In a dramatic move, the Sundance Film Festival is relocating to Boulder, Colo., in 2027.
Created in 1984 by legendary actor and director Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival— named after one of Redford’s most iconic roles—has become synonymous with Park City, Utah. Held annually in January, the event is a driving force in creative filmmaking.
As the films that debuted in Sundance grew in stature—Coda, Napoleon Dynamite and Saw are among the most popular—the festival became much more than a celebration of independent filmmaking. Some of the country’s top brands, including Audible, Adobe and Shutterstock, have sought to capture that same spirit with unique activations and events.
Indeed, the event became the thing more than the films themselves. Despite Sundance’s iconic status, grumblings arose over high costs and limited venues, which Redford alluded to in the Boulder announcement.
“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 to build the organization,” Redford said in a statement. “What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining. As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival.”
Sundance is the second film festival to leave Utah in the past year: Slamdance moved to Los Angeles after 30 years in Park City.
Boulder Wins Big
In many ways, it’s only natural to progress to Boulder from Park City. The Denver suburb, and home to the University of Colorado, is surrounded by magnificent mountains and inhabited by a strong artistic community. Redford, 88, attended (but did not graduate from) the university in the 1950s.
The destination is home to many unique venues (like a circus center, flower farm and mountain ranch) that corporate groups will gravitate towards during the festival and other months of the year. It is also a short drive to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park—popular sites for meetings, events and retreats.
Bethy McCune, the Boulder-based director of brand partnerships at Bars.com, hailed the news on LinkedIn: “This is a game-changer for Colorado’s creative economy, solidifying our place as a premier destination for film, arts and culture.”
Statewide elected officials worked with the city government and CVB to draft a compelling RFP for the festival when it opened its site selection process one year ago. Other contenders included Salt Lake City and Cincinnati, Ohio.
“We’re beyond excited that Boulder has been chosen as the future home for the Sundance Film Festival. With its thriving creative spirit, stunning mountain backdrop and welcoming community, Boulder offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience for filmmakers and attendees alike. This moment is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to champion art, culture and connection. Congratulations, Boulder and all of Colorado—this is our moment to shine!” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder, in a statement.
Aside from the prestige Sundance will bring, the move is also a significant economic victory for Boulder.
The 2024 festival generated $132 million in gross domestic product, created 1,730 jobs paying $69.7 million in wages and attracted 24,000 out-of-state visitors who spent an average of $735 a day, noted Colorado Rep. Brianna Titone.
