Get ready for your fix of retro arcade action in Belfast. We'll have a great selection of classic games from the 70s, 80s & 90s, pinball tables and a retro console corner. There's also a full bar — and our early sessions are always family friendly.
Why sessions?
We're running sessions so we can ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. We want to make sure you get plenty of game time on the machines of your choice. A form of crowd/quality control, basically.
How much is it?
£20 for adults, £8 for kids 15 and under. Once you have a pass, all machines are set to freeplay.
What does free play mean?
Free play means that once you have a pass, all machines, pinball and consoles are free to play. Base Arcade is a coin and token free zone.
So I can't just call down whenever?
For now, no. We'll be running full weekend pop ups roughly once a month though. Event dates will always be published on this website.
Will there be a bar?
Yes! There’s a fully stocked bar with a selection of craft beers, regular beers and more. And we’ve devised some Arcade themed cocktails too to give you the steady nerves needed to get past Donkey Kong level 2! Last orders 11pm.
Kids allowed?
The first sessions of each day (12-4pm & 11-3pm) will be family friendly. The later ones will be adult only. Bar still open for adults during the first session.
Kids are 15 and under. They must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.
Do you have food?
Not from us. But you can leave, eat and return any time within your allocated session. We'll have a wristband system. Fancy.
What games do you have?
Honestly, we prefer to keep that as a bit of a surprise, it's more fun that way. But watch the wee video up there to get an idea for what's in store.
Where is it?
For now we're popping up in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. But who knows where we might end up in future...
Will you ever open this permanently?
You must really like arcades! Let's just enjoy the fact that Belfast has a nice place to play original, retro arcades and pinball for now. But never say never...
Do you take corporate or private hire bookings?
Sometimes! Fill in this wee form and we'll talk.
Can I cancel my tickets or come another time?
Being a pop up, it's sometimes hard for us to know when our next event will be — so it's hard to transfer tickets to future events. With that in mind, all ticket sales are final. Please try your best to make it when you get tickets, or transfer them to a friend. They'll love it.
How can I stay up to date with all things Base Arcade?
We thought you'd never ask.
You can find us in all the usual spots, but we're probably most active at sharing behind the scenes stuff on Instagram. We share stuff to TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and all too. And in the spirit of retro, there's also an internet newsletter.