After over 40 years in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival—the most renowned celebration of independent cinema in the United States—is set to move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. The announcement, made by the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees on March 27, 2025, follows a comprehensive year-long evaluation of potential host cities.
“This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival,” said Ebs Burnough, Chair of the Sundance Institute Board. “It became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution.”
The move reflects a thoughtful pivot, not an abrupt departure. Sundance will remain in Park City through 2026, paying homage to the place that helped shape the identity of the festival since its early days. However, as Robert Redford—founder of the Sundance Institute—emphasized, growth and adaptation are essential: “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.”
Why was Boulder chosen as the new home of the Sundance Film Festival?
Boulder, Colorado stood out from a shortlist that included Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City, Utah. What gave Boulder the edge was a combination of its scenic backdrop, infrastructure, creative energy, and alignment with Sundance’s values.
“Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town,” noted Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of Sundance Institute. “It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey.”
The city’s unique convergence of culture, innovation, and nature was key. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Boulder also offers the Pearl Street Mall—a pedestrian-friendly downtown hub—as well as proximity to the University of Colorado Boulder campus and the dramatic Rocky Mountains. These elements combine to offer the kind of inspiring and accessible setting Sundance aims to foster.
Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder, underscored this synergy: “Creativity, innovation, and expression are at the heart of what makes Boulder special, and we’re ready to welcome storytellers and cinema lovers from around the world.”
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How will the Festival evolve in its new location?
According to Sundance Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez, the event’s core programming, mission, and spirit will remain the same, but Boulder opens new possibilities: “Together we continue to create a Festival that acts as a vibrant space for independent films and filmmakers to shine.”
The downtown Boulder area will serve as the nucleus of the festival, with screenings held in theaters near Pearl Street and campus venues at CU Boulder. The host committee, in collaboration with Sundance, also plans to enhance infrastructure and accommodations to ensure that the festival remains affordable and sustainable.
This thoughtful planning aligns with Sundance’s dedication to accessibility and diversity. The move is seen as a way to strengthen, not dilute, the festival’s commitment to independent storytelling. “Boulder’s storied and vibrant community of audiences, artists, and filmmakers allows the Sundance Institute to lay the foundation for a strong future,” noted the Board’s announcement.
What does this mean for Park City and the state of Utah?
While the relocation may mark the end of an era for Park City, Sundance leaders have been clear that the festival’s legacy in Utah will remain cherished and respected. Robert Redford himself expressed “sincere gratitude” to the people of Utah, adding: “What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining.”
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will still be held in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 22 to February 1, marking a celebratory farewell. Even beyond 2026, the spirit of the festival’s origins in the Wasatch Mountains will remain foundational to the Sundance Institute’s identity.
Utah’s independent spirit has long aligned with Sundance’s mission to elevate voices that challenge the norm. That spirit, Sundance says, will continue to inspire their work moving forward.
Sundance Film Festival 2027
The move to Boulder is also a major win for Colorado’s creative and economic sectors. Governor Jared Polis welcomed the announcement with open arms: “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.”
He added that the festival will bring more jobs and significantly benefit local businesses, from restaurants and hotels to small retailers. Colorado’s bipartisan support for the relocation signals widespread enthusiasm for hosting an event of Sundance’s magnitude.
The decision also reinforces Colorado’s growing reputation as a hub for film and creative industries. As Hoffman noted, “Our walkable downtown, iconic venues, and beautiful landscape at the base of the Rocky Mountains set the stage for the Sundance Film Festival to flourish in its next chapter.”
The transition is already underway. The Institute and its Boulder partners will begin laying the groundwork to ensure a seamless debut in January 2027. At the same time, they will focus on preserving the values that have defined the Festival since its founding in 1985—risk-taking, innovation, artistic freedom, and community engagement.
