The Byrd Theatre Foundation has announced the Big LeBYRDski Festival, in honor of the 20th anniversary of that most miraculously goofy film by the Coen brothers, “The Big Lebowski,” to be held Nov. 2–3.

The event, a major fundraiser for the Byrd Theatre Foundation, will include bowling events at River City Roll, a bathrobe bar crawl, a screening of the film and a live performance by the Lebowski cover band, the Royal We, at Citizen Burger Bar.

Presenting sponsor Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland, which makes the white stout, El Duderino, will host the event.

Here’s a few hastily edited excerpts from when I spoke with Jeff Bridges a few years ago, partly about his famous role as the Dude — and also let him know about COTU’s Lebowski-inspired beer.

Here’s more about the upcoming Byrd fest from a press release:

“Our Big LeBYRDski planning committee has put in many hours of incredibly creative work to make this the most exciting event in the theater’s recent history. This comprehensive Dude-themed weekend will benefit every member of the theater’s growing audience for the best of current and classic films like The Big Lebowski.” says Foundation board’s immediate-past president Gibson Worsham.

This year’s elevated Big LeBYRDski Festival features two days of activities celebrating all things “Dude,” the character Jeff Bridges plays in the movie. Festivities start on Friday, November 2, 7-9 p.m., with a Bowling Party at River City Roll, the new boutique bowling alley off the Boulevard adjacent to Scott’s Addition – a significant addition in keeping with one of the movie’s major themes. The Festival continues on Saturday, November 3 with a Bathrobe Bar Crawl (bathrobes are another movie reference) through Carytown starting at 5 p.m. at Burger Bach, 3426 W. Cary Street. Next, the 20th Anniversary screening of The Big Lebowski at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street, at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. The evening wraps up with an After Party at Citizen Burger Bar, across from the theater, starting at 10 p.m. and featuring The Big Lebowski cover band The Royal We. Festivalgoers can enjoy COTU’s specially crafted brews El Duderino and Donnie, created in honor of the film.

Teams of six can compete for fun and prizes at the Bowling Party and will receive free tickets to the movie, the Bathrobe Bar Crawl and After Party and will receive free t-shirts and other swag. A Film Festival package includes spectator tickets to the Bowling Party and the other benefits above. Movie-themed costumes are encouraged at all festival events. Prizes will be awarded.

All proceeds support the mission of the Byrd Theatre Foundation: to expand the big screen experience, celebrate the art of cinema, and preserve Virginia’s grand motion picture palace.

A full schedule, festival packages and tickets are available at www.byrdtheatre.org.