Blood, sweat and Pabst: Field report from inside the underbelly of the Punk Rock Bowling beast

In today’s political climate, there’s no better way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than with sweaty cans of blue ribbon, subversive debauchery and archaic punk rockers in the middle of the Mojave desert. It’s both the antithesis of this country's current administration and the kind of party Uncle Sam killed for – in the name of democracy, of course.

By Alan Smithee

LAS VEGAS – Punk Rock Bowling, now roaring in its 25th year, is a three-day convergence in paradise for punks, by punks. Defenders of the DIY ethic make the annual pilgrimage from near and far to the desert paradise in the spirit of rebellion and insurgency-themed song. 

For the virgins, it's an initiation ritual. The rite of passage is earned by survival — or by evading the @passedoutpunx Instagram page. For the oldheads, it’s an ephemeral meeting of the minds with a nostalgic soundtrack. For everyone in between, it’s a damn good time. 

The beers are flowing, the hugs are handed out by the dozen and the music is louder than what’s considered safe for the aging ear. In this Disneyland for misfits – it's almost impossible to remember the reason for rebellion in the first place. 

Youth Brigade on Saturday May 24, 2025. All photos taken at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada by Ava Rosate.

But, behind the beer sweat and pit dust, punk still beats like a war drum – Shawn Stern, co-creator of PRB and Youth Brigade’s frontman made that clear during YB’s Saturday set.

“This one goes out to the Christian white nationalist pieces of shit who think they can take over this country,” said Stern, reminding the crowd of America’s current political spiral and punk's unshakeable stance in the fight.

They ended the set with a battle cry, Stern snarling out the lyrics to What Are You Fighting for like a manifesto. 

“Fight for life, fight for your rights, be an individual, never lose sight, knowledge is the way to see – ignorance is your enemy.”

No shoes - no problem.

The main show is the heartbeat of the gathering – a celebration of community. Families with strollers mingle with punks running harm reduction tents, while club managers steer the ship, sound techs keep the chaos loud, and runners hustle behind the scenes to make sure everything stays on track – all forming the spinal cord that keeps the Punk Rock Bowling body upright.

“This is our first year — it’s amazing. We need to keep punk rock alive for future generations. The camaraderie here is incredible," said Nicole who traveled with her family from Oregon for their first Punk Rock Bowling.

Then comes the second shift.

When the gates to the grounds close – the doors to the clubs swing open. 

The club shows are the reward for those tough enough to outlast the day. No Tylenol, no toddlers — just noise, neon, and the faithful.

Pure and disordered chaos flood the streets of Downtown Vegas as the mohawk militia hunt in search of the next gig to stake their claim. Any trace of innocence from the main event is gone. No nice tents stocked with naloxone and tylenol. No parents with small children talking about the importance of “startin’ em young.” Just sweat-soaked venues and the promise of something raw – the club shows are the reward for those tough enough to outlast the day.