Step right up, step right up, Brisbane’s favourite circus-themed arcade Archie Bros Cirque Electric has a new home in Bowen Hills.
When it first opened in 2019, Brisbane fell in love with the zany fun and games venue that made up part of Toombul Shopping Centre’s then-new dining and entertainment precinct.
But then down came the rain, and washed poor Toombul out, with the shopping centre announcing its permanent closure in 2022—sadly taking the big-top-themed, red-velvet-laden arcade with it.
But now, Funlab, the fun-tainment team behind Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (and other fan faves Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel) have finally announced the beloved arcade is reopening its doors on September 6, 2023, this time in the popular King Street precinct in Bowen Hills.
The new venue will have everything we loved about the first including arcade games, kooky cocktails, bowling lanes, virtual reality games and more.
Funlab, who opened the new Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley at Chermside last year, will fling open the doors to their newest bells and whistles venue which has room for a whopping 340 people.
Expect over-the-top cocktails, arcade games galore, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke rooms, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect 4 Hoops and Mario Kart games, the QUBE virtual reality experiences, and exclusive party rooms. Then there’s the dodgem cars, air hockey, basketball hoops, VR, Dance Dance Revolution—all housed in a big top circus theme that would make PT Barnham proud.
The food here is American diner style but turned up to 100. Think three-meat burgers, huuuuuge pretzels, and chips and potato gems served with sauces loaded into syringes.
The venue will have a big opening night party on Saturday September 16 as part of the Brisbane Festival—and get ready to break out those leg warmers because its 80s themed. We’re told there will be dance comps, roller skating across King Street, games galore and a DJ spinning some serious ‘80s synth-tastic tunes.
“Following the closure of our Archie Brothers venue in Toombul Shopping Centre after the 2022 floods, we’ve been looking for the next best home for Archie Brothers in Brisbane — and where better than Bowen Hills? The heart of Brisbane,” said Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber.
“We’re looking forward to bringing our much-loved brand back to the people of Brisbane, providing residents and visitors alike with an unforgettable experience where imagination knows no bounds, and they can create joyful moments and lasting memories.”
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, 3/30 King Street in Bowen Hills, opens on Wednesday, September 6 see the venue’s website for all the juicy details.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
