While music is always a big part of play in Frisco, we’re cranking it up a couple notches in May. That’s because the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards are coming to town. The award show is taking place on May 11, and is hosted by none other than Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. We can’t wait for the biggest names in country music to stop by — plus, it’s a great excuse for us to show off some of the local talent with roots right here in the Frisco area. From May 9 through May 13, we’re hosting live music in intimate venues across the city. There’s also a two-day festival at Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star featuring live music, a beer garden, and more. Read on for our guide on where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy live music throughout Frisco during the week of the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

Frisco Live: Tuesday, May 9

Frisco Live is a special concert series with local musicians taking place at the best hotels and unique restaurants across Frisco. It’s a collaboration with Melody of Hope, a nonprofit organization supporting and advocating for nonprofits across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex through music. Best of all, each show is free and open to the public. Now that’s sweet music to our ears. The first concerts kick off at 5:00 PM when Lorynn the Redhead and Rachel Stacy each take the stage. 

A familiar face around the local Frisco music scene, Lorynn the Redhead is a singer-songwriter and guitarist known for blending elements of country, pop, and rock. . Don’t miss the performance with her powerful vocals and catchy hooks at Hyatt Regency Frisco.

Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Stacy will inspire the audience at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort with her catch-all “Americana” style. 

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Jake Pyeatt shares songs with lyrics inspired by his experience of growing up in rural Oklahoma. Hear his music that combines country, folk, and rock at Embassy Suites

The dynamic duo of storytellers Ariana Ortiz and Mark Lafon combine their love for each other, their need for music, and their want for the road into an intertwined and entertaining live show you won’t want to miss at The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa.

At the same time, another duo takes the stage with the soulful vocals of Texas singer-songwriter Alex Coba performing alongside guitarist Alfred Williford at Hilton Garden Inn. If you like what you hear, you can catch this duo at the same place and time on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Putting his own spin on soul and country blues, Austin Staley will be playing an acoustic set at AC Hotel Dallas Frisco. The singer-songwriter Dallas native makes another Frisco Live appearance the following day at Sheraton Stonebriar.

Lorynn the Redhead @ Hyatt Regency (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Rachel Stacy @ Omni PGA Frisco (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

Ariana Ortiz + Fonzy @ The Westin (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Alex Coba & Alfred Williford @ Hilton Garden Inn (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Jake Pyeatt @ Embassy Suites Frisco (7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Austin Staley Duo @ AC Hotel Frisco (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Frisco Live Image and Promotion

Frisco Live: Wednesday, May 10

Another Frisco favorite entertains us on day two of Frisco Live with singer-songwriter and guitarist April Sapp at Hyatt Regency. April delivers poignant lyrics with soulful vocals that perfectly pair with her country, folk, and Americana tunes. 

At the same time, another country singer-songwriter — Robert Bray — plays at The Westin. His music has more of a rock and blues influence, filled with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. 

Texas native Kirk Holloway will deliver that classic Texas twang when he takes the stage at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Don’t miss his old school country with a rowdy edge.

From Fort Worth to Frisco, Devin Leigh's use of percussion and harmonica on top of his guitar chops are not to be missed. Fans can catch the Texas Guitar hall of famer at eight | 11 place, an intimate venue in the heart of the Frisco Rail District.

Jillian Kerwin plays the first of two Frisco Live shows at Embassy Suites Frisco. After listening to the singer-songwriter pianist’s emotionally-charged lyrics, you’ll hear why she’s earned comparisons to artists such as Adela and Tori Amos. Catch her again on Thursday night at Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel

The talented duo known as the Mountain Natives round out the evening with their folk-harmonies and memorable storytelling. Catch them entertaining the patrons in the bar area at AC Hotel Dallas Frisco.

Austin Staley @ Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

April Sapp @ Hyatt Regency (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Robert Bray @ The Westin (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Kirk Holloway @ Omni PGA Frisco (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Alex Coba & Alfred Williford @ Hilton Garden Inn (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Devin Leigh @ eight | 11 place (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM)

Jillian Kerwin @ Embassy Suites Frisco (7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Mountain Natives @ AC Hotel (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Frisco Live: Thursday, May 11

The third day of Frisco Live starts with a good one when singer-songwriter David Archibald plays in the afternoon at The Westin. The melodic guitarist’s songs are influenced by folk, rock, and Americana, while his lyrics are heartfelt and honest. 

At the same time, singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins will be performing at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. You can expect storytelling inspired by the likes of Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Guy Clark. 

Alex Lease brings blues vocals and catchy country-infused guitar hooks to Embassy Suites Frisco. Blues music grabbed his soul at an early age, and he’s been writing and playing music ever since. Immediately after Alex is Dustin Gaspard. Dustin blends country, rock, and blues and knows how to work a crowd with his powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar playing. 

Next up on the Frisco Live bill, singer-songwriter Tom Freund brings his American songs to Frisco’ neighborhood restaurant Didi’s Downtown. A long-time musician, Freund has collaborated with Elvis Castello and Jackson Browne. A few doors down, catch singer-songwriter Courtney Istre at eight | 11 place. The Lewisville native is known for her dreamy renditions of modern pop and rock from Paramore to Post Malone.

David Archibald @ The Westin (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Isaac Hoskins @ Omni PGA Frisco (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Jillian Kerwin @ Sheraton Stonebriar (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM)

Alex Lease @ Embassy Suites Frisco (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Dustin Gaspard @ Embassy Suites Frisco (8:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Tom Freund @ Didi’s Downtown (6:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Courtney Istre @ eight | 11 place (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM)

Kyle Weston @ AC Hotel Frisco (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Frisco Live: Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13

Larry Ladele will be spreading his message of positivity through his music as he plays the beautiful backyard of eight | 11 place. And, just down the road at the Frisco Rail Yard Gary Vest and the Country Legends take the stage and take you back through your favorite legends of country music. 

You can expect a high-energy ride through the stories of Texas songwriter Eddie Esler. By the end of Eddie’s set at Omni PGA Frisco resort, you’ll feel like you’re old friends.

Riders Field is in on the concert action, with a special pre-game concert before the Frisco RoughRiders take the mound against Wichita Wind Surge on Friday, May 12. Presented by Play Frisco in partnership with RoughRiders, the Jordan Nix concert is included with tickets to the game. 

Larry Ladale @ eight | 11 place (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM)

Gary Vest and the Country Legends @ Frisco Rail Yard (7:30 PM - 10:30 PM)

Eddie Esler @ Omni PGA Frisco (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

Jordan Nix @ Riders Field (5:30 PM)

Frisco Live is keeping the music going through Saturday, May 13. with Courtney Istre at eight | 11 place (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM), The Rumble Kings at Frisco Rail Yard (7:30 PM - 10:30 PM), and closing it all out strong with Jett Platt at Omni PGA Frisco (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM).

ACM Country Kickoff 2023

ACM Country Kickoff: Tuesday, May 9, and Wednesday, May 10

The ACM Country Kickoff takes place on the field at Tostitos Championship Plaza, and it’s a two-day party you won’t want to miss. The festival includes live music, including performances from several up-and-coming musicians, including a handful of ACM Award nominees. Of course, no festival is complete without good food, good drinks, and good company. You’ll find all this and more with a Coors Light beer garden, food trucks, and country music’s biggest stars. ACM Awards show merchandise, photo opportunities, and partner activations round out an exciting lineup. Don’t miss this free event!

ACM Country Kickoff @ Tostitos Plaza (3:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

58th Academy of Country Music Awards: Thursday, May 11

The reason all the stars are coming out to play, the Academy of Country Music Awards return to North Texas, with the show taking place at Ford Center at The Star on May 11. Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks are the hosts, and, let’s be honest, no introduction is necessary for these two. From Carrie Underwood to Zac Brown Band, the biggest names in country music are nominated for major awards this year. A limited number of tickets are available on SeatGeek, and if you can’t make it to the show in person, be sure to tune in to the live stream exclusively on Prime Video

ACM Award at Ford Center at The Star (7:00 PM)

Book Your Stay Where the Music Plays

From hotels conveniently located near The Star to the hotels hosting Frisco Live shows, it’s easy to stay close to where the music plays during the week of the Academy of Country Music Awards. As an official Music Friendly Texas Community, it’s always a good time to add live music to your playlist of things to do the next time you plan a trip to Frisco, Texas.