Steel Tiger Pinball

Melbourne’s biggest charity pinball celebration is back!

FLIPOUT Pinball Show 2026 will take over the Sandown Park Hotel in Noble Park from October 2 – 4, 2026, bringing together pinball enthusiasts, collectors, families, vendors, and gamers for an action-packed weekend of silverball fun – all while raising funds for an incredible cause.

Organised by Mr Pinball Australia, Steel Tiger Pinball, and Reality Games Australia, the annual event will once again donate all profits to Very Special Kids (VSK), helping support children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

A Weekend of Pinball, Community and Fun

Whether you’re chasing high scores on classic machines, discovering the latest pinball releases, meeting fellow enthusiasts, or introducing the family to the hobby, FLIPOUT 2026 promises something for everyone.

This year’s event will feature multiple play sessions spread across three days, including dedicated family sessions and adults-only evening events.

Event Schedule

Friday, October 2

3:00pm – 6:00pm: Media, Vendors & VIP Ticket Holders
7:00pm – 11:00pm: Session 1 (Adults Only)

Saturday, October 3

10:00am – 2:00pm: Session 2
3:00pm – 7:00pm: Session 3
8:00pm – Midnight: Session 4 (Adults Only)

Sunday, October 4 – Family Day

10:00am – 1:00pm: Session 5
2:00pm – 5:00pm: Session 6

Venue

Sandown Park Hotel
Corner Corrigan Road & Princes Highway
Noble Park, Victoria 3174

🎟️ Tickets On Sale in July

Tickets will be available from the first week of July, with session entry prices starting from just $25.

Given the popularity of previous FLIPOUT events, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early once sales open.

❤️ Supporting Very Special Kids

More than just a pinball show, FLIPOUT has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most community-focused gaming events.

Every game played, every ticket purchased, and every donation made helps support Very Special Kids, making this a weekend where fun truly makes a difference.

🤝 Want to Get Involved?

The organisers are currently seeking:

Pinball machine donations/loans for the event
Volunteers to assist throughout the weekend

Owners who donate a machine for the event will receive a free event T-shirt and a weekend pass.

Exclusive Event Artwork

The official FLIPOUT 2026 event T-shirt and poster artwork has been created by the legendary Brian Allen of Flyland Designs, promising another eye-catching collectible for attendees.

Stay Connected

Website: www.flipoutpinball.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flipoutpinball/

Media Partner: @ausretrogamer <- That’s us!

As the official media partner, Ausretrogamer is honoured to be part of FLIPOUT 2026. We’ll be there covering the sights, sounds, silverballs, and inevitable high-score bragging rights throughout the weekend. Most importantly, we’re proud to support an event that combines the joy of pinball with raising funds for the incredible team at Very Special Kids.

Mark your calendars, polish those flipper skills, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of pinball madness. FLIPOUT 2026 is ready to flip Melbourne upside down for a great cause!

image source: FlipOut Pinball

A Silverball Sensation: The Melbourne Pinball Expo 2024 Rocks the Flippers!

The pinball buzz has finally landed in Melbourne, and it hit with a bang! The inaugural Melbourne Pinball Expo (MPE) lit up the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone this past weekend, delivering a bumper-packed event that left attendees flipping out—literally.

Back in June, we gave you the heads-up about this one-of-a-kind gathering, and oh boy, did it live up to the hype! MPE brought together an eclectic mix of new and classic pinball machines, offering something for everyone, from seasoned flipper wizards to first-timers discovering the magic of the silverball.

A Playground for All Ages

Whether you came to chase high scores, bask in the nostalgia of retro classics, or marvel at the cutting-edge innovations of modern pinball, MPE had you covered. The best part? Seeing the pinball community in full force—old friends reconnecting over their shared passion and new faces lighting up with excitement. It was a celebration for all ages, proving that pinball truly is timeless.

Star Attractions Steal the Spotlight

Choosing a favourite machine was nearly impossible with so many crowd-pleasers on the floor. Stern Pinball dazzled attendees with their blockbusters like Jaws, John Wick, Foo Fighters, and Venom—machines that had players lining up for another go. Meanwhile, Jersey Jack Pinball wowed with Avatar, The Godfather, Toy Story 4, and Guns N’ Roses, drawing in pinheads eager to experience their stellar craftsmanship.

But the surprises didn’t stop there! American Pinball (AP) and Pinball Brothers (PB) made waves with standout offerings. AP’s lineup of Legends of Valhalla, Barry O’s BBQ Challenge, Galactic Tank Force, and the adrenaline-pumping Hot Wheels were absolute crowd favourites. PB turned heads with their music-inspired pins, ABBA and Queen, with ABBA’s interactive helicopter ball lock being a delightful highlight that never got old.

The view from the Jersey Jack Pinball stage

A Special Shoutout

Of course, we couldn’t forget CGC’s Cactus Canyon Remake and the ultra-cool Pulp Fiction SE—machines so popular, we had to elbow our way in just to get a turn. If you managed to snag some time on these, consider yourself lucky!

Already Looking Forward to 2025

Missed the fun? Don’t fret! The MPE team hinted that they’re already gearing up for an even bigger 2025 event. Make sure you follow our channels to stay updated, and in the meantime, feast your eyes on the gallery of moments we captured from this unforgettable weekend.