Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Punk Rock Bowling once again took place in downtown Las Vegas over the Memorial Day weekend, and with over 40 bands on two stages, as well as pool parties and 24 club shows, this year’s installment went off without a hitch, while offering something for everyone. By the time the festival wrapped up with Social Distortion making their first appearance ever, many of those in attendance were saying that this might have been one of the best ones yet, a sentiment that would be difficult to argue against.
The festival officially kicked off on Saturday (May 25th), with a mix of old and new. Highlights throughout the day included Lambrini Girls, Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade, and Cockney Rejects on the Monster Energy Street Party Stage, while The Adicts and Australian band Civic were standouts on the main stage. A recently reactivated Power Trip brought a healthy dose of crossover style metal to the festival, and British Oi! legends Cock Sparrer made their final appearance at the festival.
Day two of the fest started off with stellar sets from the Codefendants (with an appearance by Fat Mike of the recently “retired” NOFX), as well as Bad Nerves, who just so happen to be one of the ‘buzziest” acts of the moment. Gang of Four, with ex-L7 bassist Gail Greenwood, drew the biggest crowd of the day on the Street Party stage, playing a career-spanning set of classic UK post punk.
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Highlights from the main stage were Spiritual Cramp and Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals, and, of course, Peter Hook and the Light, who put on a great set of all Joy Division classics. It was the perfect ending to the evening.
The third and final day picked up right where day two left off, with North Carolina’s queer punks Babe Haven waking up the sleepy crowd with a high energy set. The ever controversial Leftover Crack drew a huge crowd over to the Street Party Stage, while the Pietasters brought the ska vibes afterward. Amigo the Devil wrapped up the festivities on the Monster stage, and it was then time for the headliners.
Taking the stage to the Cars “Let the Good Times Roll” over the PA, Social Distortion immediately launched into “Born to Kill” to kick off a twelve song setlist. After “Don’t Take Me for Granted” and “Tonight,” frontman Mike Ness addressed the crowd and the festival, saying “Thank you for having Social Distortion play this shindig.” Talking of knowing Keith Morris of (Black) Flag for over 40 years, Mike introduced “The Creeps,” saying that the song goes back to those times. Other highlights from their set included “Reach for the Sky,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Story of My Life.”
Even after 25 years, Punk Rock Bowling continues to be one of the best punk rock festivals, continually putting out the most fun and diverse lineups, and constantly outdoing themselves. There is no reason why 2026 shouldn’t be the same.
See photos from the 2025 edition of Punk Rock Bowling by Raymond Ahner (live shots) and Ben Trivett (portraits) in the gallery below.
Content shared from consequence.net.