In case you haven’t heard, the Unicorn on Capitol Hill has a new basement level called Narwhal that opened earlier this month to rave reviews. The space is stunningly decorated with pieces from an old carousel and other interesting art objects (such as a 
wide variety of taxidermy). A definite must-see location if you’re visiting Seattle (or if you live here) as long as you don’t mind a crowded bar scene (especially on weekends). The highlight for Skill Shot readers will be the game room area that has eight pinball machines and a variety of arcade games! Shorty’s is the operator supplying the (mostly mid-90’s) pins such as Attack From Mars, Fish Tales and Junkyard, and for a complete list go to our Pinball List. Please note: the Narwhal doesn’t open until 6PM.
Also on Capitol Hill, at the Vermillion art gallery (around the corner from the Unicorn) is the Flash Arcade exhibit which is a show that has playable pinball and arcade games. The pins might be out numbered but there are games not usually available in this neighborhood such as Johnny Mnemonic, Demolition Man and Twilight Zone (actually that’s true of the arcade games also). There’s a bar in the back of the gallery that opens at 4PM so you can go there for a drink and pins before the Narwhal opens (the exhibit area is all-ages except during weekend evenings). Flash Arcade runs till August 4th (Vermillion, 1508 11th Ave).
Do you own a pinball machine? If the answer is yes then be sure to check out the NW Pinball Swap Meet on Sunday July 29th! This annual event is held in the parking lot of Specialty Coins in Kent and attracts people from all over the region to 
buy/sell/trade pinball parts and other related items, often from the backs of their vehicles. Last year someone brought two whole pinball machines, which were both available to buy and test out! Specialty Coin will also be open and serving up hot dogs and pop, so be sure to check out their show room on your way to the rest room. For more details and directions go to the Swap Meet’s website.
Another date you should mark on your calendar is the Skill Shot 5 Year Anniversary Party at Shorty’s on August 5th. Can you believe it? We’ve been publishing this zine for 5 years now and will be celebrating that fact with a bunch of different tournaments, 
food, prizes, surprises and fun! We’re starting it early and ending late so everyone can attend. If you haven’t been to Shorty’s lately this will give you the chance to check out some of the newest pins like AC/DC, TRON and Transformers. We’re expecting to have a great time and we’re sure you will too! Just don’t forget to come to our Skill Shot 25 Zine Release and Folding Party at The Lookout on August 1st as well (free beer!). Check out our Calendar for more details!
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