This weekend, Louisville, Kentucky plays host to the 8th Annual Lebowski Fest. What is Lebowski Fest? Only the a phenomenal festival dedicated to one of the greatest movies ever created by The Coen Brothers, The Big Lebowski. Though the Coens themselves have failed to associate themselves with the fest that launched in 2002 thanks to two fellas by the names of Scott and Will, The Dude himself, Jeff Bridges, along with many other cast members, have made appearances at the various Lebowski Fests worldwide.
After having started in Louisville, Kentucky, Lebowski Fest expanded to major cities worldwide including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Austin, Seattle, London and Edinburgh. Fans of the film, known as “Achievers”, head to the fest, often in costume, to drink white Russians, throw a briefcase full of dirty undies, and party with like-minded moviegoers. It’s a two-day party that typically opens with live performances and screening of the film the first night and concludes with a raucous bowling party the following night.
The 8th Annual Lebowski Fest will be hosted by Rob Riggle of “The Daily Show”, who will also perform stand-up, and feature music sets by the Black Diamond Heavies and Louisville’s own Whistle Peak, all followed by a massive outdoor screening of the film.
The Lebowski Fest Louisville Garden Party has also incorporated various reenactments of scenes from the film, art exhibits, and carnival-style games like the Ringer Toss, whereby contestants toss a bag of white undies out the window of a ‘72 Plymouth Fury III (dubbed the Lebowski-mobile, naturally), toward a Nihilist dummy target, for prizes. The Marmot Fling (catapulting a stuffed ferret into a small bath tub) and The Sheriff of Malibu Coffee Mug Toss are also ‘Achiever’ favorites.
Also making an appearance will be Phillip Moon, whom Achievers will know as Woo the Carpet Pisser from The Big Lebowski. And I’ll be there, too! Anyone else headed to Lebowski Fest in Louisville? If any of you dear readers are going, leave a comment and I’ll bring some Popwreckoning stickers to give out!
There’s still time to buy tickets, so get yours now!
Don’t miss these other great Lebowski Fests coming to a major city near you!
Seattle – July 20th & 21st
Portland, Or. – July 22nd & 23rd
San Francisco/Oakland – July 24th & 25th
San Diego – July 26th & 27th
Denver - Sept. 8th & 9th
Minneapolis - Sept. 11th & 12th
Chicago - Sept. 13th – 15th
Toronto - Sept. 17th & 18th
Boston - Sept. 19th & 20th
New York City – Sept. 22nd – 24th
Philadelphia - Sept. 25th & 26th
Washington DC – Sept. 28th & 29th
Austin – Oct. 9th & 10th
Lebowski Fest: website | mailing list | tickets
