Game not over: Reload returns for one spooktacular night (and maybe for good?)
Posted on
When Reload Bar and Games closed its doors last year, it left a (pixelated) hole in Canberra’s gaming and nightlife scene.
Seeking to test the waters last October, the team returned with a one-night Halloween pop-up.
“We were optimistic, but not sure what to expect,” says owner Marc Brown.
The response “exceeded anything expected,” with 500 people dressing up to game, dance and connect with the Reload community once again.
Following that success, the crew has decided to do it all over again, and this next event may just pave the way for a permanent comeback.
On Saturday 31 October, Halloween Reloaded will take over the former Transit Bar space at Baileys Corner, temporarily breathing life back into another Canberra nightlife icon since its closure.
“Seeing so many people come together again reminded us just how much Reload meant to Canberra, which was heartwarming to see,” Marc says.
“Some of our regulars didn’t go out to other venues; Reload was their space to connect with like-minded people. I’m glad we also get to bring back Transit at the same time, because it was such an iconic venue.”
The organisers are promising a night that is even bigger, louder and scarier than before: OG Reload DJs, MC Calero and resident DJ INSAN3 are returning to keep the dancefloor bouncing all night, while the bar will serve Halloween-themed cocktails.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Reload party without gaming. Punters can expect a full night of classic Mario Kart battles, Mortal Kombat and Rickety Rekts, as well as best and worst dressed prizes (Marc confirms last year’s worst dressed winner was a gentleman who wore a T-shirt with a piece of paper pinned to it.)
Beyond the gaming nostalgia, Marc says the success of this pop-up could spark a permanent comeback for Reload.
In a city that has seen so many beloved music and nightlife spots shut their doors recently, this news is surely a thrilling prospect for a community eager for dedicated alternative spaces.
“Halloween Reloaded is our chance to celebrate our community once more and, if enough people get behind it, maybe show that the Reload spirit still has a future,” he says.
“It’s hard to see the current climate and so many of our city’s venues closing, but there is still optimism and I hope the city comes back to life.
“We want to keep the Reload brand alive.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Halloween Reloaded
Where: Transit Bar, 143 London Circuit
When: Saturday 31 October from 7 pm
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/halloween-reloaded
Images supplied.
