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FLIPOUT 2026 Returns to Melbourne This October – Bigger, Better, and All for Charity!

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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

 

Rumble In The West: The Pop-Up Retro Arcade and Pinball Bar

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NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, this event has been cancelled!

 

Now this is a great cause to support! The Sydney Pinball and Arcade Company presents Rumble in the West – a charity POP-UP RETRO ARCADE and PINBALL Bar, coming to Western Sydney on April 25 and 26, 2020. Rumble In the West will help raise funds for CheckPoint, a nonprofit organisation connecting games and gamers with mental health.

The Rumble in the West pop-up arcade and pinball bar will host over 15 pinball machines, 15 arcade machines and video game consoles from the 80s and 90s. Mixing wood fired pizzas, craft beer and cocktails with gaming, the organisers of Rumble in the West aim to create an authentic feeling of classic arcades.

Nostalgia certainly plays a part in the excitement of an event like this! However, there is something to be said for the fun of arcade games in a social environment like a bar. It is the opposite of the home console gaming experience of today. This event is designed to bring people together and experience the fun of these games in a face to face setting.

Rumble in the West organisers have set a goal to raise $10,000.00 for CheckPoint who support the mental health of gamers with resources, community engagement, videos and articles. CheckPoint strive to spread awareness and educate about mental health issues, while reflecting on how those issues impact the lives of people who play games.

John from The Sydney Pinball and Arcade Company says “We couldn’t make this event happen without the support of the local community members who are passionate about games. We want to pass on that goodwill, which is why we decided to make this donation goal to CheckPoint”.

Early bird tickets are currently on sale for the event. Getting to Rumble in the West is easy because they will have a courtesy bus making trips every hour from the Blacktown station. for more information, please visit the event website www.rumbleinthewest.com.

Events Details:

Event: Rumble in the west – a pop-up retro pinball and arcade bar
When: 25th – 26th of April 2020 (1pm till midnight on the 25th & noon to midnight on the 26th)
Where: 30 Holbeche Rd, Arndell Park N.S.W. (10 minutes from Blacktown. 25 minutes from Parramatta)
Tickets: Early bird ticket price: $40.00 (available till March 25th) – purchase here. Entry tickets get you into the venue for the entire day and entry to all competitions, except the pinball competition. All games and activities are free to play. Food and drinks are additional. Kids 14 and under gain free entry.

image source: Rumble in the West