The Return of the 8-Bit Roundup

Name: 8-bit Roundup
Location: Lower Big Four building

Steve and Gina Smith
Jun 9
2 min read

Gina Smith

June 9, 2026

Steve (Co-owner of Retro Oasis) is busy getting the machines ready for this years Calgary Stampede. We started loading in arcade machines this week, with the big load in on June 29th to the Lower Big Four building. It really should be quite something this year: 8-bit Roundup.

More than 4000 square feet of pure retro bliss, including over 100 vintage arcade machines and 80 pinball machines old and new, all priced at a dollar a play. There will be a Lounge area with comfy seating and cocktail arcade games, with food and drinks steps away at the restaurants in the food court.

This is probably the cheapest thing to do at the Calgary Stampede.

Sorry, but we will be taking some of your favorite games with us but have no fear, we will have our back up games ready and on the floor for everyone to play during Stampede week. The games we have at Canyon Meadows Cinemas will also be going to the Stampede, rounding out our 21 game contribution to this Community Cooperative 8-bit Renaissance. Look for the Retro Oasis stickers on our machines - every dollar spent on our games supports us directly.

Retro Oasis is joined by some local collectors as well as Pin Bar, Burn Block Social Club, The Hidden Spot, Nightwave and Death Saves Pinball and more.

There will be a pinball tournament hosted by Death Saves Pinball, though the details have not yet been finalized. Entry cost for the pinball tournament will be on top of the regular Stampede admission.

If you are looking to pick up a machine for yourself, be advised that while no sales can be done on Stampede grounds, we do have a website set up to connect potential buyers (and sellers) to the 8-Bit Roundup community members. www.8bitroundup.ca .

Are you a t-shirt or ball cap collector and want to wear our very cool logo?

Order a shirt, ball cap or hoodie from our online Sticker Mule store:

Use this link to get a $12.50 credit

(for new members only) and FREE shipping!