When I moved to Ogden, it was with the confident assumption that I’d be moving back to San Francisco within the next year or so. When I moved to Ogden, I was almost afraid to talk about my plans, because everyone I told said, “Utah? Why?” or “Utah? MORMONS!” And I would look sheepish and shrug, or swear it wouldn’t be forever, or blame it on my boyfriend, who grew up in Ogden. When I moved to Ogden, I blamed it on my boyfriend. It was all his idea, me moving to the middle of nowhere. It was only temporary! I was way, way too cool for Utah. I was SO MUCH PRETTIER than Ogden.

Almost five years later, I’m still here, and I like it. I would even venture to say I love it. I love this town, and I love the people. That same boyfriend and I, we own a house and a couple of dogs. Every once in awhile, when the news is really bad, we talk about heading north to Canada, or when it’s really bad or we’ve had a crappy day, south to Mexico. Beachcombers never have to watch CNN or worry about the economy, right?

But they also don’t get to go to karaoke night or watch art films or hit the gallery or buy art to support a worthy cause or rock out to independent artists or eat a lot of hot dogs and watch baseball while the mountains that fill up the horizon all around you turn sunset colors. The way you can tonight! Ogdenites, give thanks you live in Ogden, and check out all the excellent stuff going on tonight in the O.G. Den. We we we we we so excited!

Art House Cinema, 158 Historic 25th Street

Join us for candy, popcorn, and a cold Coke in our small intimate theatre with limited seating with a personal touch on historic 25th Street in Ogden.

Now showing:

4:55 Putty Hill

7:00 Caterpillar

9:00 Queen Of The Sun

11:05 Troll Hunter

8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Wildcat Block Party, Moench Mall, Stewart Bell Tower Plaza and Tracy Plaza, Weber State University

The theme of this year’s block party is “Blast Back to the ’60s,” in honor of the Shepherd Union Building’s 50th anniversary. The event will feature entertainment, music, food and contests for audiences of all ages.

A pancake breakfast at 8:15 a.m. will kick off the day’s festivities, with campus and community booths opening at 9 a.m. Scheduled activities include live music by local performers, a ’60s fashion show, Jazzercise and comedy improv groups.

At 12:30 p.m. a pep rally will be held at Tracy Plaza, featuring the WSU band, coaches and student-athletes.

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Biggest Loser Justin Pope at the Wildcat Block Party, Weber State University

Join us at the Wildcat Block Party this Friday to get an autograph and picture with last season's Biggest Loser contestant Justin Pope! Justin is from Logan, Utah and was teammates with Rulon Gardner on the show.

He will be at the Employee Wellness booth under the big white registration tent from 9:30 - 12:30 signing autographs, taking pictures, and sharing his story. Please stop by to say hello!

4 p.m. -8 p.m.

Fall Bridal Gathering at The Ogden Union Station

Attention all Northern Utah brides! If you’re searching for local wedding vendors and wedding inspiration, clear your weekend schedule and head to the Fall Bridal Gathering at Ogden’s historic Union Station.

The O-Town bridal show takes place Friday, August 26 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the bridal show, check out BridalGathering.com.

5 p.m.

Redemption Art Show, private residence, 2724 Pierce Ave.

About 250 pieces of art will be on display. Sales of the art are used to buy more art supplies, or are donated to charities helping at-risk children and victims of crimes.

For more information, call 801-686-8026.

5:30 p.m.

All-ages Argentine Tango at the Golden Hours Center, 650 25th Street

801-510-4601, www.wasatchtango.org

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Family Pool Party at the Swenson Gym Pool, Weber State University

The Nontraditional Student Center is sponsoring a free "Family Pool Party" in conjunction with WSU's Blast Back to the 60's Block Party. Parents must accompany children. Bring your own flotation device, fins, snorkels, and food. "Purple Pals" Club members receive a free beach ball! Call Nontrad at 801-626-7794 for more information if needed.

7 p.m.

Open Mic Night at Borrowed Earth Emporium, 2242 Washington Boulevard

Ogden Raptors vs. Missoula Osprey at Lindquist Field

7:30

Spencer King from the Carolina Comedy Festival & Kevin Nealon Show, Wiseguys Comedy Club, 269 25th St

Spencer King is an up and coming comedy superstar. He's just making his way across the country convincing everyone else. Spencer is incredibly honest and isn't afraid to talk about his own issues and demons. His approach to taking on his own struggles with mental illness and his unapologetic approach to discussing things like attempted suicide and his love/hate relationship with his cat make him one of the most interesting performers you will ever see. Come and experience the journey through the mind of a manic depressive, but good hearted funny man.

8:00pm - 1:00am

WSU's Foam Party, Bell Tower Plaza, Weber State University

Come get your groove on and start the school year out right! Join us at this upcoming Friday, August 26th, at the Bell Tower Plaza! There will be food, a photo Booth, airbrush tattoos, and inflatables! With special guests: DJ Marcus Wing & Balloon Artist John Cassidy.

9 p.m.

Karaoke at Lighthouse Sports Bar, 130 25th Street

Spell Talk at Brewskis, 244 25th Street

Fabulous Fridays at Teazers, 366 36th Street

Utah's premier nightclub night every Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m., $5 cover. DJ Licious plus karaoke in the front room. Take the free shuttle to and from |Teazers: call 801-698-6730.

Labels: family fun ogden, jackson the karaoke dude, lighthouse bar, teazers, weber state university