Base Arcade is a retro video arcade that runs as a pop-up in Belfast. Its website describes it as a free play retro arcade experience. The team runs a full weekend pop-up about once a month and has been running events for three years. Events take place at Banana Block, Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE.
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There are no coins or tokens. A single ticket gives you unlimited play on all the arcade machines, pinball tables and retro consoles for the whole session, and each session lasts four hours. The organisers say the length is meant to give people enough game time and to help with crowd control.
The next event runs from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November. On Friday the doors are open from 19:00 to 23:00. Saturday runs from 11:00 to 23:00 and includes three sessions. Sunday, from 11:00 to 15:00, is a family-friendly session. Early sessions are family friendly, so children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Later sessions are adult-only. Adult tickets cost £20 and children's tickets cost £12. Pre-sale opens on the Tuesday at 20:00, and general sale opens on the Wednesday at 20:00.
The ticket rules are worth reading before you buy. All sales are final and there are no refunds. A ticket can't be used for future events, but it can be passed to another person, as long as that isn't for profit. The organisers reserve the right to change event details and to refuse entry.
The bar serves craft beers, regular beers and more, with last orders at 23:00. Bagels and beer are available on site. The merchandise shop at shop.basearcade.com sells a Tekken T-shirt for £25, a Varsity Jacket for £45, a Base Logo T-shirt for £20, a Kids Pac-Man T-shirt for £12 and Pin Badges for £6.
Banana Block is a short Glider G1 ride from the city centre. Get off at Connswater and walk about 90 seconds to the venue. There is free parking nearby. Base Arcade also offers private hire for corporate or private events for groups of between 50 and 120 people, and bookings can be made through a form on the website. Earlier this year, the arcade took part in Q-Con 2026, held on 20 and 21 June at One Elmwood Student Union Foyer.
Published Date
21 October 2026
