Headquarters Beercade Channels its Inner Glinda With a Wizard of Oz Pop-Up

Turns out a triple heel tap won’t get you past your bedroom, much less transport you to Oz. But, starting August 9, Headquarters Beercade launches its “No Place Like Home” pop-up experience — and that just might be the next best thing.

Nashville’s biggest arcade bar has dabbled with pop-up concepts before, reinventing itself as a holiday wonderland during their “Reindeer Games” event in December and the Mos Eisley cantina for a May 4th “Star Wars” tribute.

This time around, the 6,500-square-foot space will be taking on the “Wizard of Oz” in honor of the classic film’s 80th anniversary. Inside, guests will be whisked through Emerald City-themed experiences that include a floor-to-ceiling tornado installation, an enchanted forest with a life-sized apple tree and an IG-ready field of 500 poppies. On the mezzanine level, a Wicked Witch’s lair with the inevitable crystal ball will look out on 100 ruby slippers suspended in mid-air.

The bar at HQ is also in on the act, with specially-themed cocktails to match the scene. Gin, pamplemousse, lavender syrup, lemon bitters and a heart-shaped ice cube make up the appropriately named “Gin Man,” while the “Liquid Courage” combines jasmine tea-infused moonshine with falernum syrup and features a Lion’s medal of courage on the side.

HQ Beercade will also host special happenings during the pop-up’s nine-day run including a “Wizard of Oz”-themed drag brunch on Sunday, August 10th and a Toto’s Dog Adoption event in partnership with Nashville Humane Society on Sunday, August 18th.