by Stephen Hunt and Lisa Dawson
In case you haven’t heard, Frisco is the place to be in North Texas.
Long gone are the days when our city was a quiet farming town and a stop on the railroad line. Today, it is home to more than an estimated 227,000 residents as well as corporations large and small whose buildings dot the skyline, and multiple professional sports teams whose games draw visitors here from around the globe.
From outstanding entertainment, world-class dining and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences to picturesque outdoor areas and exciting community gatherings, Frisco has it all.
Stay up to date and in the know about all that our dynamic city has to offer with this non-inclusive list compiled by Frisco STYLE of local hotspots and as well as events and activities that aren’t to be missed.
Watch
From live performances to movies on the big screen, there’s always something entertaining happening in Frisco. Dine-in cinemas, theaters featuring performances by local actors and improv troupes and more are part of our city’s abundant entertainment scene.
AMC DINE-IN Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Road #300
Shop at Stonebriar Centre and then take a break to watch a movie with snacks, meals and drinks delivered to your reclining seat. If you’re looking for a larger-than-life moviegoing experience, don’t miss the IMAX Theatre.
amctheatres.com
Cinemark Frisco Square
5655 Frisco Square Blvd.
Action, comedy and animation are all in store for moviegoers at this cinema adjacent to Frisco Square. With comfy, reclining seats and 3D-viewing options, you will feel like you are part of the scene onscreen. Be sure to check out the mini arcade in the lobby before or after the show.
cinemark.com
Comerica Center
2601 Avenue of the Stars
From sports to stage shows, this multi-purpose arena offers something for everyone. With ample parking, nearby hotels and restaurants and a calendar filled with year-round fun, it is the home of NBA G-League team the Texas Legends as well as the Indoor Football League’s Frisco Fighters. Its indoor ice-skating rink (which is open to the public) serves as the practice facility of the NHL’s Dallas Stars.
comericacenter.com
CUT! By Cinemark
6969 US Hwy 380
At this dine-in theater featuring a full bar and meal service, you can check out the latest cinematic attractions. There are plenty of movie times to choose from and the menu has options for every palate. There is also a modern arcade in the lobby to keep the fun going after the show.
cinemark.com
Frisco Improv Players
Frisco Discovery Center’s
Black Box Theater
8004 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
Formed in 2012, this group of actors entertains audiences several times each year. Bob Zak, founder and director of the troupe, says that during the 2023-24 season, it aims to produce shows bi-monthly. This troupe of eight players focuses on staging clean, family friendly shows.
friscoimprovplayers.com
Monument Realty PGA District
Omni PGA Frisco Resort
4341 PGA Parkway
An esplanade worth exploring, this outdoor area featuring shops and restaurants also has virtual experiences such as Toptracer technology-equipped golf hitting bays as well as golf simulators and other digital games. Monthly events such as the Friday Night Summer Movie Series, live music performances and professional golf watch parties are also on the entertainment schedule.
pgafrisco.com
Frisco Railyard
9040 1st St.
With a nod to Frisco’s railroad-infused heritage, The Rail Yard offers local food trucks, entertainment and a great time outdoors. Dog friendly, family friendly and a popular weekend destination, The Rail Yard has a calendar packed with area musicians who play everything from bluegrass to classic rock.
friscorailyard.net
Movie in the Park
Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Road
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and some snacks and head to the park for an open-air movie experience that the whole family can enjoy. The movie scheduled on July 21 starts at dusk.
friscotexas.gov
Tostitos Championship Plaza
9 Cowboys Way
Enjoy a night under the stars at The Star district. From its annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony to outdoor events held year-round, this 50-yard replica turf field connects fans to the Dallas Cowboys and offers free summer movie nights for families.
thestarinfrisco.com
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
6765 Winning Drive #810
Pete’s may be relatively new to Frisco, but this lively music venue and bar has been part of Austin’s music scene for 30 years. Listen to music, sing, celebrate and watch as piano players battle for the best showmanship onstage. You’ll hear renditions of some of the greatest hits of all time nightly.
petesduelingpianobar.com
Theatre Frisco
Frisco Discovery Center’s
Black Box Theater
8004 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
What began as the Frisco Community Theatre in the 1980s is now a thriving professional, not-for-profit organization. The group stages shows including two plays and two musicals each year. Its performances are enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
theatrefrisco.com
The Nack Theater
6711 Oak St.
If you’re looking for good, old-fashioned entertainment in the heart of Frisco’s Rail District, head to the The Nack Theater, which boasts an intimate feel with just over 200 seats. Comedy, magic and music performances have been staged here (actor-comedian Chevy Chase recently made an appearance) and more are being scheduled. Tickets are available for purchase on its website.
Frisco is home to numerous must-see museums and other attractions that are sure to pique the interest (or curiosity) of those of all ages. Get out and enjoy these only-in-Frisco spots.
Brinkmann Ranch
10514 Main St.
The 5,500-acre site in the heart of Frisco was home to the original Southfork Ranch from the iconic TV show Dallas (all that remains of the once-stately mansion is a metal skeleton following a 1987 fire). Brinkmann Ranch is also known for its premier halter horses, racehorses and cutting horses, Black Angus and Texas Longhorn cattle. (Be advised: This is a private property and may be best viewed in passing from a vehicle while driving east or west on Main Street.)
Cattle Drive Sculpture
Frisco Central Park, 3155 Parkwood Blvd.
Completed in 2003, the public art project, called Cattle Drive, is by artist Anita Pauwels. It features bronze sculptures that tell the story of life on the historic cattle drive that took place along the Shawnee Trail, which ran through Frisco. Surrounding the sculptures is an eight-acre park with an amphitheater, brook, pond, walking trails and benches.
friscotexas.gov
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Parkway
The 100-seat Black Box Theater is a great place to catch the latest production from local theater groups while the Frisco Art Gallery features works from local artisans in various mediums. The Sci-Tech Discovery Center teaches science, math and technology through hands-on learning, which inspires discovery and innovation in visitors of all ages.
friscotexas.gov
Frisco Heritage Museum
6455 Page St.
Frisco has a rich and colorful history, and there’s nowhere better to learn about it than here. Stroll the grounds to see other attractions like Gaby’s Blacksmith Shop, the Frisco Railroad Depot, Lebanon Church, and a windmill to get the full picture of this growing area. Walking and other tours and events are regularly scheduled.
friscotexas.gov
National Videogame Museum
Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Parkway
Learn about the rich history of videogames — everything from Pong to Pac-Man and all titles and gaming systems in between. If you’re not experiencing total sensory overload from all this knowledge, play a vintage arcade game or two at the end of the tour.
nvmusa.org
Museum of the American Railroad/TrainTopia
Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Parkway #400
See this museum’s collection of diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives along with passenger cars — all which tell the vivid tale of America’s love affair with the railroad and Frisco’s history with it. Meanwhile, TrainTopia is filled with model trains, a railroad odyssey in miniature, where visitors can also participate in scavenger hunts.
historictrains.org
Frisco Public Library
8000 Dallas Parkway
The new-and-improved library occupies 158,000 square feet, making it three times larger than its previous space at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center from which it relocated earlier this year. Besides the 284,000 works housed there (many of them digital), the other star of the show is Rexy, a 22-feet tall Tyrannosaurus Rex model who is a serious conversation starter.
friscolibrary.com
KidZania USA
2601 Preston Road #301
Located inside Stonebriar Centre, KidZania is a city built for kids by kids. It is where children ages 4 to 14 can try out one of 100 different professions by visiting spots like a dental clinic, fashion studio, fire department, government office, music studio, police department, recycling center and a veterinary clinic to get an up-close look at what these jobs are like.
dallas.kidzaniausa.com
National Soccer Hall of Fame
Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way
Located next to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas, this popular attraction honors the greatest stars and moments of soccer. Interactive displays, along with plenty of memorabilia, make this spot a must-visit for serious and casual soccer fans alike.
nationalsoccerhof.com
Buy
Shop, relax, dine — and then shop some more. Frisco has a vibrant retail scene, including locally owned boutiques and national department stores. There is plenty to be had, from vintage finds and specialty food items to modern décor and fashion.
The Rail District
6891 W. Main St.
From blushing brides to styling your home, Frisco’s historic downtown Rail District has boutiques that appeal to everyone. It continues to expand with the addition of new events and activities, including the monthly Music on Main series. The walkable streets, wide variety of shops and locally owned restaurants (many with outdoor seating and live entertainment) make The Rail District a year-round destination.
raildistrictfrisco.com
Frisco Mercantile
8980 Preston Road
The Mercantile is comprised of more than 200 vendors offering art, antiques, clothing, collectibles, home décor and more. This indoor shopping destination has row after row of unique finds to explore.
friscomercantile.com
Frisco Ranch
9292 Warren Parkway
This shopping center features 100,000 square feet of East Asian retail and dining options, with the specialty food store 99 Ranch Market at its center. Also don’t miss Cute Crush, a stationery and K-pop store with lots of adorable treasures, and a location of the franchise Daiso, a Japanese dollar store.
99ranch.com; cutecrushco.com; daisous.com
Frisco Square
8843 Coleman Blvd.
Stroll along the sidewalks of Frisco Square and find a variety of shops, all within walking distance of Downtown Frisco. You can also enjoy such annual events as Frisco Oktoberfest, Arts in the Square, Music in the Square, Trick or Treat the Square, Christmas in the Square and Frisco Uncorked here.
friscosquare.com
IKEA
7171 Ikea Drive
This 310,000 square-foot store, which opened here in 2005, is a popular destination for shoppers who spend hours touring its dozens of staged room settings, as well as snacking on the retail chain’s popular Swedish meatballs that are served at its café.
ikea.com
Shops at Starwood
6959 Lebanon Road
Home décor, boutique and designer fashions, jewelry and gifts and much more can be found in the quaint Shops at Starwood. If all that shopping makes you hungry or thirsty, there are also several lounges, restaurants and bars to satisfy the palate.
shopsatstarwood.com
Stonebriar Centre
2601 Preston Road
With more than 1 million square feet and 194 stores, there is something for every shopper at Stonebriar Centre, which is anchored by Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom department stores. Young mallgoers love the carousel and KidZania (its only location in the United States). There is also a wide selection of restaurants at the expansive food court.
There is a reason Frisco is known as Sports City USA – several of them, in fact. Home to eight professional sports organizations and several stadiums as well as championship-level training and game facilities, our city is a mecca for amateur and professional sports.
FC Dallas
From late February through October, cheer on this original member of Major League Soccer by singing, chanting and enjoying great food in one of the sport’s most festive atmospheres. Fans can also now tour Toyota Stadium and the surrounding Toyota Soccer Center for an insider’s view of this state-of-the-art complex.
fcdallas.com
Dallas Cowboys
Every August, as America’s Team prepares for the start of the NFL regular season, the Cowboys open several practices to the public inside the air-conditioned Ford Center at The Star. Fans can also meet Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, and see the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform.
dallascowboys.com
Friday Night Lights
Every fall, high school football takes over Frisco with games weekly on Thursdays and Fridays at Kuykendall Stadium, Toyota Stadium and the Ford Center at The Star. Come on out and cheer on the Heritage Coyotes, Reedy Lions, Frisco Raccoons and Centennial Titans, among other local teams, and see the best and brightest talent in town.
friscoisd.org
Children’s Health Star Center
2601 Avenue of the Stars #100
The practice home of the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars, lovers of stick and puck can watch captain Jamie Benn, young standout Miro Heiskanen, and Tyler Seguin practice here on weekdays during the regular season that runs from October through April. Fans can also catch their favorite Stars for an autograph or photo after practice.
dallasstars.com
Frisco Baseball Classic
College baseball programs call Frisco home in early March for three exciting days of great games during the Frisco Baseball Classic. The 2024 event, to take place again at Riders Field, will mark the sixth-annual tournament, which has earned rave reviews from participants and fans alike.
friscoclassic.com
Frisco Bowl
What better prelude to the holiday season than enjoying college football at Toyota Stadium as two great programs vie for bowl game glory. In the past, this mid-December clash has featured local favorites including the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University.
thefriscobowl.com
Frisco Fighters
Billed as “Fifty Yards of Fury,” between March and July the Fighters play an exciting, family friendly brand of indoor football before a passionate group of fans who give the team a huge home-field advantage at Comerica Center. Fans can also meet their favorite players in postgame autograph sessions.
friscofighters.com
Frisco RoughRiders
Not only can fans see the Texas Rangers players of tomorrow at Riders Field from April through September, but they can also catch a game at one of the most beautiful venues in Minor League Baseball, enjoy great food and drinks, and maybe even take home a cool keepsake like a bobblehead of a former ‘Riders player.
ridersbaseball.com
Frisco Summer Jam
Each June, beginner and amateur BMX riders compete in this free event at Frisco Skate Park. Competitors vie for prizes and bragging rights in events like the Bunny Hop and Best Trick during this event, which is open to all ages and skill levels.
friscotexas.gov
NCAA Division I Football Championship
Frisco is where every team in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of Division I college football wants to end its season, because Toyota Stadium is where a champion is crowned each January. Legions of fans make this annual battle a college football can’t-miss event, and the teams do their part to deliver an enthralling game between the lines.
ncaa.com
U.S. Army Bowl
The top high school football players in the country showcase their skills at this annual All-Star Game played at the Ford Center, located at The Star. This year’s game is scheduled December 16.
usarmybowl.com
WOGA Classic
Some of the top gymnasts from 10 countries will descend on the Ford Center at The Star from February 9-11, 2024, to vie for championship glory in the WOGA Classic, Valeri Liukin Invitational and the Acro Invitational. More than 4,500 athletes are expected to compete.
woga.net
PGA Frisco
3725 PGA Parkway
Calling itself “The New Home of Modern Golf,” Fields Ranch opened this year and features a pair of 18-hole golf courses — Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West — designed by renowned golf course architects Gil Hanse and Beau Willing, respectively. The East course recently played host to the 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the first of 26 major championships to be played in Frisco over the next dozen years.
pgafrisco.com
The Star
1 Cowboys Way
Fans of America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, can tour the team’s headquarters, which includes a complete look at the facility including the war room, where all decisions are made on draft day, great memorabilia from the Cowboys’ five Super Bowl wins and other behind-the-scenes goodies that any football fan will appreciate.
thestarinfrisco.com
Texas Legends
An NBA G-League team, the Legends’ games truly offer something for the entire family from November through April. Mom and Dad can enjoy a great evening out with a cocktail or two and a bite to eat while youngsters can get their excess energy out in the kids’ zone behind the south basket. Oh, and there’s also basketball featuring the NBA’s stars of tomorrow for die-hard fans of roundball.
texas.gleague.nba.com
Relax
When it’s time to chill out and unwind with a professional massage, skin care treatment or even an unconventional therapy to promote wellness, Frisco offers many choices. There is something for everyone here when it comes to refreshing the senses and caring for the body and mind.
The Float Spot
4040 Legacy Drive, Suite 105
Imagine that you’re floating … wait, you actually are! De-stress and benefit from muscle recovery in a sensory deprivation tank. Buoyed by salt water and calmed by custom ambient lighting (or total darkness, if you prefer) floating is believed to help with mental focus, calming the nervous system and assisting the body to recover.
thefloatspot.com
Modern Skin Med Spa
6560 John Hickman Parkway, Suite 300
Owner and Medical Aesthetician Amanda Bland opened this spa to help clients achieve their skin goals. Addressing everything from anti-aging efforts to acne, her team offers premium skin care products and custom-designed treatments to help you look your very best.
themodernskin.com
Mokara Spa
Omni PGA Frisco Resort, 4341 PGA Parkway
This swanky spa, which opened earlier this year, has a modern environment as well as a private pool and terrace. Mokara Spa offers total wellness services from head to toe including facials, massages and meditative wellness journeys.
omnihotels.com
Salt Retreat
2552 Stonebrook Parkway, Suite 925
Take a deep breath and enjoy a non-invasive therapy that is said to improve respiratory wellness, lung function and help treat some skin conditions. There is a room specifically designed for kids, too. Some allergy sufferers swear by salt therapy for relief.
thesaltretreat.com
Well & Being Spa
Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa
1549 Legacy Drive
With sophisticated amenities including massage therapies, facials and waxing, this spa is a one-stop shop for wellness with Texan-style hospitality. Perfect for enjoying a morning on the golf course followed by an afternoon spent recharging in a serene setting.
wbfrisco.com
Eat and Drink
Frisco serves up a bounty of delicious culinary delights, offering an abundance of tasty food and beverage options. Whether it’s a special meal, a weeknight dinner, lunch at a lounge or happy hour on a patio, there is no denying that Frisco is a North Texas dining destination.
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
6475 Page St.
Since 2008, Frisco residents and others have simply and affectionately called this family style restaurant — famous for its fried chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish and yummy sides — Babe’s. When you come here, be sure to admire the pieces of history found outside including the 1940 Simms Ford Fire Truck and 1920s tractor.
babeschicken.com
Bottled in Bond Cocktail Parlour & Kitchen
5285 Dallas Parkway, Suite 420
Seasonal cocktails, whiskey and more can be found at this stylish Frisco restaurant and bar whose name nods to the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, which created a standard of quality for whiskey and bourbon. Small bites, full meals and delicious desserts are on the menu here, and its décor and ambiance give it a classy vibe.
bottledinbondparlour.com
Didi’s Downtown
7210 W. Main St.
The scratch-made food at Didi’s makes you feel right at home — and that’s exactly how Chef and Owner Scott Hoffner likes it. With daily specials and live music on the patio, Didi’s always serves up a great time.
didisdowntown.com
Dee Lincoln Prime
6670 Winning Drive
An upscale steakhouse — featuring fresh seafood, a sushi bar and an extensive wine selection — at The Star district, this elegant eatery was founded by Dee Lincoln, a female restaurant entrepreneur. If one of the place’s 2,000 wines doesn’t entice you, a selection from its signature cocktail menu surely will.
deelincolnprime.com
The Heritage Table
7110 Main St.
Chef and Owner Rich Vana embraces culinary culture, which is why he has unique partnerships with local farms and ranchers to bring locally sourced, lovingly prepared food to diners at its Frisco’s Rail District location. The delicious Milk & Honey rolls should not be missed.
theheritagetable.com
Hoff’s Steaks & Steins
5454 Main St., Suite 123
Lunch, dinner, brunch, appetizers, desserts and a huge selection of craft beer on tap can be had at this Texas-German restaurant. Enjoy happy hour in the beer garden with shade trees and flowers and work up an appetite for Hoff’s signature tomahawk steak.
hoffssteaksandsteins.com
J. Theodore Restaurant & Bar
6959 Lebanon Road, Suite 110
The password at this American restaurant (which also features the speakeasy-style Rare Books Bar) may be a special secret, but the word is out about the fresh, local cuisine served here. With a beautiful outdoor patio, this special spot is a favorite gathering place for any occasion. Don’t miss the weekend brunch.
jtheodore.com
Nerdvana
5757 Main St.
Play games while drinking and dining at this unique eatery and lounge that serves craft beer, scratch-made food and locally roasted coffee. Nerdvana is a celebration of video and board game culture. Check out its sake menu for the win.
nerdvanafrisco.com
Snowbird Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
6765 Winning Drive
Fine dining and artisanal drinks are the highlights of this vibrant restaurant and lounge located at The Star. From Ahi Tuna to Beef Wellington, there’s a dish for every palate as well as a late-night menu when the party keeps going.
snowbirdlounge.com
Lombardi Cucina Italiana
6655 Winning Drive
The authentic Italian cuisine at this eatery (founded by Alberto Lombardi and located at The Star) will transport you to the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Enjoy the Sunday champagne brunch and don’t miss the homemade pastas.
lombardicucina.com
Trick Rider
Omni PGA Frisco Resort, 4341 PGA Parkway
The signature steak-and-seafood restaurant at the recently opened Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Trick Rider is authentic rodeo culture-meets-upscale dining. Enjoy delicious meals served in an elegant Texan-themed room, the centerpiece of which is a hand-cut crystal, horse-shaped chandelier crafted by artists in the Czech Republic.
Recreation is king in Frisco. From water parks to hike-and-bike trails, there are a plethora of places in our city where you and the family can enjoy the great weather, stretch your legs, bask in nature and have some good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Additional information about these facilities can be found at friscotexas.gov.
Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Road
Frisco Commons is one of the community’s most popular spots for large gatherings and events due to its trio of pavilions. Other popular areas here include a pond that features a fishing pier, several playgrounds and a paved concrete trail that winds throughout the scenic, bustling park.
Frisco Athletic Center
5828 Nancy Jane Lane
There truly is something for everyone of all ages at Frisco Athletic Center. Its 100,000 square feet features a gymnasium, racquetball courts, a play depot for children, fitness floor, studios and the Gold Medal Room with spin bikes and other fitness equipment. The Frisco Water Park offers water slides, a lazy river, lagoon pool and children’s play areas.
friscotexas.gov
Frisco Hike and Bike Trails
Frisco’s nine hike and bike trails include Beavers Bend (1.2 miles), Caddo (1.1), College Parkway (1.2), Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt (1.2), Griffin Parc (1.1), Ironhorse (1.2), Lone Star Ranch (0.5), Taychas (2.2) and Trails of West Frisco (.8). Depending on the trail, they offer great spots to walk your dog, run, cycle, inline skate or whatever strikes your fitness fancy.
Hope Park
8000 McKinney Road
Located within Frisco Commons Park, Hope Park provides a playground for children of all abilities with rubberized footing, a sensory area, adaptive playground equipment, a picnic area, a separate area for big kids and tots and a nearby spray park.
Frisco Skate Park
12895 Honey Grove Drive
Located at Northeast Community Park, the Frisco Skate Park is open to visitors of all ages and skill levels on skateboards, bikes, inline skates and scooters. This 47,000 square-foot venue features multiple lines, rails, bowls and a half pipe.
Frisco Veterans Memorial
Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Road
A solemn space honoring every branch of the military and those from Frisco who have served our nation. To get the full experience, visit on Memorial Day or Veterans Day for patriotic ceremonies that are typically scheduled on those holidays.
Grand Park
7275 Dallas Parkway
When completed, this 275-acre regional park will truly be a one-of-a-kind drawing card for Frisco. Earlier this year, the Big Bluestem Trail, a 2.2-mile natural, unpaved trail that winds its way through the undeveloped land, opened to curious visitors and fitness enthusiasts.
Limestone Quarry Park
1230 Maltby Drive
A true urban oasis, near Custer Road and Highway 121, Limestone Quarry Park features a small waterfall that flows intermittently, mosaic artwork, trails, benches, a playground, basketball court, benches and tables.
Monarch View Park
1900 Koehn Drive
This park’s design is patterned after the migration behavior of the Monarch butterfly. Its landscape includes a native wildflower prairie intended to attract and create an environment for migrating Monarchs and birds that are native to the Lone Star State.
Ruff Range Dog Park
5335 4th Army Drive
B.F. Phillips Community Park is home to this haven for our four-legged friends with separate off-leash areas for both large (35 pounds and over) and small dogs (less than 35 pounds). Other amenities include water stations, dog wash stations, pavilions and seating areas.
Warren Sports Complex
7599 Eldorado Parkway
This 106-acre complex features fields for football and soccer, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, a bike trail, a stocked pond, one of the most scenic walking trails in the city, picnic areas, a nature garden, a playground and a pavilion.
Take Part
If you can’t find a fun, festive, family friendly event to attend in Frisco, well, you aren’t looking hard enough. The following are among the biggest celebrations scheduled here annually. From fun runs and a long-running food truck festival to one of the largest choreographed holiday lights shows in North Texas, Frisco is famous for pulling out all the stops.
Frisco Arts Walk and Run
Not only does this great fall event benefit the nonprofit Frisco Arts organization, but it’s also a celebration of the local arts community with ballet dancers, singers and other performers. The route runs through the Texas Sculpture Garden inside Hall Park — reason enough to participate. And those finishing the 5K receive a unique, arts-themed medal.
friscoarts.org
Frisco Festival of Color
This annual festival, held at the Independence Parkway Practice Field, heralds winter’s passing and the arrival of spring. There is music, dancing and the traditional throwing of color on one another among attendees. It’s messy, for sure, but also a lot of fun.
friscotexas.gov
Christmas in the Square
From November 18 through January 1, 2024, Frisco Square will be transformed into a cavalcade of holiday revelry. Billed as the largest choreographed holiday light and music show in North Texas, visitors can see the 180,000 lights accompanied by music on foot or from their cars. Other attractions include visits with Santa Claus, horse carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, a toy drive and a Christmas tree lot run by local Boy Scouts.
friscosquare.com
Frisco Freedom Fest
One of the top Independence Day celebrations in Dallas-Fort Worth, this two-day extravaganza features fireworks following an FC Dallas soccer match, the evening Hotter N’ Firecrackers 5K Glow Run, a Party in the Plaza in front of the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, and the Taste of Frisco, which showcases great local restaurants. Kids and adults will have plenty to do at this annual celebration of the birth of our nation.
friscofreedomfest.org
Frisco Frosty 5K
What better way to spend a Saturday winter morning in Frisco than by jogging or walking 3.1 miles (or maybe the shorter Merry Mile). All participants get a long-sleeved shirt while 5K finishers receive a medal. Racers who finish both the Hotter N Firecrackers Run in July and the Frisco Frosty 5K receive a special Fire and Ice Challenge medal.
friscotexas.gov
Frisco Oktoberfest
This year’s Frisco Oktoberfest celebration is set for October 7 at Frisco Square. The festivities commence with a traditional keg tapping and continue with plenty of beer, German food, dancing and revelry. Consider participating in one of the contests, such as bier stein hosting, bratwurst eating and keg rolling.
friscooktoberfest.com
Frisco StrEATS
Each May for the past 11 years, Frisco StrEATS has brought the top gourmet food trucks from throughout Dallas-Fort Worth as well as live music, craft beer and wine, shopping and an array of kids’ activities to Frisco’s Rail District. This is a can’t-miss event.
friscoraildistrictmerchants.com
National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
Each May, the National Soccer Hall of Fame inducts a new class of former coaches, players and contributors who helped the game thrive stateside. An FC Dallas home match is always a centerpiece of the weekend, which also features live-music concerts and other events in addition to the induction ceremony.
nationalsoccerhof.com
Frisco Uncorked
Oenophiles (also known as lovers of wine) have late April circled on their calendars for this annual food-and-wine experience featuring more than 100 award-winning wines. Besides wine tastings, attendees can also try food from restaurants from Frisco and across Dallas-Fort Worth. Attendees receive a signature Frisco Uncorked wine tasting glass to take home with them.
friscouncorked.com
Trick or Treat the Square
October 29 will see an early Halloween celebration come to Simpson Plaza in Frisco Square. Adults and kids (costumed or not) will enjoy carnival games, inflatables, horse wagon rides and trick or treating at various businesses around the square.
friscosquare.com
Texas Big Star Half Marathon and 5K
In April, the streets of Frisco are taken over for a good cause on a Saturday morning, to benefit nonprofit organizations throughout North Texas for one of the region’s premier charity running events. Participants can choose to take part in the 5K or the half-marathon during this great event, which has raised more $300,000 for charities since its founding.
runtexasbigstar.com
Music in the Square
Folks pack Frisco Square for this annual, family friendly concert series, held in June, which features bands performing music from a wide variety of genres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on while enjoying music under the stars.
friscosquare.com
Lisa Dawson is a freelance writer and Frisco resident. | Stephen Hunt is a Frisco-based freelance writer.
