Free Play Florida 2018 returns for state’s largest arcade, pinball expo

Florida’s largest arcade and pinball expo, Free Play Florida, is back this November for three days of retro gaming fun.

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Free Play Florida returns to Orlando this November.

Taking place Nov. 9-11 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, this event will highlight local game developers and independently produced games in Central Florida, as well as retro gaming and pinball.

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Returning to this year’s event will be Nathan Barnatt, comedian, and his alter-ego Keith Apicary, the Retro Gaming Wiz. Also appearing all three days is James Rolfe, the Angry Video Game Nerd. This year’s event will also welcome Warren Davis, creator of Q*Bert; Brian Colin, creator of RAMPAGE; and Stan Fukuoka, pinball artist.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, Nov. 9

On Friday night, Free Play Florida will bring back Chill Screen Live, where Barnatt will take on a challenger as they jump into a tub of ice and play video games.

At 11 p.m. on Friday, the expo will host its first-ever Pajama Party. Guests who are willing to come out in their best pajama pants and T-shirt will be granted an extra hour on the expo floor. Afterward, guests will be invited into the panel room to share spooky stories with Barnatt.

Saturday, Nov. 10

Actor Bruce Boxleitner, best known for his role as Alan Bradley and Tron in the 1982 Walt Disney Pictures film, “Tron,” will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans on Nov. 10. Boxleitner will also host a panel and appear on Space Ghost LIVE that evening at 8 p.m., alongside Warren Davis and James Rolfe.

Saturday night will also host the Saturday Night After-Party (18+) for Free Play Florida. This separately-ticketed event will give adults a chance to enjoy the entire arcade with the lights turned down low, plus drinks and live music. This year will feature chiptune artist NESTROGEN, synthwave artist Moondragon, and Keith Apicary.

Sunday, Nov. 11

Sunday will feature a variety of activities on the show floor, including a pro circuit pinball tournament, panels on developing video games, breakout gaming sessions with Mario Bros. and Missile Command, and the Game Members Awards.

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Ticket prices are as follows:

  • Friday Entry – $25
  • Saturday Entry – $30
  • Sunday Entry – $25
  • Weekend Entry – $60
  • Kids (5-12) Weekend Entry – $15
  • Kids (5-12) One-Day Entry – $7.50
  • Saturday Night After-Party – $15

To learn more about Free Play Florida 2018, visit their website at wp.FreePlayFlorida.com. To purchase tickets, head to their Eventbrite page here.

Check out our previous coverage of Free Play Florida in this video below:

Florida's Largest Arcade & Pinball Expo - Free Play Florida
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