A ‘Rooftop with a View’: New Ogden cinema overlooking the Wasatch opens Saturday

Local DJ and creative entrepreneur brings next-level movie experience to Ogden.

By Stephen St. Peter

News

A 360 degree mountain and city skyline view at Ogden Rooftop Cinema.
Photograph courtesy of Goyk Samuth

On August 27, Ogden is taking the movie going experience “…to another level,” explains Goyk Samuth as he describes his latest event which is a free viewing of a local favorite film — “The Sandlot.”

Goyk is partnering with Ogden Downtown Alliance to present an evening of fun, food, and films all while nestled between a cotton candied sunset and majestic mountain range which can be viewed from the top of Ogden’s newest pop-up venue, the Ogden Rooftop Cinema, located on the upper level of the 23rd and Grant parking garage.  

This event is the first in a series of three that will feature music, food, games, a beer garden, and a film — the first film being, of course, “The Sandlot,” followed by “Big Trouble in Little China” coming September 24, and finishing off the season with “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” on October 15.   

Creator and organizer Goyk Samuth stands at the event location with the flyer he designed for the first Ogden Rooftop Cinema.
Photograph courtesy of Goyk Samuth

The first rooftop cinema, in addition to the film, will have local vendors, and a professional DJ. Music and games are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by the feature presentation at 9 p.m. 

Local vendors and businesses making an appearance include Ruby Relics, Rooster’s Brewing, Picked Rare, R.A.M.P., Wimpy and Fritz, La Palma, Higher Elevation Events, and more.

The brainchild of this event is Goyk, a 20 year Ogdenite and life-long Utahn who has long embraced the local pioneer spirit and found ways to blaze his own trail. He has created his own clothing line, is a self-taught videographer who produces marketing content for local businesses such as Wimpy and Fritz and The Yes Hell, and also moonlights as a DJ — the latter of which he’ll be doing next Saturday evening when he hosts Ogden’s first rooftop cinema event.  

Goyk’s inspiration comes from his travels.
Photograph courtesy of Goyk Samuth

Goyk said his inspiration came while traveling over the last few years. Experiencing various forms of rooftop entertainment found in many metropolitan cities like the Rooftop Cinema Club in Chicago, he thought Ogden, with its unrivaled backdrops in either direction, was a perfect spot for such entertainment. Goyk said, try to think of anyone who lives in the area and hasn’t, at some point, captured a shot of the mountain range and sunset with their cell phone: “Can you?” I couldn’t either.

A longtime Ogdenite and life-long creative, Goyk always felt strong connections to the arts and his community and has searched for ways to promote local business and artists, from providing live entertainment to marketing and promotions. Now his latest venture is repurposing a seemingly underutilized space and opening it up to artists and the community in a unique and entertaining fashion.     

View from the location of Ogden Rooftop Cinema at 23rd Street and Grant Avenue.
Photograph provided by Goyk Samuth

Games, food, and entertainment will make this a fun rooftop party for all ages on Saturday, August 27. Bring your own chair and make sure to dress appropriately as the Utah evenings cool down. Admission is free.

Read more at rooftopcinemaclub.com and the Facebook event page.

Event map of Ogden Rooftop Cinema.
Image provided by Goyk Samuth

Night view on the rooftop that inspired Goyk to create a new cinema experience for Ogden.
Photograph by Goyk Samuth