The Big Lebowski

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Thursday, July 31, the 212th day of 2025. There are 153 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

The Jane Pickens Theater will transform into The Dude’s favorite bowling alley tonight as Newport’s beloved summer tradition returns for another year. The annual Big Lebowski Party kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with live music from Los Duderinos, followed by a 15-minute intermission before the 1998 Coen Brothers masterpiece screens at 7:30 PM in stunning 4K DCP.

This year’s event comes with sponsorship from Rhode Island’s Hangar 420 cannabis cultivator and Narragansett Beer, creating an authentic atmosphere that honors the film’s counter-culture roots. Attendees can expect pre-film beer tastings by Narragansett Beer, while white Russians—The Dude’s signature cocktail—will be flowing throughout the evening. Hangar 420 will set up in the lobby with what organizers promise will be “righteous swag” and Dude-inspired raffles and giveaways.

The evening celebrates the cult status that The Big Lebowski has achieved since its modest 1998 box office debut. The film has evolved from a box office underperformer to a genuine cultural phenomenon, and the annual JPT screening has become a staple for Rhode Island fans. Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski—a laid-back bowler whose stolen rug sets off a chain of increasingly bizarre events—has resonated with audiences for over two decades, inspiring festivals and fan gatherings worldwide.

Attendees are encouraged to dress the part in comfortable cardigans and bowling shoes for another memorable night celebrating one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics. The event represents the kind of community gathering that has made The JPT a cornerstone of Newport’s cultural scene, housed in an 1834 building that has been showing films since the 1920s. As The Dude himself might say about tonight’s festivities, “That’s just like, your opinion, man”—but in this case, it’s an opinion the whole community seems to share.

The Big Lebowski Party is presented in partnership with What’s Up Newp. Tickets are available at janepickens.com.

Here’s what else you should know

🍷 Chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline the 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for Sept. 18-21 at Rosecliff and Marble House. Tickets for the festival go on sale today.

🏡 A historic residence in one of Newport’s most coveted neighborhoods has sold for $4,795,000.

💰 newportFILM raised more than $375,000 at its 15th Anniversary Summer Benefit on July 19, supporting the organization’s year-round documentary film programming and educational initiatives.

🎞️ The JPT will once again transform into the Dude’s favorite bowling alley this evening for their annual Big Lebowski Party, a beloved summer tradition that brings together film buffs, Lebowski devotees, and anyone who appreciates a good White Russian on a hot July evening. The event is presented in partnership with What’sUpNewp, I hope to see you there!

🗓️ On tap this weekend and weekend: Newport Jazz Festival, The Big Lebowski Party, Made in Newport Film Series, and more. Get the full rundown here.

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Obituary: Frank Savage
  2. Obituary: Shirley H. Laske
  3. What’sUpNewp Interview: Grammy winner Maren Morris, whose Dreamsicle tour begins today, talks about her Newport experience
  4. Tony and Emmy winner Christine Baranski to discuss ‘The Gilded Age’ at The Elms
  5. Things to do in Newport County this week and weekend: July 28 – Aug. 3
  6. Made in Newport: The JPT celebrates films shot in city
  7. Newport’s Callahan dominates Long Beach regatta, eyes 2028 Olympics
  8. Obituary: Theresa Silvia
  9. How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
  10. What Sold: Newport County sees 17 homes trade hands last week as market activity remains consistent

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a chance of showers between noon and 3 pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 pm. Patchy fog before 7 am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 6 to 11 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%—new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
  • Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10 pm. Patchy fog after 10 pm. Low around 62. Northeast wind around 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and qa uarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
  • Tomorrow: Showers are likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 17 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%—new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:39 am. Sunset at 8:02 pm. 14 hours & 23 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 12:58 am & 1:30 pm. Low tide at 6:05 am & 6:59 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waxing Crescent.
  • The coastal water temperature is 68 degrees.

Things To Do

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...