Attention, filth fanatics and cult movie enthusiasts! Get ready for a mind-blowing and gut-churning cinematic extravaganza like no other! The legendary John Waters, the Prince of Puke and the Duke of Dirt, is teaming up with Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In to bring you an unforgettable weekend of sleazy cinema!
On September 29, 30, and October 1, Exhumed and The Mahoning proudly present THE JOHN WATERS FILTHY FILM FESTIVAL! Join us as we celebrate the bizarre and subversive creations of John Waters, the mastermind behind cult classics such as "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," and "Hairspray." Brace yourself as we dive into John Waters’ diverse filmography, showcasing six of his most outrageous and influential works–as well as a secret bonus feature curated by John himself–all shown on 35mm. Witness the unforgettable characters, the jaw-dropping moments, and the taboo-shattering narratives that have solidified Waters' status as a countercultural icon.
John Waters will grace the drive-in lot with his irreverent presence, providing live, on-site commentary and engaging in a sure-to-shock Q&A session each night. Listen in as John reveals behind-the-scenes anecdotes, spills cinematic secrets, and shares his unique insights into the world of underground filmmaking. Fans lusting after the ultimate John Waters experience will even have the opportunity to purchase a VIP ticket package which will include a special photo op with John and rare signed memorabilia!
The Filthy Film Festival will also feature photo ops (by John Demmer), costume contests, games such as the Dirty Shame Bottle Race (Friday) & Pecker’s Pics Photo Contest (Saturday), prizes, and our extensive merch tables filled with t-shirts, Blu-Rays, and other assorted oddities. And like all Exhumed/Mahoning events, there will be classic 35mm trailers, huge raffles each night, live DJs and lots of other surprises.
So gather your friends, pack your barf bag, and get ready to embark on a wild journey into the twisted mind of John Waters. Experience the unhinged beauty of his films, soak in the infectious energy of his presence, and revel in the spirit of anarchy that oozes out of every frame! For fans of transgressive cinema, the "John Waters Filthy Film Festival" is not to be missed!
**PLEASE READ BELOW FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS -- BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL TERMS BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS!**
Tickets for this event will be available in three different tiers:
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $50 PER NIGHT
The General Admission ticket entitles you to entry to THE JOHN WATERS FILTHY FILM FESTIVAL, including three films each night, John Waters’ Q & A, and access to all merchandise tables & contests, etc.
VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $100 PER NIGHT
The VIP Ticket Package entitles you to everything in the General Admission ticket, plus an exclusive event poster that has been pre-signed by John Waters! We will have two different, complementary poster designs for Friday and Saturday night, so you need tickets for both nights to take home what will surely be a pair of coveted collectors items! These special edition posters have been designed for our event by Mitch O’Connell and will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
FILTHY VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $150 PER NIGHT
The FILTHY VIP Ticket Package entitles you to the ultimate event experience! You'll receive everything in the VIP Ticket Package, with a huge added bonus: a picture of you and John! Yes, in addition to receiving the exclusive signed poster and other perks of the event, FILTHY VIP audience members also get to participate in a safe, socially distanced, photo op experience where you can get a picture with
John Waters! Plus, FILTHY VIP ticket holders will be entered into a drawing to win a FILTHIEST PERSON ALIVE prize package! One winner will be selected randomly on Friday and Saturday night.
As an added bonus, both VIP & FILTHY VIP ticket holders will have the following perks:
ALL VIP ticket holders will get early admission to the event in order to secure the best spot on the lot and get first shot at the merchandise tables!
ALL VIP ticket holders will have an exclusive extended pass on the drive-In lot so you do not need to drive home late at night!
Both VIP tickets are VERY limited, so get yours before they sell out!
Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In Theater have teamed up on many massive events in the past, and this is one of the most incredible events we have ever put together! We truly hope you will join us for what is bound to be the greatest, filthiest time of the year!
*THIS IS AN ALL-WEATHER EVENT--NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES!
* * *
Due to very high demand for this event, we will be adding additional steps for the ticket checkout process:
**Names are required at checkout. This is to avoid any scammers or scalpers!
•Ticket holders must show ID at the gate in order to verify purchaser. You may purchase multiple tickets under one name, but must arrive in the same vehicle!
•There is a LIMIT OF 5 TICKETS per purchase--this is to avoid mass purchase. PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY ONLY PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR VEHICLE!
Ticket levels are as follows:
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $50
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A, movie introduction, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
General admission parking spot--one spot per vehicle
7:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for General Admission ticket holders. General Admission ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 6:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road.
VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $100
Your ticket includes:
One (1) ticket admission for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A, movie introduction, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
One (1) 11 x 17 commemorative poster pre-signed by John Waters! You will receive your poster from the box office at check-in. NOTE: there will be a different poster designed
by Mitch O’Connell for Friday and Saturday night! These posters will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
One (1) extended pass for the drive-in lot. VIP ticket holders may stay on the drive-in lot following the event, and must exit the property no later than 12:00 noon the next day. (Note: individuals with VIP tickets for both nights of the event can remain on the lot during the day on Saturday/Sunday) Only VIP ticket holders will be permitted to stay on the lot--the one exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may have up to two children (aged 16 or under) with them -- all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event. Extended passes are non-transferable.
General admission parking spot--one spot per vehicle
4:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for VIP ticket holders to allow for prime parking, and early access to merchandise tables. VIP ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 3:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP for the event.
FILTHY VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $150
Your ticket includes:
One (1) ticket admission for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A, movie introduction, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
One (1) 11 x 17 commemorative poster pre-signed by John Waters! You will receive your poster from the box office at check-in. NOTE: there will be a different poster designed
by Mitch O’Connell for Friday and Saturday night! These posters will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
One (1) photo op with John Waters. John will pose for outdoor photo ops with FILTHY VIP ticket holders ONLY in socially distanced photos six feet apart on a recreation of Babs Johnson’s trailer set!
All FILTHY VIP ticket holders will be entered into a drawing to win a FILTHIEST PERSON ALIVE prize package! One winner will be selected randomly on Friday and Saturday night.
One (1) extended pass for the drive-in lot. VIP ticket holders may stay on the drive-in lot following the event, and must exit the property no later than 12:00 noon the next day. (Note: individuals with VIP tickets for both nights of the event can remain on the lot during the day on Saturday/Sunday) Only VIP ticket holders will be permitted to stay on the lot--the one exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may have up to two children (aged 16 or under) with them -- all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event. Extended passes are non-transferable.
General admission parking spot--one spot per vehicle
4:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for VIP ticket holders to allow for photo op **FILTHY VIP ONLY** lineup, prime parking, and early access to merchandise tables. VIP ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 3:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP for the event.
*SUNDAY ONLY* GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $10
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Sundays activities, including dance contest, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and screening of HAIRSPRAY. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
*SUNDAY ONLY* GENERAL ADMISSION w/ EXTENDED PASS TICKET: $20
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Sundays activities, including dance contest, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and screening of HAIRSPRAY. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
One (1) extended pass for the drive-in lot. Ticket holders may stay on the drive-in lot following the event, and must exit the property no later than 12:00 noon the next day. (Note: extended pass tickets are not available for Friday/Saturday night general admission, only with VIP tickets.)
*REVISED* EVENT SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 and SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1:
Friday, September 29, 2023 w/ John Waters in person:
4:00PM VIP EARLY ACCESS – For VIP ticket holders only. Box office open for VIP check-ins. Signed poster distributed at box office. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
4:00PM - CLOSING – Merchandise tables open on drive-in lot.
4:00PM - CLOSING – Walk-up snack bar window open - serving a snack menu including burgers, hot dogs, fries, candy, popcorn, soda/water, & more!
5:30PM - Line-up begins for the John Waters photo op session *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*
6:00-7:00PM - John Waters Photo Ops *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*. Be on time for photo ops, as they cannot be rescheduled. Photos will be socially distanced (six feet apart) on a recreation of Babs Johnson’s trailer set!
7:00PM - Entry for General Admission - General Admission ticket holders may start to check in at box office.
7:15PM - 8:15PM - Karaoke hour
7:30PM - A Dirty Shame Bottle Race
8:15PM - Costume contest on stage
8:30PM John Waters intro and Q & A – set up your chairs on the lawn for a great view!
9:30PM - FEMALE TROUBLE (1974)
11:30PM - A DIRTY SHAME (2004)
1:30AM - Special Secret Third Feature curated by John Waters!
* movie starting times are approximate
Saturday September 30, 2023 w/ John Waters in person:
4:00PM VIP EARLY ACCESS - For VIP ticket holders only. Box office open for VIP check-ins. Signed poster distributed at box office. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
4:00PM - CLOSING - Merchandise tables open on drive-in lot.
4:00PM - CLOSING - Walk-up snack bar window open - serving a snack menu including burgers, hot dogs, fries, candy, popcorn, soda/water, & more!
5:30PM - Line-up begins for the John Waters photo op session *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*
6:00-7:00PM - John Waters Photo Ops *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*. Be on time for photo ops, as they cannot be rescheduled. Photos will be socially distanced (six feet apart) on a recreation of Babs Johnson’s trailer set!
7:00PM - Entry for General Admission - General Admission ticket holders may start to check in at box office.
7:15PM - 8:15PM - Karaoke hour
8:15PM - Costume contest on stage/winner of Pecker’s Pics Photo Contest announced
8:30PM John Waters intro and Q & A - set up your chairs on the lawn for a great view!
9:30PM - PECKER (1998)
11:30PM - PINK FLAMINGOS (1972)
1:30AM - DESPERATE LIVING (1977)
*movie starting times are approximate
Sunday, October 1, 2023:
6PM - Gates open
8PM - Dance contest
9PM - HAIRSPRAY (1988)
*movie starting times are approximate
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
*PHOTO OP POLICY*
Social distancing of at least six feet between you and John must be maintained during the photo op--no hugs, handshakes, or hi-fives, unfortunately! No more than two adult fans and two children (under age 16) per photo.
No pictures or video recordings are allowed during the photo op, until we take a picture of you/your group with John.
*INTRO/Q & A POLICY*
The Q & A will be broadcast in stereo sound on the drive-in radio only. Attendees are encouraged to gather around the stage and set up their own chairs for the intro/Q & A. Video recording of the INTRO/Q & A event is strictly prohibited.
*EXTENDED PASS POLICY*
For this event, extended passes are available only for VIP ticket holders, and are included in the price of the ticket. Extended passes will not be sold separately and are non-transferable.
Each VIP ticket holder may have up to two children/family members (aged 16 or younger) with them. Any children in attendance must have at least a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
No oversized vehicles (large campers/RVs) are permitted for this event.
VIPs using their extended pass option must vacate the drive-In lot no later than 12:00 noon on the day after the event. Audience members who have VIP tickets for both nights and a Sunday General Admission w/ Extended Pass may remain on the lot until 12:00 noon on Monday.
*COMPLIANCE WITH MAHONING DRIVE-IN POLICIES*
Please visit The Mahoning Drive-In website at www.mahoningdit.com to review and read the FAQ page for answers to other questions or concerns you may have about operations.
Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In Theater reserve the right to deny entry to the event or eject audience members from the lot for failure to comply with stated policies or procedures. No refunds will be issued for individuals who are denied entry or otherwise removed from the event due to non-compliance or disruptive behavior.
FB event graphic created by Andrew Kern
Photo credits for FB event graphic:
John Waters = Greg Gorman
Female Trouble = Bruce Moore
Dirty Shame = Jim Bridges
Pink Flamingos = Lawrence Irvine
Pecker = Michael Ginsburg
Desperate Living = Steve Yeager
Hairspray = Henny Garfunkel