on Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday at 4:00 pm in the Convention Center Lobby. Bring your memorabilia or purchase items on-site to have signed by industry legends and special guests.

National Videogame Museum

Take a break from pinball and explore the National Videogame Museum! Shuttle service runs Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with pickup on the north side of the convention center. This is a great opportunity to experience the history of video games alongside your pinball adventures.

Pinball Trivia

Test your pinball knowledge at “So You Think You Know Pinball?” Trivia with Martin Ayub & Jonathan Joosten on Saturday at 5:00 pm in the Embassy Suites Cypress Bar. This fun, competitive event is perfect for showcasing your pinball expertise among fellow enthusiasts.

Special Guests

Steve Ritchie

Steve Ritchie

Game Designer
Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP)
Christopher Franchi

Christopher Franchi

Artist
Spooky Pinball
Gerry Stellenberg

Gerry Stellenberg

CEO/Game Designer
Multimorphic Inc,
Jonathan Joosten

Jonathan Joosten / Martin Ayub

Jonathan Joosten -Writer/Editor-In-Chief
Pinball Magazine
Martin Ayub
Writer/ Editor-In-Chief
Pinball News

Jack Guarnieri

Jack Guarnieri

Founder
Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP)
Brett Weiss Author

Brett Weiss

Author

Class of 2024

Class of 2024

2025 Recorded Seminars

Couldn’t make it to last year’s festival? Want to refresh your memory on some of the excellent seminars from 2025? We’ve got you covered with recordings of all our educational sessions from the previous year. These videos are perfect for learning new skills or getting inspired for your next pinball project.
How to Build a Custom Pinball Machine

How to Build a Custom Pinball Machine

A comprehensive guide to creating your own custom pinball machine from scratch, covering everything from design to implementation.
Watch Video

How To Touch Up Playfields

How To Touch Up Playfields

Keith Holbrook demonstrates techniques for restoring and touching up pinball playfields to keep your machines looking their best.
Watch Video

How to Build a Custom Pinball Machine

How To Flipper Rebuild

Learn the step-by-step process of rebuilding pinball flippers to ensure optimal performance and longevity for your machines.
Watch Video

Seminar Title Description Link
How To Making Pinball Friends Home-brew makers talk about their maker journey and getting custom award-winning games on the floor at TPF Watch Video
How To Troubleshoot a Pinball Machine Essential diagnostic and repair techniques for pinball machines Watch Video
Evolution Mods-Pinnunciator How to easily add interactive light shows, servo motors, knocker coils, and more to your existing games. No coding required! Watch Video
How To Refurbish A Pinball Machine Complete guide to restoring pinball machines to their former glory Watch Video
Uncanny X Men Tutorial Steve Bowden walks through the Uncanny X-Men pinball machine Watch Video
“How To Series” Operating a Location Tips and strategies for running a successful pinball location Watch Video
Adaptive Flipper Seminar Jim Austin, Rusty Key, and Jennifer Swanson discuss Adaptive Flipper controllers as an aid for controlling flippers with alternative methods Watch Video

Practical Information & FAQ

Special Events

Pre-registration packet pickup is available on Friday starting at 8:00 am, allowing you to avoid lines when the gameroom opens. Regular registration opens at 8:00 am on Saturday and 8:30 am on Sunday.
Half-price Friday day passes become available at 9:00 pm on Friday, perfect for night owls who want to experience the festival at a discount.
Early Ride Time Passes grant access to the main exhibit hall at noon on Friday, giving you a head start on exploring the festival before it opens to the general public at 4:00 pm.

Venue Information

The Texas Pinball Festival takes place across multiple areas:

  • Main Exhibit Hall: Houses the majority of pinball machines and vendor booths
  • Seminar Room: Hosts all presentations and the closing ceremony
  • Lobby Stage: Features live entertainment throughout the weekend
  • Tournament Area: Dedicated space for all competitive events
  • Embassy Suites Cypress Bar: Location for evening events including Texas Smoke and pinball trivia
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Important Reminders

  • All guests and events are subject to cancellation or schedule changes
  • Seminars have limited seating capacities and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
  • The gift shop is open Friday 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – close, and Sunday 8:30 am – close
  • Don’t miss the Best in Show Awards, Closing Ceremony, and Pinball Raffle Drawing on Sunday at 2:00 pm

Hours of Operation

Friday: 4:00 pm – 1:00 am (Public)
Saturday: 9:00 am – 11:30 pm (Public)
Sunday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Getting Around

Shuttle service to the National Videogame Museum runs on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with pickup on the north side of the convention center.

All main festival areas are within walking distance of each other.

Need Help?

Information desks are located throughout the venue. Staff and volunteers are available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have during the festival.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Texas Pinball Festival! For additional information or questions not covered here, please visit our website or contact our festival team.