Retro & Small Games Pop-up Arcade

Retro & Small Games Pop-up Arcade invites visitors to travel through gaming history with a mini-arcade presented by the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH) and Small Games Lab. The experience features retro games dating from the 1970s through the 2000s alongside small games designed to encourage players to pause and consider how compact systems can create meaningful effects. Mario Kart and Pong are included, and no prior gaming experience is required.

The event is part of NextNOW Fest, the University of Maryland’s multi-day festival of performances and interactive arts experiences. The festival is open to the general public.

When: Friday, September 11, 2026

Showtime: 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Admission: General admission; all are welcome.

Venue: Hornbake Library, Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities, Room 0301

Presented by: Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities and Small Games Lab

Games: Retro games from the 1970s through the 2000s, small games, Mario Kart, and Pong

Experience level: No experience required.

Run time: Not stated.

Livestream: No livestream is planned.

Accessibility: Available services include wheelchair-accessible seating, size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted listening devices, adult- and child-friendly sensory packs, and quiet spaces. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by request at least six weeks in advance.