Event of the week:’

The Lebowski Fest Movie Party is in Boston this weekend as part of its country-wide tour
celebrating the Coen Brothers’ 1998 cult classic. Fans of ‘The Big Lebowski’ can party Dude-style Saturday at the House of Blues at 36 Lansdowne St. for the first of two nights of Lebowski-mania. This party features two live bands followed by a screening of the movie itself; $20 advance, $23 door; 8 p.m.; 888-693-2583. Sunday, throw on your bathrobe and head to a costume party and bowling extravaganza at King’s at 50 Dalton St. $25 advance, $30 door; 6 p.m.; 21+; 617-266-2695.

‘

Thursday, Sept. 17

Mayoral elections are this year, which determines who the mayor of Boston will be for the next four years. College students living in the city during that time are impacted by a lot of the mayor’s decisions over that period of time. Get educated on the issues and candidates at the MassVOTE Mayoral Forum tonight at English High School in Jamaica Plain, 144 McBride St.; 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; www.massvote.org.

Friday, Sept. 18

Looking for something to celebrate this weekend? Well, geniuses at the Harp have invented a reason:’ St. Patrick’s Day is only six months away. Therefore, behold the Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day Party. There will be free appetizers until 9:30 p.m., free beads and hats, traditional Irish music, and a live performance by The Joshua Tree, a U2 cover band. There’s also a chance to win a free flight to Ireland. So head over to what The Harp deems the ‘second biggest party of the year.’ 85 Causeway St.; 21+; 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; 617-742-1010.

Saturday, Sept. 19

One of the great things about living in the city is the abundance of unique shopping opportunities. So if H&M and Urban Outfitters are getting a bit dull, head to the SoWa Open Market this weekend. There are over 120 unique artisan vendors selling everything from indie designer clothing to fresh homemade loaves of bread. There will also be sculptors, painters, jewelers, florists, and farmers selling their creations. 540 Harrison Ave; Free; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 617-481-2257.

Sunday, Sept. 20

A little bit of Southern comfort is coming to the city this weekend in the form of the Allston Village Street Fair also known as the Mardi Gras of Boston. The fair follows the Allston-Brighton Parade down Harvard Avenue and features three stages of live entertainment with over 30 bands as well as vendors, giveaways and other activities. ‘American Idol’ star Ayla Brown will be in attendance. Harvard Avenue in Brighton to Cambridge Street in Allston; Free; Noon-6 p.m.; 617-254-0632.

Monday, Sept. 21

Head writers from online news spoof site The Onion (known as ‘America’s Finest News Source’) come to Northeastern on Monday to discuss their unique view of current events. Get a fresh view on writing, satire and the news and hear from some of the funniest writers in the country. There will also be a meet and greet after the talk. Blackman Auditorium; Free with NUID +1; 8 p.m.-9 p.m.; [email protected].

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Eclectic Russian ‘anti-folk’ Goddess Regina Spektor is ending a two-night Boston stint at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday after a show at the House of Blues on Monday. Hear her sing tracks off her new, quirky album Far and jam out on piano like nobody’s business. The Orpheum show still has tickets available, but her show at the House of Blues is sold out. 1 Hamilton Place; $30; 8 p.m.; 617-679-0810.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Culture yourself big time next week at a French Film Festival hosted by Boston University. Right around the corner, you can take in a series of French films that you might not have a chance to see again. Yeah, not even at Blockbuster. The fest kicks off on Wednesday with the 2007 film ‘Les T’eacute;moins’ which takes place in 1984 Paris. And you know it’s authentic because it’s sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Culture. At BU’s Photonics Center, 8 St. Mary’s St., 9th Floor; Free; all films begin at 7 p.m.; 617-353-8899.