It began in 2002, as a screening, coupled with a night of bowling at a tiny, rundown bowling alley in a shady part of town in Louisville, Kentucky. By 2004, Lebowski Fest was in full swing, with two nights of music, movies and bowling, traveling the country in a way The Dude would appreciate.
This year the fest, no doubt reeking of White Russians, will come stumbling into Chicago again, demanding to know who pissed on the rug.
“Chicago seems to be a great town for Lebowski Fest. It loves bowling, loves drinking, there’s a big Polish population—lots of Lebowskis in the area,” Will Russell, co-creator says. “If Lebowski Fest had a second home, it would be Chicago.”
The two-night party, September 17-18, perfect for the bathrobe-clad, includes Chicago-based Creedence tribute band, Blue Moon Swamp, a Lebowski burlesque perfomance by Vaudezilla and First Jason, and a screening of the 35mm print of the film itself at the Portage Theater. The second night is one for the more sporty type, complete with bowling, costumes, trivia and other contests at the Diversey Rock and Bowl.
Russell says that whether in Chicago or Louisville, the fans are pretty similarly nice and creative across the board, so there’s no fear of being out of your element. But what really brings excitement is the appearances made by the original cast members.
“The most special thing that ever happened was when Jeff Bridges showed up in LA in 2005. He brought his band and wore his jellies from the movie,” Russell says. “Backstage, he let me try one of them on. I tried to put my foot in, but he stopped me and told me to ‘take off the sock to get the full experience.'” (Lindsey Kratochwill)
September 17 : Movie Party, Creedence Tribute Blue Moon Swamp with Lebowski Burlesque performance by Vaudezilla and First Jason followed by a screening of “The Big Lebowski” (35mm film print). Portage Theater, 4050 North Milwaukee, (773-736-4050). 8pm. $18-$22. All ages.
September 18: Bowling Party, Diversey Rock and Bowl, 2211 West Diversey, (773)227-5800. 8pm-midnight. $25- $30. 21+
Talking Screens, October 15-21, 2021: The Best of the Chicago International Film Fest The fifty-seventh Chicago International Film Festival runs through Sunday, October 24. And, Michael Caplan's "Algren" has its Chicago theatrical run beginning this week via Music Box virtual cinema. Several movies open Friday, including David Gordon Green's "Halloween Kills," Ridley Scott's "The Last Duel," Mia Hansen-Løve's "Bergman Island" and Todd Haynes' "Velvet Underground."
It began in 2002, as a screening, coupled with a night of bowling at a tiny, rundown bowling alley in a shady part of town in Louisville, Kentucky. By 2004, Lebowski Fest was in full swing, with two nights of music, movies and bowling, traveling the country in a way The Dude would appreciate.
