What Main Event Is and What You'll Find There
Main Event is a family entertainment center where you bowl, play arcade games, eat food, and sometimes play laser tag or other games — all in one building. You pay per activity: you rent a bowling lane by the hour, buy arcade credits separately, and order food from a menu. There is no single admission price that covers everything. Most locations are open seven days a week, though hours vary by location.
The chain operates hundreds of locations across the United States. Each location has a bowling alley with lanes you can reserve, an arcade with video games and ticket-redemption machines, a restaurant or snack bar, and sometimes additional attractions like laser tag or billiards. You do not need to be a member to visit — you walk in and pay for what you use.
Key Takeaways
- Bowling lanes are rented by the hour, and the cost per lane varies by location and time of day — weekends and evenings typically cost more than weekday afternoons.
- Arcade games use a card system where you load money onto a card and swipe it at each machine; ticket-redemption games let you trade earned tickets for prizes at the counter.
- Food is ordered at a counter or restaurant area and prices are similar to casual dining chains — expect to pay more than fast food but less than sit-down restaurants.
- Group packages and birthday party reservations are available and usually offer discounts on lanes and arcade credits bundled together.
- You can check a specific location's hours, pricing, and available games on the Main Event website or by calling the location directly.
How Bowling Lane Rental Works
When you arrive, you go to the bowling desk and tell them how many lanes you want and for how long. Lanes are rented by the hour. The desk will ask how many people will be bowling and may ask for a credit card to hold the reservation. You then move to your assigned lane, where you pick your own bowling ball and shoes from the racks provided.
Pricing per lane per hour varies by location and by time of day. Weekend evenings are the most expensive; weekday afternoons are the cheapest. Some locations charge one price for the first hour and a lower price for each additional hour. You pay when you finish bowling, not when you reserve. If you bowl longer than you planned, you pay the additional hourly rate at the desk before you leave.
Shoes are included in the lane rental — you do not pay extra for them. The bowling balls on the racks are free to use. If you have your own ball, you can bring it, but most people use the house balls. The lane includes automatic scoring on a screen above the pins, so you do not need to keep score by hand.
Using the Arcade and Earning Tickets
The arcade has two types of games: regular video games and ticket-redemption games. For video games, you load money onto a card at a kiosk or the front desk — you can load $10, $20, $50, or other amounts depending on the location. You then swipe that card at each machine to play. The card tracks your balance, and you can reload it if you run out of credits.
Ticket-redemption games are machines where you play and win physical tickets that print out. You collect your tickets and take them to the prize counter, where you trade them for small toys, candy, or other prizes. The more tickets you earn, the better the prize you can choose. Some machines are easier to win on than others, so if you want to maximize tickets, ask staff which games have the best odds.
Arcade cards do not expire, so if you do not use all your credits in one visit, you can come back and use the remaining balance another time. If you lose your card, the location may be able to look up your balance if you provide the phone number or email you used when you loaded the money, but policies vary — ask the desk when you load your card.
Food and Drink Options
Main Event has a restaurant or snack bar where you order food and drinks. The menu typically includes pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, and salads. Prices are similar to casual dining chains like Applebee's or Chili's — a burger or pizza slice costs between $8 and $15, and a full pizza costs $15 to $25 depending on size and toppings. Drinks and snacks are also available.
You can order food before you bowl, during your lane time, or after. If you order while you are bowling, the staff will bring it to your lane. You can also order at the counter and take it with you. Alcoholic drinks are available at most locations for adults, though some locations in certain states may have restrictions.
If you have a large group or are planning a birthday party, you can ask about food packages that bundle a certain number of pizzas or meals with your lane rental and arcade credits. These packages usually cost less than ordering everything separately.
Birthday Parties and Group Packages
Main Event offers birthday party packages that include a reserved lane or lanes, arcade credits for the group, food (usually pizza and drinks), and sometimes a dedicated party host. Packages vary by location, but a typical party package for 10 to 15 people might include two lanes for two hours, $50 to $100 in arcade credits per person, and two or three pizzas with drinks.
To book a party, call the location directly or visit the Main Event website and look for the birthday party or group events section. You will need to choose a date and time, the number of people, and which package level you want. A deposit is usually required to hold the date. The location will confirm details with you a few days before the party.
Group packages for non-birthday events (like corporate outings or team building) are also available. These work similarly to birthday packages but may have different pricing and options. Ask the location what they offer for groups of your size.
What to Bring and What to Know Before You Go
Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to order alcohol. Bring a credit card or cash to pay for lanes, arcade credits, and food. Most locations accept both, but it is worth checking the website or calling ahead if you prefer one method. If you have young children, bring socks — you will need to wear socks under the bowling shoes, and many people forget.
Main Event locations can get crowded on weekend evenings and during school holidays. If you want a may provide lane at a specific time, call ahead or use the website to check availability and reserve in advance. Weekday afternoons are usually quieter. Some locations have a dress code (no tank tops or very short shorts), so check the location's rules if you are unsure.
If you have questions about a specific location's hours, pricing, games, or policies, the easiest way to get accurate information is to call that location directly or visit the Main Event website and search for your nearest center. Pricing and available games vary by location, so what is true at one Main Event may not be true at another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation to bowl?
You do not need a reservation for walk-in bowling, but lanes can fill up during busy times, especially on weekends and evenings. If you want to may provide a lane at a specific time, call ahead or reserve online through the Main Event website. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I bring my own food?
Most Main Event locations do not allow outside food, though policies can vary. Some locations may allow you to bring a birthday cake even if you cannot bring other food. Call your local Main Event to ask about their specific outside food policy before you visit.
What if I want to just play arcade games without bowling?
Yes, you can visit Main Event and play only arcade games without renting a lane. Load money onto an arcade card at the kiosk and play as long as you want. There is no minimum purchase or time requirement — you pay only for the games you play.
Are there age restrictions for laser tag or other games?
Age and height restrictions vary by location and by game type. Some laser tag areas have minimum age or height requirements for safety reasons. Check the Main Event website for your location or call ahead to ask about restrictions for the specific games your group wants to play.
What happens if I bowl longer than I planned?
You pay the additional hourly rate at the desk when you finish. The rate for extra hours is usually the same as the initial hourly rate, though some locations offer a discount for hours beyond the first. Ask the desk about their pricing structure when you reserve your lane.