Sundance Film Festival to Debut in Boulder in 2027

The renowned festival is relocating its core operations from Park City, Utah to Colorado's Boulder starting in 2027.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Sundance Film Festival is moving its core operations to Boulder, Colorado, beginning January 21-31, 2027. This marks a significant shift for the renowned festival, as it integrates into a new community and utilizes a diverse range of venues across the city, including schools, theaters, auditoriums, and the Boulder Public Library.

Why it matters

The decision to relocate Sundance to Boulder reflects a desire for a location that offers a unique blend of artistic vibrancy, technological innovation, and academic engagement. This move signals a broader trend of film festivals re-evaluating their locations and seeking more sustainable, community-integrated models.

The details

The 2027 Sundance Film Festival in Boulder will utilize at least 15 venues scattered throughout the city, including the Boedecker Theater at the Dairy Arts Center, Boulder High School Auditorium, Boulder Theater, and Cinemark Century Boulder. Talks and festival programming will also take place at locations like eTown Hall and Old Main on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. While festival officials have stated the event will be 'highly walkable,' some residents have expressed concerns about the distance between venues, particularly the uphill trek from the Pearl Street Mall to the University of Colorado campus.

  • The Sundance Film Festival will debut in Boulder from January 21-31, 2027.
  • The decision to relocate Sundance to Boulder was made in March 2025.

The players

Eugene Hernandez

The director of the Sundance Film Festival, who highlighted Boulder's 'renowned creative arts and tech scene, paired with the vibrant CU Boulder students, faculty, and staff' as key factors in the selection of Boulder as the new host city.

Justin Schwartz

The Chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder, who anticipates a higher profile for the school and valuable learning opportunities for students in areas like hospitality, security, and event planning.

Christy O'Flaherty

A resident of Denver and member of the Denver Cinema Club, who has expressed concerns about the distance between venues for the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The University of Colorado Boulder has been preparing for this announcement for over two years, recognizing the potential for a long-term partnership with Sundance. Preparations are underway at various venues, though specific details remain confidential.

The takeaway

Sundance's move to Boulder signals a broader trend of film festivals re-evaluating their locations and seeking more sustainable, community-integrated models. This shift is driven by factors like rising costs, a desire for greater community engagement, and a focus on accessibility and venue diversity.