THE DUDE ABIDES: Ogden’s Big Lebowski Fest Rolls Into Year 10
The only Big Lebowski Fest in the Mountain West returns to Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah on Saturday, Nov. 9 with white Russian cocktails, prizes, a film screening, after party and more.
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Costume contest at Ogden’s Big Lebowski Festival in a previous year. Images provided
Dudes, it’s time to grab your sweaters, oat sodas, and maybe even remember we’re out of our element. The 10th annual Big Lebowski Festival returns to Peery’s Egyptian Theater this Saturday, Nov. 9. The event is hosted by local filmmakers Ryan and Brandie McDonald of New Ogden Cinema.
The festival has grown in popularity over the years, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Coen Brothers’ 1998 cult classic. “The first few years, I would do interviews for the local paper and there would be questions about whether a rated R film with as much foul language that it has could play in Ogden, or find its audiences in Ogden, Ryan McDonald said. “I always believed that it could find its people and that if we built it they would come. Ten years later, we still have people downtown thanking us all year long for putting on the event and that it’s their favorite event of the year.”
I for one am glad they did. A Lebowski festival was always on my bucket list and now I have one every November, and it seems to get better every year. But that’s just like my opinion, man.
McDonald offered his analysis of the film’s cult status: “There are detective noir films and there are quirky comedy films, but no film captures detective noir quirky dry humor comedy like the Coen’s did with The Big Lebowski. You have unique characters that are rich with their own personalities and each has a specific style of dress and demeanor. It certainly wasn’t intentional that we would later dress in costume as them, but because of the unique flavor of style and comedy, I guess we just couldn’t help ourselves.
Now let’s talk about the metaphorical rug that ties this whole thing together. This year’s festival features White Russians, a costume contest with prizes, an after party, and screening of the film. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the pre-party and gives you time to get snacks, play some trivia, and check out the art vendors. Hey man, we’ve even got beverages here.
All film lovers in Northern Utah and beyond are invited to experience the Ogden Big Lebowski Festival on Saturday, Nov. 9, 5 p.m., at Peery’s Egyptian Theater located at 2415 Washington Blvd. in Ogden, Utah.
Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. The after-party is hosted by Brewskis sports bar at 244 25th Street with CCR tribute band Tombstone Shadow. There is no cover charge for festival ticket holders. So come on down, dress up as your favorite character, and check in to see what condition your condition is in!
For tickets and information visit ogdenpet.com/events.
Editor’s Note: In the spirit of transparency we disclose that Deann Armes, chief editor at The Ogdenite, provides marketing for New Ogden Cinema. This article, however, was not paid or part of any trade agreement. It was pitched independently by Ogdenite writer Austin Buckius. The Ogdenite does not sell paid articles. Any paid advertising is indicated as such.
