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HARVARD LANES

Harvard Lanes is a classic 14 lane candlepin bowling alley in Harvard, Massachussetts that has been in operation since 1950.

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ABOUT HARVARD LANES

Harvard Lanes has been recently renovated with new lanes, new pins, new balls, and many new fresh coats of paint. We have a new cafe seating area where you can enjoy a cold drink and some food as well! Come by and see us at 204 Ayer Road in Harvard, MA for a classic candlepin experience. We hope to see you soon!

OPEN HOURS

10am – 9pm Tuesday
10am – 9pm Wednesday
2pm – 10pm Thursday
2pm – 10pm Friday
10am – 10pm Saturday
10am – 8pm Sunday

CURRENT PROMOTIONS!

Free Pizza Tuesday nights!
1/2 Off Chicken Fingers Wednesday nights!
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EVENTS AT HARVARD LANES

  • Company gatherings
  • Birthday parties
  • Wedding parties
  • Fundraisers

From the food to the fun, we’ve got you covered. Reserve as many lanes as you need, enjoy our new cafe area, and come celebrate with friends, family and coworkers. Email us for more information and to schedule your special event!

EMAIL US TO BOOK

LEAGUES AT HARVARD LANES

  • We have leagues for all skill levels!
  • Bring and friend or family member
  • Weeknights and weekday mornings
  • Discounts on walk-in bowling!
Just like the old days! Join one of our leagues or start your own! Currently offering a Wednesday morning senior league and Thursday night mixed doubles league.
EMAIL US TO JOIN

FOOD & DRINK!

  • Cold beer, cider and seltzer
  • Pizza, chicken fingers, and more
  • Cafe & high top seating
  • Many kid friendly options

All that bowling is going to make you hungry (and thirsty)! Check out our cafe menu and drink list.

EMAIL US FOR MORE INFO

FAQ'S

Got questions? We get it. Take a look at a few commonly asked questions and if you need more help, call at 978-456-0777 or email us here.

Tuesday
10am - 9pm
Wednesday
10am - 9pm
Thursday
2pm - 10pm
Friday
2pm - 10pm
Saturday
10am - 10pm
Sunday
10am - 8pm

After 5pm and on weekends, the cost is $35 per lane per hour. Before 5pm on weekdays the cost is $25 per lane per hour. Rental shoes cost $3 per pair.

We often have discounts and promotions, so leave your email at the bottom of the page and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

You do not need to bring anything to come play. We have shoes and balls ready for you to pick up and get started!
One of the best parts of candlepin bowling is that it is very easy to play. The balls are smaller than 10-pin bowling, making for a much easier game to pick up. That being said, scoring well can be difficult! Smaller pins and smaller balls makes the game a bit more challenging. But you do get 3 rolls per frame! And you can use the downed pins ("deadwood" as it is called) to take out more pins on each roll.
We do! Come by for some pizza, chicken fingers, and a whole lot more. We also carry beer, ciders, seltzers as well!

A HOMETOWN HANGOUT

1950

A HOMETOWN

HANGOUT

1950

HARVARD LANES HISTORY

Originally opened in 1950, Harvard Lanes has been a neighborhood staple for over 70 years. Attracting both candlepin regulars and beginners, Harvard Lanes has been a place for all people, of all ages, to enjoy the game of candlepin bowling with friends and family.

After many years and many strings, Harvard Lanes became 204 Lanes in 2022. Currently under new ownership, the bowling alley is being reopened as Harvard Lanes, with newly refinished lanes, new pins, new balls, and (many) coats of new paint. 

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THE RICH HISTORY OF CANDLEPIN

Courtesy of Susan Bregman

1880

Justin “Pop” White (left) invented the game of candlepin bowling in Worcester, MA.

1893
Together with Justin White, John J. Monsey, known as Jack, helped popularize and expand the game as it is known today.
1906
Convening in 1906, the National Duckpin and Candlepin Congress codified all aspects of candlepin bowling.
1910
Before automation, bowling alleys hired “pin boys” or “pinsetters” to return the balls and reset the pins between frames.

1949

Four prototype Bowl-Mor pinsetters were installed at Whalom Park in Lunenburg, MA in 1949. 

1950s

Factories, white-collar businesses, religious institutions and more sponsored bowling leagues throughout the 20th century.

1952

American Machine and Foundry, formed in 1900 began selling pinsetters based on Fred Schmidt’s invention in 1952.

1970s

Rubber balls, like the Brunswick Mineralite model here, dominated the game into the 1970s, when manufacturers began using synthetic materials.

1986

The International Candlepin Association (ICBA) was formed in 1986 to promote the sport, ensure consistent rules and manage the Hall of Fame.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CANDLEPIN!

A Harvard Lanes gift card is the perfect gift for your candlepin loving birthday boy (or girl)!

BUY GIFT CARD

FOLLOW US @HARVARDLANESCANDLEPIN

FINAL THOUGHTS

We would love to have you for some classic candlepin bowling at Harvard Lanes. Whether you just walk in to play or you’re looking to have a party with us, feel free to reach out at [email protected] for more information. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the lanes!

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