Winter Thunderland
The fifth annual Winter Thunderland storms back to Westside Bowl, transforming the region’s most unique venue into a holiday-meets-heavy-metal wonderland. Presented by Rusty Waters Apparel and Westside Bowl, this all-day event blends the spirit of the season with the energy of live music, comedy, and art — all for a cause that hits close to home. The event is on Saturday, December 13, from 3:00pm until midnight at Westside Bowl.
Winter Thunderland delivers a full day of music, comedy, art, and holiday mayhem. The FREE Artist Market kicks off at 3:00pm, featuring an eclectic mix of jewelry, clothing, woodworking, fine art, candles, lotions, and more. Guests can grab a slice of Westside’s legendary pizza, sip a holiday drink, and even hit the bowling lanes between sets. At 8:00pm, the amps fire up and the night begins — a stacked lineup of heavy-hitting regional music acts and comedy hits the Westside Bowl’s stages. Admission for the show is $10.
This year, alongside the raffle and the return of the infamous “Heavy Metal Santa” photo op, Winter Thunderland will raise funds for Devin, a local 8-year-old who urgently needs a wheelchair-accessible van. Devin is a survivor of a rare and aggressive brain cancer but continues to face serious mobility challenges. With his wheelchair, 24/7 oxygen, and other medical equipment, safe transportation to therapy and doctor visits is critical. For Devin and his family, a van isn’t just a ride, it’s a lifeline. Over the years, Winter Thunderland has raised thousands for local charities. This year’s focus is personal, powerful, and rooted in the belief that community can move mountains.
Winter Thunderland is powered by Rusty Waters Apparel, the rust belt’s original underground t-shirt company, designing bold, locally-inspired gear since 2005. Their designs have been featured in the New York Times, Pittsburgh City Paper, and the Youngstown Business Journal. Explore more at RustyWatersApparel.com.
For more information, visit the Winter Thunderland website.