Travel back in time to the 80s: retro events and locations in Cologne
It's slowly getting gray again in Cologne, even if we all don't quite want to admit it yet (I know 💔). What we are clearly missing at this time of year and in this rainy weather is COLOR 🌈. If you're thinking the same thing at the moment, here's a little idea for you: How about traveling back in time to the 80s? Because in the 80s, it's colorful, colorful, colorful!
We have put together a list of events and locations in Cologne - all in eighties retro style! Whether you want to get active, party or simply relax in a vintage café: Here you'll find inspiration on how to escape the dreary fall and feel like you're in your own personal 80s movie at the same time. Neon colors, roller skate discos, aerobics classes and arcade halls are of course a must. 👾 Cologne has plenty to make your retro heart beat faster and give you new ideas - with activities you may never have tried before.
And in case you haven't noticed yet: The new season of Stranger Things starts in November. What could be better suited to the vibes of the series than a trip to the world of the 80s? So grab your fellow retro atz:ins and give 80s escapism a try! Maybe organize an 80s-themed day (also a great surprise idea for a birthday 🤫), or try out the various events and locations one by one. And while you're at it, say hello to David Bowie for me on the dance floor! 👩🎤
⬇️ Here we go to the 80s ⬇️
Sports VenueRollersClub Cologne
The classic. You can't miss a roller skate disco in the 80s! 🛼🪩 You can roll and perform to Madonna and Cyndi Lauper here (or just try to stay on your feet)! Colorful outfits give you extra points, by the way, I hear. 👂🏼
SWEET DREAMS - 80s Party
Sweet dreams are made of this: Unpacking dance moves to synth-pop and new wave at the Blue Shell to celebrate the flashiest and most upbeat decade with the crowd. ⚡️💿
Giga-Center
50672 Köln
This arcade hall is open around the clock and really does offer EVERY classic game from the 80s. 🎰👾 For example, you can try your hand at the Pac-Man machine or test out various pinball machines while listening to some oldschool music on the jukebox. This arcade hall is also a great date location, where you can challenge your date to a round of air field hockey or a dance battle on the Dance Acarde. 🕺
LaserZone Lasertag
Well, have you ever tried laser tag? If not, then THIS is your chance! You'll feel like you're in a colorful action movie, surrounded by neon colors and lazer light effects. 🔫
Rave Aerobic - Dance Fusion
Rave or aerobics? Why not both together? The Rave Aerobics - Dance Fusion course takes place once a week and you should definitely give it a try! Your 80s dream will come true here, and if you want, you can even wear a colorful aerobics suit! The main thing is that you bring enough energy with you (but this is automatically activated with this course and this music). 🔋
Vintage Emde
50672 Köln
Do you still need suitable clothing for your trip back in time? No problem, Cologne's vintage stores have got you covered! A great recommendation is Vintage Emde, which has a huge selection of well-stocked vintage clothing on offer. Check out the basement in particular, where you're sure to find a colorful tracksuit jacket or two for your visit to the 80s! 👀
Hallmackenreuther
Not quite the flashy 80s, but still here for the vibes: the Hall (as the cool ones call it 😎) fits perfectly into the vintage flair! The café is furnished in the retro style of the 60s & 70s and exudes a real nostalgic feeling with its colorful furniture, unusual lamps and cozy seating areas. 📻
Café Franck
50825 Köln
Similar to the Hall, Café Franck is one of Cologne's best-known vintage cafés, but it takes you even further back in time! Here you can enjoy the most delicious 50s-style cakes in a historic atmosphere. 🍰
So, get out of the gray daily grind and into the time machine! Grab your favorite people, put on something colorful and stroll into the world of shoulder pads, synth beats and arcade games. Who knows, you might even find your own personal favorite place where time has somehow stood still.
And if you're wondering whether it's all a bit crazy... that's exactly what makes the 80s so charming! Have fun trying out, dancing and dreaming. See you on the dance floor! 👾🕺🌈
Frequently asked questions about retro events and locations in Cologne
1. are there regular retro markets or vintage flea markets in Cologne?
Yes, and how! There are various vintage and retro flea markets in Cologne, which usually take place on a monthly or seasonal basis. Whether in the Stadtgarten, on the grounds of the Abenteuerhallen Kalk or in small backyards: here you can browse, store and stock up on cool finds to your heart's content. Just take a look at our market category.
2. which retro events and locations are typical of the 80s?
Typical '80s trends include roller-skating discos, neon parties, aerobics classes with colorful outfits and classic arcades with video games such as Pac-Man. Vintage cafés, bars with retro decorations, flea markets with fashion, records, Walkmans and other cult objects from the 80s are also popular. Bright colors, synth music and pop culture highlights make the 80s feeling perfect.
3. are there regular retro parties in Cologne?
They are a dime a dozen in Cologne! The Blue Shell, for example, often organizes 80s or 90s parties with suitable music and decorations to let you indulge in nostalgia. You can also regularly find throwback parties at the Tsunami Club to celebrate your favorite decade! Many clubs and dance bars in Cologne host such parties, so it's best to browse through our party category to find your favorite. 🪩
4. what clothes are suitable for retro events in Cologne?
So if you want to go all-in for the 80s, the most important thing about the outfit is one thing: BANG 💥. For the perfect retro look, neon colors, leggings, headbands, shoulder pads and vintage accessories like scrunchies are all the rage. In addition, colorful tracksuits were THE eye-catcher in the 80s! Add a ghetto blaster in your arm and your outfit is perfect! Incidentally, this would also be a super easy costume idea for 11.11. 🧑🎤
5. what music is played at retro events in Cologne?
The music of the 80s was very influential for this decade and goes hand in hand with the flashy outfits. Music with synthesizer sounds, catchy melodies and danceable beats is typical of the 80s. The best-known genres include synthpop, new wave, pop rock and early hip-hop tracks. Artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and Whitney Houston shaped the sound of the 80s. Cult hits from films and TV series are also part of the unmistakable 80s feeling, as the series Stranger Things has also picked up on! 🎶
