“Winter Thunderland” returns in December to transform Westside Bowl into “a holiday-meets-heavy-metal wonderland.”
The fifth-annual event occurs from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Rusty Waters Apparel and Westside Bowl are co-sponsoring the event, which blends the spirit of the season with the energy of live music, comedy and art.
But the heart of the holiday gathering is its fundraiser.
Proceeds from a special charity raffle will benefit Devin, an 8-year-old Youngstown boy who survived a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Devin continues to face serious mobility challenges and his family is in urgent need of a wheelchair-accessible van for doctors’ visits and therapy.
Burkland Monuments donated this year’s charity raffle door prize – a 40-inch smart TV. Attendees purchasing a $10 admission ticket will be automatically entered into the door-prize raffle.
Other giveaways are scheduled. Winners need not be present, but tickets should include a name and contact information. Tickets will be drawn at 7:30 p.m.
Event sponsors are currently accepting monetary donations and raffle prizes for the fundraiser. Email Ru****************@***il.com or contact Kate Butler of Rusty Waters Apparel at 330-501-5502.
Activities
- Artist Market. The market features local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, woodworking, fine art, candles, lotions and other hand-crafted items. 3 p.m. Free.
- Evening events. Music, comedy and karaoke occurs on two stages. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Evening events begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.
- Music. Local and regional bands will perform on the main stage. Bands include Tommy Magik and the Wonderfulls from Pittsburgh (high-energy rock); Interior Stations from Youngstown (garage/psychegaze); Brave Arrows from Akron (electronic rock) and Ironflame from Pittsburgh (modern heavy metal). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m. $10.
- Comedy and karaoke. Youngstown and Pittsburgh comedians perform on the downstairs stage. The second stage also includes karaoke. 8 p.m.
- Heavy Metal Santa. Includes meet-and-greets and $5 photo-ops – with the proceeds going to Devin and his family.
“Whether you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts, craving live music and good vibes, or just looking for a place to grab a drink, a slice, and maybe bowl a few frames—this all-ages event has got something for everyone! This year we are raising money for Devin,” said “Winter Thunderland” organizers.
About the sponsors
Rusty Waters Apparel has created T-shirts promoting pride in the Rust Belt since 2005. T-shirt designs celebrate the history, celebrities and quirks of Youngstown, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Their work has been featured in The New York Times, Pittsburgh City Paper and the Business Journal.
Since 2018, Westside Bowl has been committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for the creative economy to flourish in Youngstown. Westside Bowl seeks to bolster the arts and entertainment infrastructure locally and across the country. For more information, visit Westside Bowl.
“Winter Thunderland 2025.” Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. For more information, see the event’s Facebook page or call 330-792-7675.
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