An entire festival dedicated to a movie I absolutely adore?
"That's interesting man... that's interesting."
... and awesome, that's what it is. 1998 cult favorite "The Big Lebowski" also happens to be one of my personal favorites, and thus(ly) this festival totally owns in my opinion. This is how those Rocky Horror people must feel. It's solidarity. I too, "hate the fu%king Eagles, man... "
The sheer delight of seeing an obscure character from the film brought to life by a fellow Lebowski-loving Milwaukeean is worth it alone; the collection of those characters together, however? It's "I was hoping you could come and give me notes," or, "It's a league game, Smokey," or "Who the fu%k are the Knutsens?" and all that, and it's glorious. So glorious. Costumes everywhere.
Night #1 is all I can speak to, but night #2 seems amazing. So... night numero uno: Great local music, and "careful man... there's a beverage here!" in the form of a few craft brews, bud light (meh), and white russians, of course.
Then, they show the film (outside) and there's nothing quite like sitting with 500 or so of your closest new friends + neighbors who can also quote every. single. line.
Lebowski Fest has a kiosk that boasts kick-ass merch for sale... L bought a really, really great koozie, and I'm kicking myself for not snagging a couple of those super clever, quote-tastic bumper stickers. Food vendors are around pedaling their grilled cheese/burger wares, etc. It's all so summer-time ridiculous it hurts.
I love this fest and hope the organizers bring it back to MKE every year! I've got a great costume for next year lined up already. read more