A Barbie-themed pop-up is coming to Victoria this fall

As Greta Gerwig’s long awaited Barbie movie hits theatres, excitement over the doll and all things pink has been mounting, resulting in growing numbers of Barbie-themed products. Those enthusiasts who are revelling in Barbie fever can get excited about the recent announcement of a Barbie-themed pop-up restaurant coming to Victoria from Oct. 21 to 22.

The Barbie Brunch promises attendees the full Barbie universe experience. The event will offer a brunch, lunch, or dinner option and intends to draw on the nostalgia surrounding the popular toy. Attendees can also choose from a selection of Barbie-themed cocktails like Malibu Dream and Pink Power Martini to enjoy alongside their meal.

Apart from food, the event will include Barbie-themed trivia (with prizes for the most knowledgeable Barbie fan), a sing-along to Aqua’s “Barbie Girl,” and a media wall. Attendees will have the chance to win other Barbie-related prizes.

The venue, the exact location of which has yet to be announced but will be downtown on Burdett Avenue, will be decorated like a Barbie dreamland. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like Barbie for the event to immerse themselves in the experience. Tickets are $55 and will include a meal and a welcome drink.

The event is being put on by Sellout, an event organizer that is behind a series of upcoming Barbie Brunch events in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The event is being promoted by Hidden Media Network, an Australia-based platform that features events in 30 cities worldwide and is behind the currently ongoing Beauty and the Beast Cocktail Experience at Sonora Bar and Grill and the upcoming Brick Burger pop-up on Oswego St. in Oct.

The popular doll icon has been experiencing a renaissance ever since photos of Gerwig’s movie being filmed in Venice Beach emerged last year, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling decked out as Barbie and Ken in fluorescent 1980s inspired roller skating attire. The steadily increasing anticipation over the movie, fuelled by the intermittent dropping of teaser trailers and speculation over how the movie would portray the Mattel property, has resulted in the ramping up of a cultural obsession with Barbie.

This has translated into an increase in doll sales and a further commodification of Barbie-branded products. The number of Barbie dolls sold increased 200% in 2022 from 2021 . Fashion brands from Balmain to Zara and Gap have all capitalized on the popularity of the character, releasing Barbie collections in the lead up to the film’s release.