ENOUGH, DUDES!: DJ Quick Kay’s “Less-Bro, More-Whoa” guide to Punk Rock Bowling 2025
- Kathryn Meyers
- May 19
- 3 min read
TWENTY FIVE YEARS into Punk Rock Bowling, and we’re finally seeing more women, nonbinary, and queer folks on the lineup. Representation is growing—and that’s worth celebrating–but TWENTY FIVE YEARS IN and the mainstage closing headliners are still all men.
Understandably, the most popular names are rewarded with best slots—but those names are usually all dudes. If you’ve been around punk shows, you definitely know they still skew male-heavy. I’ve been touring and deejaying for over a decade, and I’m often still the only not-dude on the bill. What gives?
Women, nonbinary, and queer folks have always been part of this scene—but we haven’t always been given the same privileges or spaces as our male counterparts. That’s changing and we’re catching up, little by little. Credit it to those who laid the groundwork–to chronologically name a popular few of the 20th century; SISTER ROSETTA THARPE, BIG MAMA THORTON, THE SHANGRI-LAS, THE PLEASURE SEEKERS, DEBBIE HARRY, JOAN JETT, THE GO-GOS, KATHLEEN HANNA, KIM GORDON….and as time goes on, I hope the list of names continues to multiply like feral rats.
Brief punk history lesson aside…this year’s Punk Rock Bowling lineup is made up of about 62% all male bands. But 38% aren’t. That’s where this guide comes in: to help you find and support the bands with women and nonbinary folks at PRB 2025. They’re raw, unapologetic, and more fiery than the Las Vegas heat. Support these rockers today…and maybe someday soon, a band that ISN’T entirely men will finally get to close out a night at Punk Rock Bowling.
Hit the links below—or scroll to the bottom for a playlist of my top picks from every mentioned act.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
Main Stage *
Street Party Stage +
+1:30pm: Revolt Chix (San Diego, CA)
Kay’s Pick: “Stand up Fight Back”
+2:20pm: Shitfire (Louisville, KY)
Kay’s Pick: “In Yr Head”
+3:00pm: Maid of Ace (Hastings, UK)
Kay’s Pick: “Hit ‘em Harder”
+4:10pm: Lambrini Girls (Brighton / Hove, UK)
Kay’s Pick: “Big Dick Energy”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: Filthy queer feminism that just wants to dance. Growls all around. But, can I find my party hat? *4:45pm: Upchuck (Atlanta, GA)
Kay’s Pick: “Boss Up”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: Searing, cranky vocals paired with melodic, slightly whiny riffs—nostalgic in all the right ways. KT shreds.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Main Stage *
Street Party Stage +
+2:10pm: Head Cut (Ventura, CA)
Kay’s Pick: “Red Cloud”
*2:35pm: Gen & The Degenerates (Liverpool, UK)
Kay’s Pick: “Anti-Fun Propaganda”
+3:00pm: NoBro (Montreal, CA)
Kay’s Pick: “LALA”
*4:45pm: Laura Jane Grace & the Mississippi Medicals (Chicago, IL)
Kay’s Pick: “Reality Bites”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: Ah…Laura Jane Grace...her sharp guitar tone, angsty lyrics, and tear jerking banter…I am probably due for a good cry.
+6:50pm: Gang of Four (Leeds, UK) – Gail Greenwood on Bass
Kay’s Pick: “Shitlist”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: If the funk punk rhythmic classics of “Entertainment!” (1979) aren't enough, the feature of Gail (L7 & Belly) on bass would pretty much get me anywhere.
*7:35pm: The Interrupters (Los Angeles, CA)
Kay’s Pick: “Gave You Everything”
MONDAY, MAY 26
Main Stage *
Street Party Stage +
*1:50pm: The RifleMan (Las Vegas, NV)
Kay’s Pick: “Bumblebee Jamboree”
+2:10pm: Babe Haven (Durham, NC)
Kay’s Pick: “Final Girl”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: Holy dyke thrash. Well…I’m not 100% sure if they all are but, wishful thinking.
*2:35pm: Bad Waitress (Toronto, CA)
Kay’s Pick: “Spit It Out”
+4:10pm: Leftover Crack (Manhattan, NY) – Tibbie Skye on Vox
Kay’s Pick: “Mr. Know-It-All”
*4:45pm: Bridge City Sinners (Portland, OR)
Kay’s Pick: “Song of the Siren”
Why I’m DEFINITELY not missing this set: Libby’s cute banjolele and RIPPING vocals (that of a literal siren) tend to tear me up and piece me back together again all in 45 minutes…and the rest of the band absolutely shreds their otherwise inherently bluegrass instruments.
Check out this playlist to listen to a compilation of all the featured bands & musicians!
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