Punk Rock Bowling Rolls into Las Vegas This Weekend

The Schizophonics to perform at Punk Rock Bowling - Photo © Donna Balancia

By DONNA BALANCIA

LAS VEGAS – Despite the 80-degree weather, expect visitors in leather jackets and spiked-up hair to dominate Las Vegas this weekend as Punk Rock Bowling rolls into town today through Monday.

Punk Rock Bowling touts legacy punk bands as well as hot up-and-comers. Their roughly 15,000 fans come in all shapes and sizes and the festival is open to all-ages.

Punk
The Dead Boys – Photo © Donna Balancia

This year, Rise Against, NOFX and At The Drive In are the night attractions.

That’s not to say that the days are any less exciting with performers like The Barstool Preachers, Svetlanas, Black Dahlia, Darius Koski, Buster Shuffle and Steve Soto.

Svetlanas to perform at Punk rock bowling 2018 - Photo © Donna Balancia
Svetlanas to perform at Punk rock bowling 2018 – Photo © Donna Balancia

“This is something we come to every year,” said Beth and “Rocco” Stanton from Barstow. “We get to see all our favorite bands in one place and we don’t have to drive too far.”

At The Drive In headlines Monday night at Punk Rock Bowling - Photo © Donna Balancia
At The Drive In headlines Monday night at Punk Rock Bowling – Photo © Donna Balancia

But visitors from across the country do attend Punk Rock Bowling and the event has enjoyed so much success, there’s an East Coast-based event also.

Low to Zero Hotel Availability

Hotel occupancy on the side of town near the entrance to the annual festival at Carson and third is at capacity. A manager at a local hotel suggests those who make a last-minute deicision to come visit might have a chance to get a room if they hang around the hotel lobby at checkout time.

X will play Monday night at Punk Rock Bowling - Photo © Donna Balancia
X will play Monday night at Punk Rock Bowling – Photo © Donna Balancia

Las Vegas Weather for Punk Rock Bowling

In the meantime, expect Las Vegas weather to hit the 80s Saturday and Sunday and a high of 94 on Monday, according to Weather.com.

Punk Rock Bowling kicks off at 3 p.m. and the last act comes on at 9:30 p.m., considered a short day by festival standards. But after-hours shows bring the over-21 crowd and boast top bands like The Dead Boys and The Schizophonics who play Backstage Bar and Billiards on Fremont Street.

For more information go to punkrockbowling.com