In Frisco, it seems there’s always something exciting happening.
From festivals and fun runs to fireworks and fairs, the slate of events that take place in our city each year stays full. That’s great news for residents in search of a good time since they needn’t stray too far from their own back yards to find the fun.
Frisco STYLE has compiled this non-inclusive list of our favorite annual Frisco events that should be included on your must-do list.
NCAA Division I Football Championship
(January)
The start of each new year is an exciting time when Toyota Stadium hosts the NCAA Division I Football Championship. Before the game, visit the parking lots for tailgating, then head to your seat to cheer on your favorite collegiate team.
Frisco College Baseball Classic
(March 3-5, 2023)
Riders Field, home of Minor League Baseball’s Frisco RoughRiders, hosts the Frisco College Baseball Classic each year. This premier NCAA Division I tournament features games by four of the top teams in the nation, which compete over three days. Next year, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, California and Ohio State are slated to take to the field.
Conference USA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship
(March)
Each spring, Conference USA hosts the men’s and women’s basketball championships at the Ford Center at The Star. For five days, the best teams go head-to-head during games, many of which are televised.
Frisco Festival of Colors
(March)
The Frisco Festival of Colors (also known as Holi festival) is a spring celebration. The event, held at the Independence Parkway Practice Field, is a collaboration between the City of Frisco and the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. Admission is free and guests can purchase bags of colored powder and water shooters with which to celebrate.
Arts in the Square
(Spring 2023)
Stunning art and beautiful weather go together at Arts in the Square, a juried fine arts and crafts festival featuring more than 120 local and regional artists who compete in several categories including pottery, textiles, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, photography and wood. Artwork is also available for purchase.
Texas Big Star Half Marathon and 5K
(April)
This exciting event, hosted by the North Texas Community Giving Foundation, has raised nearly $300,000 for North Texas nonprofit and charitable organizations during its history. Following the race, hang out at Finisher’s Fest featuring live music, an awards ceremony and refreshments.
Frisco Uncorked
(April 29, 2023)
Let loose at Frisco Uncorked, a food and wine event held in Frisco Square. More than 100 award-winning wines are available to sample. Between tastings, enjoy some outstanding culinary offerings from local restaurants.
Frisco Fair
(April-May)
Cotton candy, a spinning Ferris wheel, carnival games — it’s what the Frisco Fair is all about. Admission is free to this family-friendly event, which sets up annually near Toyota Stadium. Entertainment, carnival rides and other activities are available.
StrEATS Gourmet Food Truck and Music Festival
(May)
Come hungry to the the longest-running food truck festival in North Texas, hosted by the Frisco Rail District Merchants Association. Sample cuisine from a wide variety of trucks from throughout the Metroplex. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a picnic on the lawn as well as live music performances. Wine and craft beer, shopping and children’s activities provide plenty to do between bites.
National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
(May)
The Hall of Fame, located at Toyota Stadium, pulls out all the stops for its annual induction ceremony weekend, which includes an FC Dallas match and a concert by a big-name music artist (previous headliners have included Willie Nelson, One Republic and the Zac Brown Band).
Frisco Freedom Fest/Hotter ‘n Firecrackers 5K Glow Run
(July 3-4)
Frisco Square is awash in a sea of red, white and blue each year during Frisco Freedom Fest. This party features live music, delicious food and, of course, fireworks. The holiday event kicks off with the Hotter ‘n Firecrackers 5K Glow Run, an evening race during which runners don flashing LED lights, a cornhole tournament and the Dachshund Dash dog race. A plethora of events are planned for the Party in the Plaza including the Hometown Hero exhibit, Taste of Frisco food event, amusement games and rides and a classic car show. A Patriotic Vendor Village will also be open. The festivities conclude with a massive firework display.
Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day
(September)
The annual Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day, hosted by the Heritage Association of Frisco, aims to preserve and celebrate the era when cowboys and outlaws roamed the land. Attendees can take in Wild West-themed shows, view longhorns, enjoy stagecoach rides, watch armadillo races and climb into a Western-themed photo booth. Midway games, blacksmith demonstrations and live music are also part of the fun.
Frisco Arts Walk and Run
(October 1)
Soak up the sun and enjoy impressive art during the Frisco Arts Walk and Run. Wander through the Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Park, which comes alive with pop-up music and dance performances, visual artists and other surprises. Funds raised benefit programs sponsored by the Frisco Arts organization, which promotes the arts locally.
Frisco Oktoberfest
(October 1-2)
Modeled after the renowned celebration in Munich, Germany, Frisco Oktoberfest is a fun event featuring a traditional keg tapping ceremony, bier stein-hoisting and brat-eating competitions, keg-rolling and stein races and a Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest contest. Live entertainment and plenty of authentic eats are also on tap.
Frisco Bowl
(December 17)
College football fans gather at Toyota Stadium for this televised bowl game, which features teams from the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference or Sun Belt Conference.
Christmas in the Square/Merry Main Street
(late November through early January)
Santa Claus feels right at home in Frisco each December during Christmas in the Square festivities. The city’s downtown square comes alive courtesy of the largest choreographed Christmas lights and music show in North Texas, which attracts some 750,000 visitors annually. An outdoor ice rink, horse-drawn carriage rides and meet-and-greets with St. Nick are also part of the fun. Meanwhile, on Dec. 3, don’t miss the Merry Main Street event featuring a Christmas parade, choir performances, a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday gift market.
Sydni Ellis loves shopping, getting lost in a good thriller and taking way too many pictures of her two wild toddlers when she should be at her computer.
