Turn It Up

From piano bars to speakeasy stages, where to find live music in Frisco

On May 11, 2023, country music's top stars are taking over Ford Center at The Star in Frisco for the Academy of Country Music Awards. This is the awards show's grand return to Texas, having last been hosted here eight years ago in Arlington.

This new pairing of Frisco and the ACM Awards makes a lot of sense, as Frisco is recognized as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office — meaning Frisco is serious about attracting and developing the growth of the music industry.

If you’re headed to town for the ACMs or just want to know where you can find live music on your next trip to Frisco, check out the hot spots below.

At The Star in Frisco

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar (music Thursday-Saturday): The recently opened Frisco location of this beloved bar (now with food) features a high-spirited show with talented players performing all the greatest hits. Attendees are encouraged to sing and dance their hearts out to rock classics, pop chart-toppers, and karaoke standards.

Concrete Cowboy (Regular events and live music often, check website for schedule): This industrial-chic hangout at The Star in Frisco features live music and DJs. Attention, night owls: It’s one of the few nightlife spots in Frisco open until 2 am.

In the Rail District

Didi’s Downtown (music Wednesday-Sunday): Whether on the patio or inside, there’s always good food and great tunes served up at Didi’s. A bonus is the heated enclosed patio, making this destination an excellent choice year-round.

eight | 11 place (music Wednesday-Saturday): This locally owned wine bar and kitchen boasts cozy fire pits outside, live music, and wine flights. Sit for a spell if you want to be entertained by local, emerging artists who fit the vibe of the intimate and rustic setting.

Frisco Rail Yard (music Friday-Sunday): An open-air concept with food trucks, outdoor games, and a covered bar that's great for families and casual hang-outs with friends.

The Nack Theater (check website for schedule): This 200-seat theater hosts concerts featuring everything from local talents to world-renowned artists and bands.

All around town

The Revel Patio Grill (Weekly events and live music, check website for schedule): Turns up the volume with live party and rock bands, tribute bands, karaoke, and dueling piano duets in this large venue that has plenty of room for dancing.

The Frisco Bar & Grill (Karaoke Wednesday and Saturday; live music Friday): Don’t let the name "bar" fool you — there's excellent food to be found in this casual-yet-classy space, along with a variety of music.

Rare Books Bar (Weekly live music, check website for schedule): This secret speakeasy inside J. Theodore serves up rare whiskey, craft cocktails, and interesting reads. Check the social media pages before visiting so you know what book to ask the librarian for to gain entry.

Bottled in Bond Cocktail Parlour & Kitchen (Weekly live music, check website for schedule): Niche cocktail parlor and kitchen with a focus on bold cocktails, this is a great environment for casual dinner dates, small groups, and late-night imbibing.

The Green Gator (Weekly live music, check website for schedule): A Cajun-themed restaurant and bar located near Toyota Stadium, it's the perfect place to take in live music before a FC Dallas game.

The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa (Music Friday and Saturday): Revel in the sounds of live music with plenty of eats and drinks on hand at Beans and Barrel, located inside The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa.

---

Find more fun in Frisco by visiting here.

Photo courtesy of Frisco Bar & Grill

Experience a variety of music at the casual-yet-classy Frisco Bar & Grill.

vacation music concerts awards promoted

Exploring Texas

Texas' new, 4,871-acre state park is now open to the public

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1.

Outdoor adventurers are able to hike, fish, camp, and explore Texas' first new state park in 25 years.

Open since March 1, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about five hours from Houston).

According to a release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," says Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

state parks travel parks texas parks and wildlife department