Headquarters Beercade Will Transform SoBro Into Oz

If you think about where the yellow brick road might lead you, you probably wouldn’t say “Second Avenue South.” But downtown, that's exactly what's going on, as Headquarters Beercade is going all-out for a Wizard of Oz-themed pop-up starting this Friday, Aug. 9.

Headquarters Beercade, the arcade bar that likes a theme (last year I told you about its Christmas transformation) is launching No Place Like Home, a 10-day themed pop-up inspired by the 80th anniversary of the film The Wizard of Oz (the book was published in 1900). Through Aug. 18, the 6,500-square-foot Headquarters Beercade will feature more nods to the film than even Dorothy could dream of. You’ll walk into an entryway of a black-and-white cornfield (Look up! Dorothy’s house is suspended from the ceiling). Once inside, just like in Oz, everything becomes technicolor. An Emerald City DJ booth will sit among lollipops — there's also a life-size apple tree, a hot-air-balloon basket, a field of 500 poppies, ruby slippers and more. 

The decor is the showstopper, but don your blue gingham so you look the part as you sip a themed cocktail. The menu includes the Liquid Courage, made with jasmine-tea-infused moonshine and served with the Cowardly Lion's medal of courage, and the Ruby Slipper, which has raspberry-infused Cachaca and edible glitter befitting a good witch, along with other drinks.

If the over-the-top decor and arcade games are not enough entertainment, there are several special events on the calendar, including Over the Rainbow Drag Brunch on Sunday, Aug. 10, and Toto’s Dog Adoption (in partnership with the Nashville Humane Society) on Sunday, Aug. 18. At the latter, there will be pups available for adoption. You can find your next little dog! (Bike basket not included.)

Headquarters Beercade is located at 114 Second Ave S. The No Place Like Home pop-up runs Aug. 9-18. Hours are: Monday-Wednesday 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Thursday-Sunday noon-3 a.m.