Thursday January 21

Offering the biggest-name lineup of the festival (yes, even bigger than Harry O's), Downstairs lounge got the party started right opening night. Local spinstar DJ Bentley warmed up the incoming crowd with funky beats, helping patrons enjoy the intimate coziness of the club. DJ Mom Jeans aka Danny Masterson (That '70s Show) took over the decks as the crowd grew to include local models, promoters, out-of-towners, and even Louis Lombardi ("Entourage," "The Sopranos") and Uriah Faber (MMA champion). I was introduced to both Masterson and his actor brother Chris Masterson ("Malcolm in the Middle"), who kept the conversation going by expressing their love for Park City and its people. The night peaked with a performance by tongue-in-cheek rapper Dirt Nasty, the lyric-spittin' alter ego of VJ/actor Simon Rex (MTV, "Scary Movie 4"). The crowd swayed with his rhymes, and mouthed lyrics to one another. The tight-knit crowd lingered long after last call, leaving only to follow Utah-based hip-hop artist Moise Bently to his performance at the after-hours Stansfield Artist Lounge. You can blame many of Friday's bleary eyes on this opening night of revelry.

Friday January 22

Opening weekend at Sundance shone with gifting suites galore, even amid an iffy economy. Malin Akerman, who was in town promoting her new film "happythankyoumoreplease" as well as hosting Gen Art's 7 Fresh Faces of Film, sipped Stella Artois after partaking in the bountiful gifts schlepped at Village at The Yard. Fred Segal was a popular choice among to-dos like Ackerman, with familiar faces searching racks of the LA-based retailer's high-end clothing. Affliction, Gnu and Krew were some of the other hot brands, as well as drinkables by AriZona tea and my new favorite, Fruit2day -- an all-natural juice drink with chunks of real fruit that makes it easy to reach your daily servings. I should get a check from an endorsement like that. Then, the stars aligned on the red carpet for the premier of Nicole Holofcener's ("Friends with Money") latest film, "Please Give," which was listed on ioncinema.com's "100 Most Anticipated Films of 2010." A-listers including America Ferrera and Caroline Keener stepped out to watch the film at Eccles Theater. Amanda Peet, who stars in the movie, said the story explores materialism in today's society, while her co-star Thomas Ian Nicholas acclaimed its realistic portrayal of relationships. Hear what else they say, plus interviews with the film's other stars Oliver Platt and Sarah Steele at inthisweek.com. Since I'd worked up an appetite from interviewing these palatial stars, I dropped by the inconspicuous Red Banjo Pizza on Main for some greasy-spoon grub and Wi-Fi action. And though the digs didn't scream "star-worthy," it was apparantly good enough for Acadamy Award-nominated director Gus Van Sant ("Milk," "Good Will Hunting"). Van Sant, who executive produced Sundance opener "Howl," sat down for a no-frills dinner with his four, laidback companions. Chowing on chicken salads and taking part in uninterrupted conversation, Van Sant and his pals seemed to enjoy dining on a dime.

Saturday January 23

I was supposed to check out DJ JEFFERYB and DJ Riddler at the VOORAY mansion party near Stein Erikson Lodge, but the relentless snow forced me to turn around at Jeremy Ranch and head back to SLC. I was also bummed to miss the exclusive Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Party at Gen Art's Sky Lodge, which honored award-winning actors Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Diego Luna, and Michael Shannon. Kenneth Cole himself hosted the event, and was accompanied by Shane West, Wilmer Valderamma, Ian Ziering, John Forte, and more, plus special guest DJ Mom Jeans aka, Danny Masterson.

Sunday January 24

Visitors were finally starting to feel the burn from the three prior days of movie premiers and parties. The atmosphere felt exceedingly more relaxed as folks waited in pubs like JB Mulligan's until hotspots like Red Carpet Lounge and TAO opened up around 10 p.m. I was definitely leaning toward the lounges, given that Downstairs was rented out (thus impossible to get into) for the Shwayze show, and I didn't have enough energy to rock out to rapper Wale at Harry O's. First, I stopped by Talisker on Main (515 Main St.), the first in the family of Park City's super-exclusive Talisker Club where non-members may also dine. Most of the entrees didn't note prices, nodding to the fact that if you have to ask, you can't afford it. I sat at a table with real estate equity giant Ben Ringel, a "Hesher" and "Sympathy for Delicious" producer who introduced himself as Izzy, and big-time producer John Jacobs ("Family Guy," "Blades of Glory," "Anger Management"). A flock of Victoria Secret models -- including the newest Angel, Kylie Bisutti -- sipped wine next to our table, warming themselves from the inside out by the fireplace. After Talisker, we smooth-talked our way into the red-roped TAO club, where low, red lighting and loud house and electronica made the room feel small and cave-like. Too loud to accommodate conversation, one was left to sway to the beat and scour the room for celebrities. I bumped into 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto, "Entourage's" Adrian Grenier, and R&B crooner John Legend.

So there's Sundance's grand opening at a glance, now check out some of the other stuff that went on that weekend.