Blizzard Brings Azeroth to Melbourne This Weekend With Pop-Up Experience

Federation Square transforms into a slice of Azeroth this weekend. Blizzard has opened the Midnight House & Lounge, running from Friday 23 until Sunday 25 January between 1:00pm and 8:00pm daily.

The pop-up celebrates World of Warcraft: Midnight, the upcoming expansion launching 3 March 2026. More specifically, it showcases the game's new player housing feature, something fans have requested for years.

What To Expect

Melbourne residents and visitors get hands-on access to preview the housing customisation system. The installation features custom furniture and themed décor straight from the game world.

Free snow cones are on offer. You'll also be able to watch the Australian Open on Federation Square's big screen from inside the themed space, a unique crossover of gaming culture and sporting events.

Cosplayers were spotted across Melbourne earlier today making their way to the installation. Fans are encouraged to dress up and snap photos with the WoW iconography throughout the space.

The timing isn't accidental. This weekend sees major Australian Open matches, bringing thousands of sports fans through Federation Square. Blizzard taps into that foot traffic to introduce Midnight's housing system to a broader audience.

Player Housing Goes Live

Players who pre-purchased any edition of Midnight already have early access to the housing feature as of December 2025. The full system launches with the expansion on 3 March.

You get a home with no lotteries, costs or upkeep required. Pick a plot in public or private neighbourhoods. Collect over 600 housing items through quests, professions and achievements.

Monthly neighbourhood activities bring players together to unlock themed decorations. Friends can visit cross-faction, breaking down old barriers.

Limited Time Only

The Midnight House & Lounge operates Friday through Sunday only. Opening hours are subject to weather adjustments, so check @Blizzard_ANZ on social media for updates.

Exclusive gifts will be available while stocks last. Get there early if you want to grab merchandise.

Weather permitting, this weekend offers a rare chance to step into Azeroth without logging in. The intersection of gaming, sport and summer in Melbourne creates a promotional opportunity Blizzard won't repeat often.

For those who miss the Melbourne activation, the full WoW: Midnight expansion drops 3 March 2026. Early access for Epic Edition purchasers begins 27 February. The expansion introduces new zones including a revamped Silvermoon City, the Haranir jungle elf race, and the Prey bounty hunting system.