Arcadia

Arcadia

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A large arcade and gaming complex at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, with more than two hundred games, a serious prize counter, pizza on site, and hours that run past midnight.

It's the kind of place where families and groups lose track of time in the best way — and one of the few things in Gatlinburg still open when everything else has closed. Open every day of the year.

Staying nearby? Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, minutes from Historic Nature Trail.

The games

The floor covers more than two hundred titles across every category — classic redemption games, modern video games, immersive simulators, and everything between. The lineup is updated regularly, so new releases sit alongside the proven favorites.

Current game list at gatlinburgarcade.com.

How the play card works

Play cards can be bought in person or online in advance at gatlinburgarcade.com. Larger online purchases come with bonus credits, so buying ahead stretches the same spend further.

The prize center

The redemption counter here is one of the better ones in the region, and the prizes are genuinely worth playing toward — the selection runs from plush toys and novelty items up through electronics, gaming consoles, designer accessories, and tools.

Since points never expire, it's worth banking them across a longer trip rather than cashing out on day one.

Slice Pizza Bakery

On site at Arcadia, Slice serves oversized New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie, along with calzones, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. It's a convenience by location but the pizza is legitimately good, and it saves leaving the complex mid-session.

Group visits

Arcadia handles birthday parties, family reunions, school groups, and company outings, with group play card packages and event planning support. Details at gatlinburgarcade.com.

Hours and location

Open 365 days a year, from morning until midnight, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary seasonally — confirm at gatlinburgarcade.com before a late visit.

The Space Needle complex

Arcadia shares its address with the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which makes 115 Historic Nature Trail a natural multi-stop destination. Ride the glass elevator 407 feet up for 360-degree views of the Smokies, come back down, and spend the evening in the arcade — a full night out without moving the car.

Also at the complex: the Impossibilities magic show at the Iris Theater, an evening of magic, mind-reading, and comedy. Check gatlinburgspaceneedle.com for current schedules.

Tips for visiting

• Buy the play card online. Larger purchases come with bonus credits when bought in advance — more gameplay for the same money
• Don't rush to redeem. Points never expire, so save the balance for a return visit or the end of the trip
• The late hours are the real advantage. Arcadia is open well past midnight on weekends, which is rare in Gatlinburg once the other attractions close
• Pair it with the Space Needle. Ride up at sunset, come down, and spend the evening downstairs. One of the easiest good nights available downtown
• Eat at Slice. Don't overlook it — it's a better dinner than a food court by a wide margin, and it keeps the group in one place
• Ask about group packages if you're visiting with a large party — better value than individual cards

Nearby

Arcadia sits just off the Parkway on Historic Nature Trail, within easy walking distance of downtown. See our things to do guide for more.

• Gatlinburg Space Needle — directly above Arcadia; a 407-foot observation tower with 360-degree views
• Fannie Farkle's — another Gatlinburg arcade tradition on the Parkway, and home of the Ogle Dog
• No Way Jose's Cantina — riverside Mexican, a natural dinner before an evening of games
• Ripley's Believe It or Not! — three floors of unbelievable artifacts and interactive exhibits
• Gatlinburg SkyPark — North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge
• Anakeesta — mountaintop gondola and adventure park, with Astra Lumina after dark
• The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar — dessert after the games

Frequently asked questions

How many games are there?

More than two hundred, across arcade classics, video games, and immersive simulators — one of the largest selections in the Smokies.

How does the play card work?

Buy a card in person or online, load it with credits, and swipe to play any game. Points accumulate automatically — no paper tickets — and you redeem at the prize center. Points never expire.

Is it worth buying the card online?

Yes — larger online purchases come with bonus credits, so you get more gameplay for the same spend. Buy in advance at gatlinburgarcade.com.

What kinds of prizes are available?

The range runs from plush toys and novelty items up through electronics, gaming consoles, accessories, and tools. Worth looking at the counter before you start playing so you know what you're working toward.

Is there food?

Yes — Slice Pizza Bakery is inside the complex, serving New York-style pizza by the slice and whole pie, plus calzones, salads, and sandwiches.

Is Arcadia open year-round?

Yes, 365 days a year, with hours running past midnight and later still on Friday and Saturday.

Can it accommodate groups?

Yes — group packages for birthday parties, reunions, and company outings are available through gatlinburgarcade.com.

Is it good for young kids?

Yes. The redemption games and simulators work across ages, and the cashless card means no one is hunting for quarters. Younger children will do better earlier in the evening, before it gets busy.