Big Games Night Out is back with an 80s-themed celebration of gaming culture at Fed Square this October.
Australia’s largest free gaming festival returns on 9 October with a nostalgic twist, featuring the centrepiece exhibit Electric Arcadia. This vintage arcade installation will transform part of Fed Square into an immersive 80s and 90s gaming paradise, complete with classic upright arcade machines and indie games.
Melbourne’s gaming community can expect a full day of entertainment, from the new family-friendly Little Games Night Out session starting at 4pm, through to late-night programming at ACMI. The festival introduces several new attractions while bringing back favourite elements like the Cosplay Parade, free-to-play game zones, and Just Dance competitions.
Big Games Night Out
- Where: Fed Square, Melbourne
- When: Thursday, 9 October, 4pm until late
- Electric Arcadia runs: Friday, 3 October – Thursday, 9 October (12pm-7pm daily, extended hours on 9 October)
- Little Games Night Out: 4pm-6pm on 9 October
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Electric Arcadia stands as the festival’s main drawcard, designed by Melbourne artists Callum Preston and Louie Roots. This free playable experience captures the essence of classic mall arcades with a futuristic techno aesthetic.
New additions include the Indiginerd Stranger Things-themed Dungeons & Dragons experience at Koorie Heritage Trust, and Melbourne Meeples’ tabletop takeover at the Edge Theatre. Families will appreciate the inaugural Little Games Night Out, featuring face painting, games, and Joey Lightbulbs’ Family Rave.
Over 100 free-to-play games at ACMI
ACMI extends its opening hours for the festival, offering late-night access to its Game Worlds exhibition and hosting Power Move: Cypher Quest, an interactive dance battle inspired by iconic video games. Over 100 free-to-play games will be available across multiple zones, covering everything from retro arcade games to modern esports.
Big Games Night Out is presented by Melbourne International Games Week in partnership with Fed Square and supported by the Victorian government through Creative Victoria.
For more information, head here.
