Ogden’s 9th Annual Big Lebowski Fest takes over Peery’s Egyptian Theater on Saturday, November 11, for its biggest celebration yet with the addition of art vendors and a big after party at Lighthouse Lounge.

So uhh, dudes it’s time to grab your sweaters, your bowling ball, and a White Russian. That’s right, on Saturday November 11 at 7 p.m. it’s the 9th Annual Ogden’s Big Lebowski Fest! And while it may just be my opinion, man, I think this year is going to be something special. I had the privilege of sitting down with Ryan McDonald again this year to catch up on all the ins and outs and what have you’s of this shindig.

Ogden’s Big Lebowski Festival 2022 costume contest. Images courtesy of Egyptian Theatre Foundation

 Ryan McDonald is the man behind the festival, a local indie filmmaker, a board member for Egyptian Theatre Foundation, and a Lebowski aficionado. He just finished up a project, “Frankencock,” to submit to a local film festival in Salt Lake City. His short film “Ancient Evil: Moon’s Blood,” has won awards for special effects created by fellow dude and judge of the costume contest, Shawn Gordon.

To start, what's coming back? I know. What am I blathering about? Well, dude we just might know. My personal favorite, the costume contest is coming back of course. So throw on your sweaters, your fishing vest, and your cowboy hats and show up ready to show off your favorite Lebowski character! Win a bowling ball so you can get ready for the semis, a rug to “really tie your room together,” or some other prizes donated by the community. All characters are welcome—though top prizes are for El Duderino.

Of course, if dressing up isn’t your thing that's alright too man. Come in and do some trivia with us. All kinds of questions about our favorite slacker and his buddies. All kinds of cool prizes and a great way to show off your knowledge! Of course no Lebowski Fest will be complete without a White Russian or oat soda! The cash bar will be back, and is the place to get all your cocktails. However, McDonald suggests that if you just want a beer the snack bar is the place to go. Not only can you get beer, but also soda, candy and popcorn—just none of that good sarsaparilla (though the root beer is not bad.)

However, this particular event isn’t just going to be the same old thing. There will be new ways to celebrate our favorite film. For one, art vendors! Local artists with their own work and some Lebowski merch. But it’s not just Lebowski merch, but Ogden Lebowski Fest merch! Now I know that this sounds like too much fun. But don’t worry, the folks who planned this event are good men, and thorough.

After the film if you’re still looking for some fun there is an after party hosted by the Lighthouse Lounge! The cover charge is waived if you got your Lebowski Fest ticket. So come on down and keep the party going and don’t worry, it's a Creedence Clearwater tribute band. No Eagles. So dudes, pick up your tickets for the event now! Details about the festival are on the Peery's Egyptian Theater Facebook page event and are cheaper with preorder.

If you’re still debating on whether this event is something you want to attend, it is one of the many fundraisers done to support our wonderful theater. Right now they are working on getting new skirting for the stage, and windows, as well as restoring the ballet room. Our theater is one of the last historical Egyptian Theaters in the western United States.

Buying tickets isn’t the only way to support. McDonald explained why he is on the board of the theater: When I was growing up in this area the theater was closed and it was just an abandoned building. My dad would take me to go to another theater called [...] it had sparkles on the ceiling. My dad would tell me about how ‘there’s this theater when I was growing up it had sparkles on the ceiling that was like the stars and the night because it's Egyptian.’ So I’d heard the stories of the Egyptian but never got to go as a child. Now as a board member I’m trying to bring in the new generation. [...] so that there's a new generation of people going to the theater and having that love. And it seems to be working. We had folks from Idaho last year come down to Lebowski Fest. Not only funding but loving and continuing on the tradition that is why the Egyptian Theatre Foundation is a big part of these events. 

Now some of you might notice this isn’t a great event for kids and you still want to support it! Don’t worry, Little Larry can stay home working on his homework while you go to Lebowski Fest, and then on Saturday Nov 25 our favorite little achievers can go catch The Polar Express! There will be a bike giveaway, first gift of Christmas, cocoa and Santa Clause. Get your tickets early as they sell out fast. 

November 11, at 7p.m. (doors at 6) lace up your bowling shoes, remember there’s a beverage there, and come on down to Lebowski Fest to check on what condition your condition is in! Support Ogden’s 9th Annual Lebowski Fest and the Peery’s Egyptian Theater while having a good time with your friends, whether they are out of their element, or sooner or later need to realize they are a moron.

Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. Visit Ogden’s Big Lebowski Festival for information and to purchase tickets.