Everything you need to know before booking.
Yes — Popup Arcade SD is brand new to San Diego County, and we're not shy about it. We're a licensed, insured California LLC, our equipment is new and tested before every event, and the person who answers your call is the owner.
We handle everything from the moment we arrive to the moment we leave. Our crew shows up 30–45 minutes before your event start time to deliver and set up all equipment. You don't need to lift a finger — just point us to the space and we take it from there. At the end of your rental window, we come back and pack everything down.
All you need is a flat surface and a standard 120V outlet within a reasonable distance. The flat surface should be concrete or wood — not grass, gravel, dirt, or any other unstable surface. You can find the specific requirements for each game listed on their detail page under the Specs section.
If we need to run power extensions, we cover all cables with cable protectors so no one gets hurt.
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend events — those slots fill up fast. That said, we do accommodate last-minute bookings when availability allows, so it's always worth reaching out even if your event is coming up soon. A $50 deposit locks in your date and equipment.
It rarely happens, but we take it seriously when it does. If a piece of equipment malfunctions during your rental, contact us immediately and we'll troubleshoot remotely or dispatch someone to assess the situation. If we can't get it working, we'll prorate the amount paid in 30-minute increments and refund the remainder. We maintain and test all equipment before every event specifically to avoid this situation.
It depends on what you're renting. Arcade cabinets need roughly a 4×6 ft footprint plus a few feet of clearance around them and access to a standard outlet. Lawn games like Giant Jenga and cornhole work best with 10×20 ft of open space per game. Mini golf needs the most room — plan for at least 20×30 ft for a 6-hole setup. Not sure if your space qualifies? Send us a photo or your venue dimensions and we'll let you know before you book. You can also find the specific requirements for each game listed on their detail page under the Specs section.
We keep it simple. Cancel more than 7 days before your event and your $50 deposit is fully refunded — no questions asked. Cancel within 7 days and the deposit is non-refundable. If bad weather prevents us from safely setting up on our end, we'll work with you to reschedule within 90 days at no extra charge. Full details are in our Terms of Service.
For most standard rentals, we drop off, set up, and return at the end of your rental window for teardown. You and your guests are in charge of the fun in between — which is exactly how it should be. For larger events or multi-game setups, on-site staffing can be arranged for an additional fee. Just mention it when you book and we'll work something out.
Absolutely — mix and match is actually how most of our bookings work. Our packages are pre-built combinations designed to make the decision easier, but you're never locked into them. Add individual games to your cart, build exactly the lineup you want, and book that. If you want to swap something out or add a game after booking, just reach out and we'll adjust as long as the equipment is available. Before and after booking we stay in frequent contact to build the best possible experience for your event. If you want to swap a game for one at a higher or lower price, we'll adjust the difference accordingly.
Yes — our inventory wouldn't be complete without kid-friendly options. Lawn games like Giant Jenga, cornhole, and mini golf are great for kids of all ages. We also offer smaller arcade cabinets with classic Pac-Man and Galaga, foosball, air hockey, and Pop-A-Shot basketball, which is very popular with the little ones. One game we're especially proud to offer is the Nex Playground — this console features fun and surprisingly challenging games playable by kids from age 3 all the way to age 100.
Yes — a $50 deposit is required to confirm your booking and hold your date and equipment. The remaining balance is due 3 days before your event. We accept all major credit and debit cards securely through Stripe. We do not store any payment information or credit card numbers.
We set up anywhere that's accessible — backyards, private residences, park pavilions, clubhouses, HOA spaces, hotel courtyards, corporate campuses, and event venues. The main requirements are ground-level access (no stairs or elevators for heavy equipment), a reasonably flat surface, and a nearby power outlet for arcade cabinets. You can find the specific requirements for each game on their detail page under the Specs section. If you're booking a public park or venue that requires a certificate of insurance, we've got you covered — just let us know in advance.
Our free delivery zone covers most of San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos, and Poway. For events outside this zone, we charge a delivery fee based on distance from our base in North County — typically $2.00 per mile for the round trip. For example, if your venue is 20 miles outside our free zone, expect an $80 delivery fee added to your rental total. Not sure whether your location falls inside or outside our coverage area? Drop us your address when you reach out and we'll give you an exact number before you commit to anything.
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out directly — no scripts, no call centers.