Pixel dreams in a world of pinball and arcade machines was the order of the day at the Houston Arcade and Pinball Expo, held this past weekend in Houston, Texas. The event was held at the Marriott Westchase which is no stranger to conventions having hosted Space City Con way back in 2013, wow has it really been that long?
The arcade expo had a little something for everyone from old and new pinball machines to classic arcade cabinets featuring titles such as: Donkey Kong, Space invaders, and Pacman. With old and new pinball machines including collector editions of Elton John and Stranger Things; with the latter showcasing a Demigorgon to welcome you into a festive area with cool lights and sound. In addition, the convention offered retro inspired sugar cookies, for purchase, making the area just a little more sweet.
But it wasn’t just games that were found at the Expo, you could also find great music from acts such as Wang Chung who entertained the audience Friday night to a sellout crowd and the Consortium of Genius who are always a highlighted performance. Included in the convention appearances was voice actor Tim Kitzrow, best known as the Boom Shakalaka guy from NBA jam.
Saturday morning featured something unique, a swap meet. This area allowed collectors to bring their wares for barter, trade, and sale to other convention attendees. The swap meet, held outside in the parking lot, opened up activities for attendees arriving at the Convention Center early. I was even able to score something that I was looking for, Top Gear a SNES game that I played heavily as a child.
Among other attractions at the convention included a retro gaming area with consoles and old computers. I took some time in the afternoon to create a sign for The Weekend Geeks (see our photo album below) and printed it out like we used to do way back in elementary and middle school.
For the convention as a whole I was greatly impressed with the value that attendees get for their admission. You are literally brought into a time when arcades ruled the world. Anyone leaving empty handed or unsatisfied did not take the time to visit everything that the convention had to offer. There were a lot more games than I had time to visit.
The convention returns to Houston area in 2025 on November 14-16 and you can bet we will be in attendance. For more information visit their website at https://www.houstonarcadeexpo.com/