Themed Night
Rotating themed nights every Thursday at Raleigh's retro arcade bar. 80s vibes, 90s nostalgia, costume contests, themed drinks, and unforgettable energy.
About Themed Night at Super Rad
Every Thursday, Super Rad Retro Lounge picks a theme and goes all in. Themed Night is one of the most immersive and creative recurring events on Glenwood South, transforming the arcade bar into a time capsule, a costume party, or a celebration of a specific era, genre, or fandom. Past themes have ranged from totally tubular 80s nights and grunge-era 90s throwbacks to horror movie marathons, cosplay showcases, and retro video game character nights. No two Thursdays are ever the same.
The experience goes far beyond just picking a playlist. Each themed night features curated drink specials inspired by the theme, a soundtrack that perfectly sets the mood, and decorations that make you feel like you have stepped into a different world. When it is 80s Night, expect neon everything, synth-heavy tracks, and cocktails named after John Hughes movies. When 90s Night rolls around, the music shifts to grunge, hip-hop, and pop hits while the bar serves drinks that taste like pure nostalgia. The attention to detail is what sets these nights apart from a typical bar event.
Costumes are always encouraged, and the best-dressed guests compete in costume contests for prizes. Whether you show up in a full cosplay outfit, a simple themed accessory, or just your regular clothes, you are going to have an incredible time. Some of the most memorable moments at Super Rad have come from the creativity guests bring to themed nights. The crowd feeds off each other's energy, and the result is an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else in Raleigh.
Want to know what this week's theme is? Follow Super Rad on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok where upcoming themes are announced each week. Themes are posted several days in advance so you have time to plan your outfit, rally your crew, and get excited. Thursday Themed Nights run from 6:00 PM until close, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the full experience from the first themed cocktail to the last song on the playlist.
When & Where
Schedule
Day: Every Thursday
Time: 6:00 PM – Close
Costume Contest: Judging typically around 9:00 PM
Theme Announcements: Posted on social media each week
Entry Fee: No cover charge
Themes rotate weekly. Follow @superradretrolounge on Instagram for the latest announcements.
What to Expect
Rotating Weekly Themes
80s Night, 90s Night, horror, cosplay, retro gaming characters, decades mashups, and more. Every Thursday brings something new and unexpected.
Themed Drink Specials
Custom cocktails and specials crafted to match each week's theme. The bar team gets creative, and the results are always worth trying.
Costume Contests
Dress up and compete for prizes. Costumes are encouraged but never required. The best outfits always get love from the crowd.
Curated Music & Atmosphere
Every themed night has a carefully selected soundtrack and visual elements that transform the space and set the perfect mood.
Amazing Photo Ops
Between the costumes, themed decor, and neon-lit arcade backdrop, Thursday nights are one of the most photographed events on Glenwood South.
Full Arcade Access
All classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines are playable all night. The games are part of the experience, not just decoration.
How to Join Themed Night
1. Check the theme. Follow Super Rad on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for the weekly theme announcement.
2. Plan your look. Costumes are encouraged and always rewarded. Go big, go subtle, or just come as you are.
3. Show up Thursday evening. Themed Night starts at 6:00 PM. No tickets, no reservations, no cover charge.
4. Enjoy the experience. Order themed drinks, play arcade games, take photos, and soak in an atmosphere that changes every single week.
5. Enter the costume contest. If you dressed up, make sure to enter the costume contest for a chance to win prizes.