Celebrate Juneteenth with pinball! Learn, play, and build Black joy while finding others in community through this fun event.
About this Event
*Curious about pinball? Want to try something new?*
Join us on
*Saturday, June 21, 2025
, at
Lyman's Tavern
for
Freedom to Flip Out*
—a joyful Juneteenth celebration centered around community, learning, and pinball fun!
This family-friendly event welcomes beginners and experienced players alike to enjoy a warm, low-pressure space where you can meet new people, pick up a new skill, inspire a new generation of players and celebrate Black joy through gaming.
**Why Pinball? Why Juneteenth?****
Juneteenth is about freedom, connection, and reclaiming space. Introducing more Black players to the world of pinball is one more way we create room for joy, skill-building, and self-expression in every corner of life—even ones you might not expect.
So, whether you've never played before, want to sharpen your flipper skills, or meet other Black People in the Pinball Community, this is the perfect place to start.
**What to Expect:****
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*Meet & Greet*
– Get to know other attendees in a welcoming environment
?
*Pinball 101*
– Learn the basics: how the game works, how to control the ball, and how to improve
?
*Mini Tournament*
– Put your new skills to the test in a casual, fun competition
?
*Community & Culture*
– A celebration of freedom, Black creativity, and shared space
**Details:****
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*Date:*
Saturday, June 21, 2025
⏰
*Time:*
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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*Location:*
Lyman's Tavern, 3720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
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*Cost:*
FREE
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*All Ages Welcome*
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*No experience needed*
Lyman’s Tavern is located at
*3720 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010*
, right in the heart of Columbia Heights and super accessible by public transit or car.
?
*By Metro:*
Take the
*Green or Yellow Line
to
Columbia Heights Station
— Lyman’s is just a
10-minute walk north*
up 14th Street.
?
*By Bus:*
Multiple Metrobus lines stop right nearby, including:
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*By Car:*
?♀️
*Bike/Scooter Friendly:*
Lyman’s is near several
*Capital Bikeshare*
stations and has sidewalk space to lock up scooters or bikes.
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How to Pay for Pinball****
Pinball at VÜK costs between
*25 and 50 cents per game*
, depending on the machine. But here’s the catch:
?
*It’s quarters only!*
No swipe cards or apps—just good old-fashioned coins.
? There is a
*change machine on site
that accepts
$1, $5, and $10 bills*
, so bring some cash with you. Pro tip:
? Be sure to bring a
*coin pouch, bag, or deep pocket*
to carry your quarters. You’ll thank yourself later!
Come vibe, flip out, and unleash your inner Pinball Wizard!
Agenda
?: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Meet & Greet: Play, Explore, Connect
Info:
We'll kick things off with a laid-back social hour, where attendees can:
Try out pinball machines freely—no pressure, just play!
Meet fellow enthusiasts and newcomers in a welcoming space
Chat with experienced players who can share tips and stories
Discover the artistry and mechanics of different pinball machines up close
Talk about the machines themes that you would like to see!
This is your chance to get comfortable with the games, ask questions, and shake off any nerves before diving deeper.
?: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Pinball 101: Instructional Session - Tips and Tricks to Master Pinball
Info:
Ever watched someone crush a pinball game and wondered, "How are they doing that?!" Our beginner-friendly workshop breaks it all down:
Pinball 101: How scoring works, what the lights and sounds mean, how to read the playfield, and how to know when your turn ends.
Ball Control Basics: Flipper techniques, nudging (how to move the game), and how to avoid dreaded drains
From Survival to Strategy: Learn how to spot opportunities, activate modes, and turn chaos into high scores
Q&A with seasoned players—bring your burning pinball questions!
Whether you've never played or understood pinball, this session will turn confusion into confidence.
?: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Casual Competition
Info:
Time to play! Our low-stakes, high-energy tournament is all about celebrating progress, not pressure:
Flexible Format: Play at your own pace, with optional coaching between rounds
No "Elimination" Drama: Everyone gets multiple games to practice and improve
Surprise Prizes: We’ll have prizes for the tournament winners! Prizes for the tournament participants! Prizes for all!
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