Why I Created The Festival Abides
“Strong men also cry”
The Festival Abides was born from a love for a film and my dad He passed his love of The Big Lebowski on to me, and after losing him, I wanted to create something that honored his memory in a way that felt true to who we both were: a little offbeat, a little heartfelt, and always abiding. This isn’t just a fan gathering. It’s a living tribute.
Most Lebowski festivals stick to costumes and bowling, but this one goes further. It’s a full two-day experience with a dog show, art stations, family-friendly fun, and meaningful moments woven in.
This isn’t just about dressing up or quoting lines; it’s a living tribute. The Festival Abides was built from the ground up with authenticity, humor, and heart. No sellouts, no corporate takeover, just real people celebrating something they love.
This is for fans of the movie, but also for anyone who’s ever wanted to laugh, grieve, and celebrate in good company. It’s for my dad, and for those who abide.
Who’s Behind the Curtain?
“I like your style, dude.”
It’s still me — Alicia. I’m a script supervisor. Producer. Devoted fan of abiding and cinema.
I hold a Bachelor’s in Film and a Master’s in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, and I work professionally in the Los Angeles film industry as a Script Supervisor. I’ve built my career around storytelling, production, and attention to detail, and now I’m channeling all of that into building this festival.
This project is personal. The Big Lebowski was one of my dad’s favorite films, and after losing him, I wanted to honor his memory in a way that brought people together. The festival is designed not just for fans of the movie, but for families, dog lovers, and community members who want a space to laugh, celebrate, and share an experience.
I’ve poured myself into every detail — from concept development to artwork, from building the sponsor packages to designing the merch, from lining up the venues to shaping the identity of the festival. The Festival Abides started as a one-woman project, built from scratch with a clear vision and determination.
And now, I’m not doing it alone.
I’m joined by a small but mighty team who are helping bring this festival to life:
• Gabriel Wolfe — Community Partnerships & Outreach
Gabriel helps connect the festival with local businesses, fandom groups, and the LA community, spreading the word and building relationships that actually feel authentic.
• Kevin Hoskins — Sponsorship Strategy & Development
Kevin focuses on sponsorship outreach, pitch development, and helping secure the partners who believe in what we’re building.
Together, we’re building something independent, heartfelt, slightly offbeat, and totally community-driven.
I enjoy creating things with personality — things that have heart, humor, and a little edge. This festival is my way of turning those instincts into a real event: a tribute, a celebration, and a whole lotta rug to tie it all together.
That’s what’s behind the curtain.
Abide With Us
Whether you’re a vendor, sponsor, volunteer, or fellow
fan, welcome. This two-day festival is here to stay, and
there’s always room on the rug for more.