The Best Pinball Spots in Calgary

If you are looking for things to do in Calgary, pinball has a long history here, and while the city has evolved, the appeal of flashing lights, mechanical flippers, and the challenge of chasing a high score has stayed the same. Today, Calgary’s pinball scene is spread across arcade bars, hybrid entertainment venues, and neighbourhood hangouts that keep the game alive for both longtime players and newcomers. These venues offer a mix of classic and modern machines, approachable spaces to play, and communities that gather around the hobby in small but steady pockets across the city.

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, exploring something new in your area, or revisiting a familiar game from years ago, Calgary has a handful of great spots worth checking out. Each brings its own style, from social bar atmospheres to family-friendly arcades, giving players options depending on the mood, occasion, or part of the city they’re in.

Here are five of the best places to enjoy pinball in Calgary.

1. Hidden Spot (NE – 32 Ave NE)

Address: 2323 32 Ave NE,  #125, Calgary, AB
Website: hiddenspotyyc.com
Instagram: @Hiddenspotyyc
# of machines: 19

Hidden Spot is the NE hangout known for its mix of food, drinks, billiards, and a growing arcade section that includes pinball. The space blends bar seating, lounge areas, pool tables, and arcade cabinets, giving it the feel of a modern social club where you can spend a full evening. Their pinball lineup rotates, and machines are placed in an accessible corner of the venue so they’re easy to find even when the bar is busy.

Hidden Spot is also home to the Deathsave Pinball Calgary tournaments, a recurring local event that brings together Calgary pinball enthusiasts for competitive play. These tournaments give the venue a stronger pinball identity than most casual arcade bars, drawing regular players and creating a steady community around the machines. Whether you’re entering the competition or just stopping in to play, Hidden Spot offers a balanced mix of atmosphere, gameplay, and local pinball culture.

2. Burn Block Social Club (SE – Inglewood)

Address: 1217B 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Website: burnblocksocial.com
Instagram: @Burnblocksocial
# of machines: 11

Located on 9th Ave in the heart of Inglewood, Burn Block Social Club brings together a nano-brewery, cocktail lounge, and pinball arcade under one roof. The space is designed around social play, with pinball machines lining part of the basement next to the brewery, and arcade cabinets filling the upstairs area. The two-level layout encourages people to move around, explore, and try different games throughout the night.

It’s a spot where you might start with a drink, drift toward the machines, and end up spending an hour on a brightly lit pinball table. Burn Block attracts a wide range of visitors, from locals dropping in after dinner to groups out for a night of games. Inglewood’s walkable stretch also makes it a natural stop as part of a larger evening in the neighbourhood. For anyone wanting a pinball experience with a social twist, Burn Block is a standout.

3. PinBar (SW – 17th Ave)

Address: 501 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Website: pinbaryyc.com
Instagram: @pinbaryyc
# of machines: 15

PinBar is Calgary’s dedicated pinball and arcade bar, and the venue leans fully into that identity. With a larger and more varied lineup of machines than most spots in the city, it’s a reliable choice whether you’re a casual player or someone who follows high-score boards. The room is energetic, especially on weekends: games light up the walls, groups gather around the machines, and the bar serves a steady stream of food and drinks.

The layout makes pinball the central part of the experience, not an afterthought, so it’s easy to spend an entire night working through different machines. If you’re exploring 17th Ave or looking for a place where pinball is the main event rather than a side feature, this is one of Calgary’s strongest options.

4. Nightwave Arcade (NE – 32 Ave NE)

Address: 2020 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
Website: nightwave.ca
Instagram: @nightwavearcade
# of machines: 11

Nightwave Arcade is one of Calgary's newest pinball spots and sits in north Calgary, offering a mix of retro arcade games, pinball machines, and modern attractions like VR stations. The arcade’s layout is straightforward and open, with machines grouped by type so players can easily move between pinball, classic cabinets, and other games. The atmosphere is friendly and accessible, making it a good choice for both solo visits and group outings.

Their pinball machines vary but are consistently maintained, and Nightwave’s broader game selection makes it appealing for groups with mixed interests. If someone wants pinball, someone else wants a racing cabinet, and someone wants VR, everyone finds something to do without splitting up. For a simple, fun pinball experience in the NE, especially for those wanting variety beyond just flippers and bumpers, Nightwave is an easy recommendation.

5. PowerPlay (SE – Southcentre Mall)

Address: 100 Anderson Rd SE, Calgary, AB
Website: powerplay.ca
Instagram: @powerplay_yyc
# of machines: 4

Another new pinball spot, located at Southcentre Mall, PowerPlay is a full entertainment venue offering arcade games, active attractions, food service, and family-friendly spaces. While it’s not a pinball-focused venue, the arcade section includes pinball machines alongside racers, shooters, and redemption games, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of players.

What sets PowerPlay apart is its accessibility: it works for families, birthday outings, mall visitors looking for something to do, and anyone on the south side wanting easy entertainment. The space is large enough that you can explore at your own pace, and the mix of attractions offers more to do before or after pinball. For casual players or South Calgary locals, it’s one of the most convenient ways to enjoy a few machines without planning a full night out.

Closing Thoughts

Calgary’s pinball scene is spread across a mix of social venues, neighbourhood hangouts, and entertainment centres, each offering something different depending on what kind of outing you’re planning. Some spots bring together food, drinks, and games under one roof, while others focus more on arcade-style play or offer a broad mix of attractions for groups with varying interests.

Together, these locations highlight how pinball has maintained its place in Calgary’s entertainment landscape. Whether you’re looking for a new machine to play, joining local tournaments, or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, each of these venues provides a chance to enjoy the game in its own way. Pick the spot that fits your plans, bring a friend, and start a new pinball trail across the city.

Looking for more local activities? Explore our YYC Bucket List (Part 1)

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