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.

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Find more fun in Frisco by visiting here.

Photo courtesy of Frisco Rail Yard

Enjoy music al fresco at Frisco Rail Yard.

vacation music concerts awards promoted

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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