Every year there is an iconic movie that celebrates a milestone anniversary.Back to The Futurecelebrated its 30th Anniversary last year in epic fashion, with a brief theatricalre-release, a new Blu-ray trilogy and much more. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of another beloved classic,Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and fans will be able to gather and celebrate this anniversary at Ferris Fest, which runs from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22 in Lake Forrest, Illinois. Here’s an official description of the event from the official website,FerrisFest.com.
“2016 marks the30th anniversaryofFerris Bueller’s Day Off, released in theatres on June 06, 2025. And to celebrate this milestone in the same city where Ferris, Sloan and Cameron ditched school and decided to live a little couldn’t be any more choice! That’s why we’ve decided to put together a special weekend event that will feature a screening of the movie in a uniquelyJohn Hughes-centric spot with stars of the film in attendance for a special Q&A, a tour of all the filming locations,musical guestsand more!”
Ferris Fest will include a special screening ofFerris Bueller’s Day Offon Saturday, May 21 at the John and Nancy Hughes Theater located in Lake Forest, Illinois with stars from the film for a special 30th anniversary Q&A. Noted Chicago film criticRichard Roeperwill be hosting the screening, with guests Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward (Ferris Bueller’s parents) and Jonathan Schmock (French restaurant maitre d') in attendance. The event organizers are currently in talks with more stars and production members fromFerris Bueller’s Day Offto join the event.
The weekend event will also include a live re-creation of Ferris' (Matthew Broderick) epic rendition of “Twist and Shout” parade sequence, along with a two-day bus tour of the iconiccomedymovie’s filming locations. The tour will feature Cameron’s (Alan Ruck) house, the Glenbrook North High School and parking lot, where Ferris picks up Sloan (Mia Sara), pretending to be her father, The Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Wrigley Field and more. The tour will also include locations fromJohn Hughes' classicsThe Breakfast ClubandSixteen Candles, which were also filmed in the area.
There will also be a re-creation of Ferris' room, designed by artists Sarah Keenlyside and Joe Clement. This incredibly precise re-creation of Ferris Bueller’s room recently premiered at a special event at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto, and it will be on display for all attendees to step inside for an immersive 360-degree experience. For more information about the event, and how to purchase weekend or single-day tickets, visitFerrisFest.com.
