Leafing Through The Pages: Ogden’s First Reading Festival is a Bookworm’s Dream

The debut outdoor reading festival ‘Under The Covers’ invites book and nature lovers to unite and make new friends under the falling leaves.

NEWS

Digital artwork by local artist Allie Armes-Hecker.

If you love to read outside, this festival was made for you. Book enthusiasts of all ages can get cozy under the autumn trees with their favorite reads at “Under The Covers: A Fall Reading Festival” on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fort Buenaventura. 

The debut community gathering will feature a group reading, breathwork and meditation, warm drinks, food, and an open mic. 

It’s an invitation to take a break and fall back into what’s real: falling leaves, the smell of the pages of your favorite book, and the taste of pumpkin spice while making new friends.

“People just need more connection these days,” said event co-organizer Jenny Woudenberg. 

The idea was sparked over skateboarding in a parking lot when Woudenberg and co-organizer Kassie Harbath talked about their mutual love of reading. 

“We want to build a community of people who love to read and be outside,” Woudenberg said. “Ideally, our goal would be to have hundreds of people reading together somewhere beautiful.” 

They hope to do two to three festivals a year with different themes and added features. 

“Under The Covers” was created and organized by Woudenberg, Harbath, and Patrick Ramsay, a poet, community-reading advocate, and founder of Happy Magpie Book & Quil. Harbath is “a lover of books, community, disability rights, and all things pumpkin spice” and Woudenberg describes herself as a mom, nature lover, book enthusiast, and “fall fanatic.”

The evening will kick off with a group reading with your favorite book under the colorful autumn leaves, followed by a breathwork and meditation session led by Fitness by Ariel (Instagram @fitness_by_ariel). Then, attendees may share poetry, short stories, or book excerpts at the open mic.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite books, blankets, and chairs. Warm drinks, pumpkin treats, and food by Lucky Slice Pizza will be provided.

“Under The Covers: A Fall Reading Fest” is at Fort Buenvantura, 2450 A Avenue, Ogden, Utah, Sunday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. 

Follow @OgdenReadingFest on Instagram for additional details and updates.