Sundance Film Festival to Leave Park City After 40 Years, Moving to Boulder in 2027

After more than 40 years in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is moving to Boulder, Colorado, in a 10-year deal, starting in 2027. 

It is a loss for Park City and Utah. The 2024 festival, held January 18-28, attracted 72,840 attendees. Over 12 months, its economic impact is estimated at $132 million.

The festival was started in Park City in 1981 by the actor and director Robert Redford. Boulder is 10 times the size of Park City, with more theaters and venues, which are needed.

“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,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, in a statement. 

Utah Governor Spencer Cox calls Sundance’s decision a mistake. A special legislative session will determine what should be done with the $3.5 million, part of the bid to keep Sundance, he said. One of his ideas is to create a new film festival. 

Boulder won out over two other city finalists, Cincinnati and Salt Lake City. The festival will be based in downtown Boulder and will use venues around the pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall.

Beyond screenings, the festival has become a showcase for major brands. Companies like Acura, Audible, Canon, Hyatt, and United Airlines have hosted activations and lounges.

Timing Can’t Be Ignored

Sundance announced its relocation on March 27. The same day, Utah became the first state to ban flags, including the Pride flag, at schools and government buildings. 

“Unfortunately, a recent bill passed by the Utah legislature and comments made by some legislators have not been helpful in our bid to keep the festival here,” Park City Mayor Nann Worel said in her State of the Park City address.

“The timing of this legislation, coinciding closely with the Sundance Film Festival's announcement to relocate from its long-standing home in Park City to Boulder can’t be ignored,” said Cameron Curtis, CEO of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association. “While I understand Sundance organizers have cited logistical reasons for the move, they also emphasized Boulder's welcoming environment as a factor. This suggests to me that Utah's increasingly exclusionary policies may have influenced their decision and highlights the tangible consequences legislation can have on cultural and economic institutions.”

Sundance is the second film festival to leave Utah this year. The Slamdance Film Festival, held in Park City for 30 years, moved to Los Angeles in January. 

Park City worked hard to keep Sundance in Utah, said Mayor Worel. “Frankly, I don’t know if there is anything else we could have done,” she said. 

Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau, expressed disappointment at losing Sundance. “This decision marks the end of an era for Park City,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Park City plans to explore new opportunities, including events tied to the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

The 2026 edition of the festival is scheduled to take place in Park City on January 22–February 1.