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. WHAT IS B-FEST? Every January, Northwestern University hosts the 24-Hour Bad-Movie Marathon known as B-Fest. Held at at the McCormick Auditorium in the Norris Center (NU's Student Union,) the festival starts at 6 p.m. Friday, and runs through-- you guessed it-- 6 p.m. Saturday.  Admission is $15 in Advance and $20 at the door for the entire 24 hours.B-Fest offers many hilarious, ill-fated b-movies. Many are in the '50s sci-fi/horror schlock category but there are usually a few other genres including past favorites like '60s ("Beyond The Valley of the Dolls",) '70s (This Beast Must Die") and the '80s ("Gymkata".) Most have low budget not-too-special effects, hackneyed dialogue, plot holes, and low-grade acting by minor celebritys and even non-actors. In order to combat this assault of mediocrity, the audience yells comments at the movie, shines flashlights at the screen, acts out bits on stage, and commits other random acts of general tomfoolery. It's part MST3K (where some believe originated from B-Fest), part Rocky Horror Picture Show over 24 hours. It's quite a blast! Bring a sleeping bag, or blanket and pillow. A change of clothes, toothbrush, and flashlight are also useful. There are about 3 or 4 regular intermissions, including a longer breakfast break when the adjoining cafeteria reopens in the morning. Upon purchasing admission, You get your hand stamped so you can leave and come back. Since Evanston has wacky curfew laws, the building is locked down usually from 2-6 am.There are also some nice t-shirts available. You can bring your own food and drinks (non-alcoholic only) into the theatre. Since it is a student center, the Norris Center also has food, coffee, drinks, ATMs, bathrooms, and vending machines. It is also not to far from downtown Evanston where you can go to fine establishments like Whole Foods, Burger King, Buffalo Joes, etc... Questions? Email Me. -George Eckart back to top |
 B-Fest When: Usually the Last weekend of January Where: McCormick Auditorium Norris Student Center (1999 S. Campus Drive.) Northwestern University Tickets: $20 at the door What: 24 Hours of the worst movies ever made including Plan 9 From Outer Space, and The Wizard Of Speed And Time. Parking: Ample. There is free parking lot near the Sheridan Rd. entrance. How to Get There: From Chicago: Drive North on Lake Shore Drive until you get to Evanston. Turn left on Sheridan Road and drive North. After you pass Church street, turn right into the entrance to the NU campus. Park in the Parking Lot on the RIght and walk North until you get to the Norris Student Center. |
