I never thought I'd see the day when Shrek became a cultural icon, but here we are.

Shrek, the Weirdly Green Cultural Icon

Shrek first came out in 2001 and has since become a weirdly green cultural phenomenon.  The animated movie stars Mike Myers as the voice of Shrek and Eddie Murphy as the voice behind Shrek's donkey companion.  The movie is basically an anti-fairy tale.  It's a humorous take on the fairytale story tropes, and to be honest, the movie still holds up more than 20 years later.

I was 11 when the movie came out and I remember finding the crude burping and farting ogre hilarious.  Now that I'm an adult, I still find the crude burping and farting ogre hilarious  (but now I get some of the more "adult" jokes that went over my head as a kid).  It's a very well-done and funny movie that has since sparked a whole Shrek franchise. They're currently on Shrek 5, which will be out in 2026.

Pop-Up Bars

If you've never been to a pop-up bar, I highly recommend checking one out sometime.  A pop-up bar is basically an event where a bar will be transformed into a theme for a certain amount of time.  Around Halloween and Christmas, a lot of bars will go all out with decorations and host special pop-up themes.  However, one bar in Illinois has gone full-blown swamp mode with their latest pop-up event.

Shrek is Love Pop-Up Bar

Going on until May 31st is the Shrek is Love pop-up at Replay Lincoln Park in Chicago.  The popular vintage arcade and pinball bar hosts a different pop-up theme each month, and now through May, they've brought Shrek's swamp to the bar.

They even went all out with a full-sized Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots. Of course, to celebrate, there will be themed drinks as well as fun events all month to celebrate everyone's favorite ogre.

Get our free mobile app

ONIONS HAVE LAYERS, AND SO DOES THIS POP-UP!

Chicago, it’s time to GET SHREKED—because Shrek is Love is taking over Replay Lincoln Park

We’ve stormed the castle, slayed the dragon (metaphorically), and turned our bar into the ultimate Shrek-tacular experience! We’re talking meme-worthy photo ops, a swampy good drink menu, and exciting new events. You might even spot Donkey—just don’t ask him to make waffles (seriously, he won’t stop talking about it).

What’s inside the swamp?

Shrek-inspired cocktails that even the Fairy Godmother would approve of
Epic photo ops straight outta Duloc (it’s a perfect place)
Free-play arcade games—because even ogres need a break
Shrek-themed events (costume contests, trivia, and more—don’t be a Farquaad, stay tuned for details)

If you want to make a trip to enjoy Shrek is Love, you can find more information through Replay's website here.