Glow & Black Light Events

Cosmic
Bowling

When the lights go down and the music cranks up, The Riv transforms into something completely different. Glow balls, neon lanes, black lights, and a soundtrack that keeps you moving.

🎱

Glow-in-the-Dark Lanes

Black lights illuminate the lanes and pins for a surreal, cinematic bowling experience unlike anything in the area.

🎵

Music & Atmosphere

High-energy playlist sets the tone. It's more than bowling — it's a full night out without driving to Madison.

🎉

Perfect for Parties

Add Cosmic Bowling to any private event or party package. Teens, adults, and even the brave parents love it.

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All Ages Welcome

Family-friendly from the start. Cosmic nights are a hit for every age group — and the kids will beg to come back.

Reserve Cosmic Bowling Lanes

Upcoming Cosmic Nights

  • Friday Nights After 9 PM
  • Saturday Nights After 9 PM
  • Private Events By Reservation

Call to confirm current schedule or book a private Cosmic event.

Walk-In & Family Fun

Open
Bowling.

No league? No problem. Grab your crew, lace up the rental shoes, and hit the lanes anytime during open bowling hours. No reservation needed for most visits — just show up and bowl. The closest open bowling to Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac, and Merrimac.

🎳

Open Bowling Schedule

Monday
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Subject to lane availability
Tuesday
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Subject to lane availability
Wednesday
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Subject to lane availability
Thursday
11:00 AM – Close Subject to lane availability
Friday
11:00 AM – Close Fish Fry + Open Bowling · Cosmic Bowling 9pm – Close
Saturday
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Cosmic Bowling 9pm – Close
Sunday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Great for families
☀️ Summer Hours Expand — Open bowling availability increases during the summer months when leagues are on break. More lanes, more times. Call ahead or check our Facebook for current hours.
👟

Shoe Rental

Bowling shoes are available for all sizes — kids through adults. No need to bring your own.

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Perfect for Families

Bring the whole family — bumpers available for little ones. Sundays and Fridays are especially popular family days.

🍕

Food & Drinks at the Lanes

Order from our full menu while you bowl. Pizza, burgers, apps, and a full bar — all available during open bowling.

📞

Call Ahead for Large Groups

Walk-ins are welcome from Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac, Merrimac and beyond — but if you're bringing 6 or more we recommend calling ahead to reserve lanes, especially on weekends.

🌌

Cosmic Bowling on Weekends

Open bowling transitions to Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights @ 9PM. Black lights, glow balls, and music — a totally different experience.

Questions? Just Call Us.

We'll confirm lane availability and current hours in seconds.

📞 608.643.4071
Bowling Programs

Join a League.
Bowl Better.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or picking up a ball for the first time, there's a league for you at The Riv. Come as a team or come solo — we'll find you a spot.

🏆

Competitive Leagues

For serious bowlers who want to sharpen their game and compete weekly against skilled opponents.

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Family & Social Leagues

Great for families and friends. Low-pressure fun with the bonus of getting a little better every week.

🧒

Youth Bowling

Beginner-friendly programs that build confidence and skill for kids and teens of all levels.

🎯

Tournaments

Periodic tournaments open to all skill levels. Check our schedule or call for current listings.

Sign-Ups Open
🍺

Beer League

NEW! A short 6-week season on Thursday nights where the focus is fun, not your average. Grab your crew, pick a ridiculous team name, and roll — starts this November.

Weekly Schedule

Monday
Mixed League @ 6:30 PM
Tuesday
Ladies League @ 6:45 PM
Wednesday
Mixed League @ 6:30 PM
Thursday · New
Beer League @ 7:00 PM
6 Weeks · Starts November
Saturday
Youth League @ 9:00 AM
Couples League @ 6:30 PM
Everything You Wanted to Know

League
FAQ.

Never bowled in a league before? You're not alone — and you're in the right place. Here are the questions we hear most often from new bowlers.

Ready to join or have a question we didn't answer?

📞 Call Us to Sign Up
A bowling league is an organized group of teams that compete against each other on a set schedule — typically once a week over a season that runs anywhere from 12 to 36 weeks. Think of it like a recreational sports league, but with better snacks and no running. Teams bowl a set number of games each session, scores are recorded, standings are tracked, and at the end of the season there's usually a prize fund payout. It's part competition, part social event, and a whole lot of fun.
Yes — that's our Beer League. It runs Thursday nights for a short 6-week season, and it's built around fun rather than your average. Grab a few friends, pick a ridiculous team name, and enjoy casual, handicapped play with weekly pitcher specials. No experience necessary, and solo bowlers are welcome — we'll help you find a team. Sign-ups are open now for the November season.
Great news — bowling leagues use a handicap system that levels the playing field between bowlers of different skill levels. Your handicap is calculated based on your average score, and it's added to your actual score each week. That means a beginner with a 120 average can genuinely compete against someone averaging 200. You won't be annihilated — you'll actually have a real shot. The semi-pro bowler in lane 3 doesn't stand as tall as you might think once handicap kicks in.
Most leagues at The Riv bowl once per week on a designated night. You'll know your night and time slot at the start of the season. Life happens — most leagues allow a limited number of absences, and you can often arrange a substitute bowler if you can't make it. If you miss a session, your average score is typically used in your place so your team isn't penalized too harshly. It's organized, but it's not the military.
Each week your team is matched up against another team in the league. You'll bowl on adjacent lanes, alternating frames. The other team is usually made up of people just like you — neighbors, coworkers, regulars who've been doing this for years. Most league bowlers are friendly and genuinely welcoming to new faces. Don't be surprised if your "opponent" ends up being the person you grab a beer with after the session.
Don't worry — this is one of the most common situations. Just give us a call. We keep a list of solo bowlers looking to be placed on a team, and we do our best to match people up. You can also join as a solo and be placed on an existing team that needs a member. Many of our most dedicated league bowlers started exactly this way — walked in alone and found a crew. The Riv is a friendly place. You'll have friends by week two.
Each bowler on your team bowls three games per session. Individual scores (plus handicap) are tallied, and the team with the higher total pins for each game wins that game's point. There are typically 3 game points plus a total pins point up for grabs each night — meaning your team can win up to 4 points per session. Win more points over the season, climb the standings. It's simple once you've been through a night or two.
Honestly? Not much. A few bucks in weekly fees, one evening a week, and maybe a little pride when the handicap math doesn't go your way. What you stand to gain is a weekly routine you'll actually look forward to, a built-in social circle, bragging rights over your coworkers, and a legitimate reason to eat pizza on a weeknight. Give it one season. We think you'll be back for another.
Common Questions

Bowling FAQs.

Have a question not listed here? Give us a call at (608) 643-4071.

Open bowling at Riviera Bowl & Pizzeria in Sauk City, WI is available Monday–Wednesday 3–6pm, Thursday 11am to close, all day Friday, Saturdays 11am–6pm, and Sunday 11am–9pm. Hours expand during summer months. Serving Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac, and Merrimac. Call (608) 643-4071 to confirm.
Yes! Cosmic Bowling with black lights, glow balls, and music is available Friday and Saturday nights after 9pm, and can be reserved for private events. Located in Sauk City, WI.