National Bowling Day

National Bowling Day is celebrated each year on the second Saturday of August, a day to roll strikes, enjoy time with friends or family, and celebrate the sport of bowling as a timeless pastime in the United States and beyond.

History of National Bowling Day

The first National Bowling Day was organized in 1956 by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, in partnership with General Cigar Company and NBC-TV. That inaugural event featured tournaments across 48 states and served as a fundraiser for the American Red Cross, even including televised finals to engage millions nationwide.

Although the large‑scale event wasn’t repeated each year, the momentum from 1956 helped the day gain traction. In 2011, National Bowling Day was formally revived with the goal of promoting participation in bowling and raising awareness about its cultural value as a social, inclusive, and accessible sport.

Why is National Bowling Day important?

Bowling is a sport that offers joy and community in equal measure—from casual play to friendly rivalry, all ages and abilities can take part. Observing this day encourages people to step onto the lanes, try something fun, and bond with others through shared experience and lighthearted competition.

It also roots us in history. The game’s origins stretch back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Germany, where it was intertwined with community rituals and beliefs. Celebrating National Bowling Day reminds us of bowling’s deep heritage, its evolution over millennia, and how it continues to bring people together across generations.

Some reasons the day matters:

• bowling brings together friends and family in fun and connection
• it injects playful competition and social bonding into ordinary days
• it’s a low‑barrier sport accessible across all ages and abilities
• it honors a game with roots that span centuries and cultures
• it supports local bowling centers and community activity

How to Celebrate National Bowling Day

Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a complete beginner, the day invites you to hit the lanes. Look for bowling alleys offering free or discounted games — many centers host clinics or round robins especially for this occasion. Grab some rental shoes, pick a ball that fits, and enjoy even the simplest game with friends or family.

You can also celebrate at home by hosting a themed gathering—snacks, friendly competition, maybe even showing a bowling film like The Big Lebowski or Kingpin to add some laugh‑out‑loud fun. Share your strikes, spares (and the inevitable gutters) on social media using #NationalBowlingDay to connect with others celebrating around the world.

Ideas for the National Bowling Day:

• go bowling with friends or family at your local center
• learn a bowling trick or tip and practice it on the lanes
• join a community tournament or free beginner session
• host a bowling‑themed party with snacks and fun games
• share your bowling moments online with the hashtag

National Bowling Day Dates Table