The Dude Abides

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 7, 2008 5:01PM

Ah, the Coen Brothers. They've given us many memorable tales of kidnapping, murder, and betrayal. But none has grown in cult status quite like The Big Lebowski. Since it's theatrical release (10 years ago yesterday!), and despite its subsequently tepid box office gross, the film has become a huge hit on DVD and has even inspired it's own yearly get-together, known as Lebowski Fest. The Fest gives all the Dude enthusiasts a chance to come together for a screening of the movie, costume contests, White Russians, and, yes, lots and lots of bowling, giving everyone a chance to scream "OVER THE LINE!"

This year's 7th annual edition of Lewboski Fest doesn't happen until July in Lousiville, but a special edition commemorating the aforementioned release anniversary is happening this weekend right here in Chicago. The event features a concert by Blue Moon Swamp, a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band, and a screening of the movie tonight at The Portage Theater. Then, the party commences the next two nights at Waveland Bowl for back-to-back nights of bowling parties, complete with costume and trivia contests and ritual swearing of the Eagles.

All events require tickets and have all long since been sold out, but there are tickets to be bought (not that we condone such a thing).

Lebowski Fest poster by Bill Green from the Official Lebowski Fest webpage.