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SatAug 9

National Bowling Day – August 9, 2025

Let’s roll! The second Saturday in August means it’s National Bowling Day.

Question — do you know how to score a bowling game? Yes, you can only knock down 10 pins per frame. And there are only 10 frames per game. So how does a perfect score add up to 300? Answer: It’s more complicated than that. Strikes and spares have their own special (bonus) scoring system. And the 10th frame allows for one or two extra balls if you knock all the pins down.

Got that?

While it’s possible that bowling style games originated in ancient civilizations around the world, we likely can give credit to modern game of bowling to Germany. Kegels were placed at the end of an alley and Germans would roll a stone, attempting to knock them down (seriously, we looked this up). The motivation was that by knocking down the kegel, a person’s sins would be reconciled.

 

National Bowling Day Activities

  1. Go out and bowl

    You'll need a ball and shoes — but you can always rent them from the bowling alley if you don't have your own.

  2. Throw a bowling party

    It's so 1970s! Organize a bowling party for one of your good friends or family members. Make sure to include refreshments for the whole team. Pretty soon you’ll be the go-to for bowling night.

  3. Watch "The Big Lebowski"

    While "Kingpin's" definitely a classic (and arguably the more bowling-centric comedy), one can never go wrong when sitting down for a White Russian with The Dude! Fun fact: The Coen brothers shot those scenes inside the old Hollywood Star Lanes in Los Angeles. The alley closed in 2002. Bummer, dude.

Why We Love National Bowling Day

  1. Bowling equals bonding

    It's is a fun way to inspire friendly competition between friends, and you can get as serious (or not) about it as much as you want.

  2. Bowling + food = good times

    Speaking of food, there’s plenty to choose from at a bowling alley. If you get that food craving in between games, there’s no need to leave.

  3. You define your own style

    You can throw straight or develop your own signature curve. Hint: A consistent curve is the key.

National Bowling Day dates

Year Date Day
2021 August 14 Saturday
2022 August 13 Saturday
2023 August 12 Saturday
2024 August 10 Saturday
2025 August 9 Saturday