On August 6, 2025, Halifax arcade owner Ryan Pearson announced the heartbreaking closure of his beloved arcade, Blast from the Past, located on the top floor of the historic Piece Hall.

A true gem of the venue, Blast from the Past is a free-play retro gaming arcade featuring vintage pinball machines, classic video games, and old-school consoles. Since opening in 2022, it has offered an authentic, nostalgia-rich experience with original 1970s and 1980s machines—no emulators, no flat screens, no replicas—each lovingly restored and maintained.

Despite its popularity and unique charm, the arcade has been hit hard by rising operational costs, declining footfall, and the impact of the Piece Hall’s gig season on day-to-day trade. These challenges have left Ryan with no viable option but to shut its doors later this month.

While it’s unclear whether the recently launched GoFundMe can keep the arcade in its current location, there's hope it might support a new beginning—in a space with greater footfall and more sustainable costs.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the arcade, or simply believe in supporting passionate, independent businesses, please give what you can.

Every contribution helps.

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Halifax Courier News