So Long, Park City: Sundance Film Festival to Relocate to Boulder, Colorado in 2027

The Sundance Film Festival, one of North America’s most iconic independent film showcases, has announced its relocation from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. After a yearlong search for a new host city, organizers cited Boulder’s small-town charm, proximity to nature, and engaged community as the perfect backdrop for the festival’s future.

For 40 years, Park City served as the snowy stage for Sundance, but the festival has outgrown the Utah ski town, lacking the necessary theaters and affordable housing to accommodate its swelling size. Boulder, with a population of 100,000, offers more room to grow while maintaining the mountain-town vibe that Sundance treasures.

"Boulder is a tech town, a college town, an arts town, and a mountain town," said Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of the Sundance Institute. "It gives us the space to expand and evolve." The decision was bolstered by $34 million in tax credits from Colorado officials over the next decade, signaling the state’s commitment to the arts and economic growth.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis celebrated the move, highlighting the film industry’s vital role in the state’s economy. Meanwhile, Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment, stating, "Sundance will regret leaving Utah. They’ve left behind not just a place, but their heritage." Ouch—sounds like someone’s nursing a bit of heartbreak.

The relocation has the blessing of Sundance founder Robert Redford, who attended the University of Colorado in Boulder during his youth. Redford emphasized the importance of evolution, stating, "Change is inevitable, and we must always grow to survive." While the move represents a significant shift, the mission of fostering independent voices in film remains steadfast.

Boulder offers a unique setting for Sundance’s future, with its Pearl Street pedestrian mall and theaters providing a central hub reminiscent of Park City’s Main Street. The Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado is expected to serve as a key venue for screenings.

Sundance’s departure from Park City marks the end of an era. Over decades, the festival became a premier marketplace for American film, launching careers like Steven Soderbergh ("Sex, Lies and Videotape") and Ryan Coogler ("Fruitvale Station"). Beyond the glamour, Sundance contributed massively to Utah’s economy, generating an estimated $132 million in economic impact in 2024 alone. But the festival also clashed with local ski resorts, as visiting cinephiles filled hotels and skipped the slopes during peak ski season.

The move adds Boulder to the list of major film festival destinations, joining Telluride, Colorado, which hosts its own prestigious event in late August. With Sundance’s ethos of inclusivity and discovery intact, the relocation represents a fresh chapter in its storied history.