Pinball shows and events
Although Belgium is a small country, there are some interesting pinball shows.
Shows in the Netherlands or other countries usually aren't that far away so
one can visit these too.
Most shows are collectibles/60ies related, so next to pinball machines you'll
find jukeboxes and records, old toys, motorcycles, Coca Cola, neons,
advertising signs, and much more !
This page isn't actively updated anymore. New shows will be added, but I will not update this page every few months when a new date of a shown is known. Please visit the individual show websites to check when the next event is.
The biggest collector show of Belgium is Collector Fantasies.
It used to be in Antwerp in April, then moved to Mechelen and is since 2006 held in Februari.
Click here for a review of 2004 and
here for 2005 and here for 2006.
At the 2007 edition there even was the Belgian Pinball Championship,
and still in 2010.
Up to 2006 the first show of the year in Belgium was Golden Years.
This is held in a small village, Wieze near Aalst. Usually it's in Februari or March.
There are a lot of things to see: pinball machines, jukeboxes, neons, diners, but even clothes and hot rod cars.
Click here for a review of 2005.
In April there's a jukebox show in the UK at the Brighton Racecourse. More information at Jukeboxshow.co.uk.
Early May (or late April) there's an interesting show in France, held every year in Vierzon. I've never been there myself, but when you see pictures it looks interesting ! Especially if you're interested in older (Gottlieb) games.
Now we move to the Netherlands - somewere in May or June is the Rock around the Jukebox Open Air Show
at the Autotron in Rosmalen,
organized by de Jukebox Fanaat.
As the name says, this is an outdoor show. On a large field behind the exhibition hall you'll find
a lot of dealers and collectors with interesting things.. some people only have
a small table, other dealers have a large tent or have everything on/next to
their truck. Especially when the weather is good this is a nice show to visit.
There are people from all over Europe here, with all kinds of games and collectibles.
If you're interested in oldtimer cars you'll also appreciate this show.
Click here for a review and pictures of the 2005 show.
here for 2006, and
here for 2007.
Summer holidays are over, in September is another major show in Belgium.
This time it's the Collector Show.
This show was in Hasselt but moved to Genk. Exhibitors here change every year, in 2002 there were a lot of jukeboxes for sale,
in 2003 a lot of pinball machines and less jukes, 2004 was a mix of everything, with more toys and gumball machines, ..
2005 was even more a mix of pins, jukes, diners, but even comic books and old motorcycles. Click here for 2007.
The UK Pinball Show, the biggest pinball show in the UK, moved in date and location.
2005 and 2006 edition was at the Aston Villa Football Club.
The 2007 edition was held at the Wicksteed amusement park at the end of September.
More information and pictures at www.ukpinballshow.co.uk.
October then, time for the large indoor Rock around the Jukebox Show at the
Autotron in Rosmalen, organized
by de Jukebox Fanaat.
This is the best known show in the Netherlands and one of the largest jukebox shows in Europe.
In the center of the room you'll find a lot of jukeboxes and parts,
but also pinball machines, EM and arcade games, .. The upstairs part can best be compared to
a large flea market / garage sale with a lot of collectibles and just old things..
Click here for our review and pictures of the 2004 show and
here for 2005, and
here for 2009.
Another (smaller) show in October is in France in Saint-Menehould. More information at tiltargonne@wanadoo.fr or at Flipper France. Here are some pictures.
If you know of other shows, let me know and I'll add them to this list.