Sundance Film Festival Moves to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027

Sundance Film Festival to Relocate to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027

After four decades in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival will move to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. Organizers announced the decision after an extensive yearlong search, citing the need for expanded venues, affordability, and a vibrant arts community. While the festival remains in the mountains, it leaves behind its longtime home in Park City, known for its picturesque snowy backdrop and bustling independent film scene.

Boulder emerged as the top choice over finalists Salt Lake City and Cincinnati due to its unique blend of nature, small-town charm, and cultural engagement.

“Boulder is a tech town, it’s a college town, it’s an arts town, and it’s a mountain town,” said Amanda Kelso, acting chief executive of the Sundance Institute. With a population of 100,000—larger than Park City—Boulder provides ample space for Sundance to expand while maintaining the intimate, creative atmosphere that defines the festival.

The move has been met with both excitement and criticism. Colorado officials, who played a role in securing Sundance with $34 million in tax credits over 10 years, celebrated the decision.

“Here in our state, we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

In contrast, Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment, stating, “We wanted Sundance to stay. We put together a highly competitive package. Ultimately, this decision is theirs to make, but I believe it’s a mistake and that, one day, they’ll realize they left behind not just a place, but their heritage.”

Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford, an alumnus of the University of Colorado, endorsed the move.

“Words cannot express the sincere gratitude I have for Park City, the state of Utah, and all those in the Utah community that have helped build the organization,” Redford said. “Change is inevitable, and we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival.”

Sundance prioritized “ethos and equity values” in its selection process, emphasizing inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere. Some speculated political factors played a role, particularly given Utah’s recent legislative debates, but festival officials denied this was a primary influence.

“This process started 18 months ago, and we’ve been in Utah for 40 years. Politics really didn’t guide the decision,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute board chair. “It was truly about evolution.”

Sundance has played a significant role in Park City’s economy. In 2024, the festival hosted 72,840 attendees—24,200 from out of state—contributing an estimated $132 million in economic impact and generating $69.7 million in wages for Utah residents.

However, the festival also clashed with local ski resorts. As hotels filled with festivalgoers, ski slopes remained largely empty during peak season, creating tension between local businesses benefiting from the festival and those affected by the influx.

Boulder’s infrastructure, including the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall and the University of Colorado’s Macky Auditorium, offers a centralized hub similar to Park City’s Main Street, making it a strong candidate to maintain the festival’s spirit while allowing for future growth.

The 2026 edition of the Sundance Film Festival will be its last in Park City before the transition to Boulder. Festival Director Eugene Hernandez reassured audiences that Sundance’s core mission will remain unchanged.

“The Sundance Film Festival will be the Sundance Film Festival wherever we go. What’s consistent is our mission. This is a festival of global discovery, and Boulder provides an exciting place to build.”

With this move, Colorado will host two major U.S. film festivals—Sundance and the Telluride Film Festival—solidifying its reputation as a significant hub for independent cinema.