Sundance Film Festival Bids Farewell to Park City

As the festival relocates to Colorado, Park City prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympics

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:15pm

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With the Sundance Film Festival in its final Utah season before moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, and Park City set to welcome the 2034 Winter Olympics, the ski town is at a momentous juncture. The recent passing of festival founder Robert Redford adds to the bittersweet nature of this closing chapter, as Sundance's departure marks the end of an era for independent film in Park City.

Why it matters

Sundance's relocation to Colorado signals the end of an era for independent film in Park City, Utah, which has been the festival's home for decades. This transition also coincides with Park City's selection to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, marking a shift in the town's cultural and economic focus from arts and entertainment to sports and tourism.

The details

The Sundance Film Festival, founded by Robert Redford, has been a cultural and economic driver for Park City since the 1990s. The festival's departure to Colorado in 2027 will leave a void in the town's identity, which has been closely tied to its role as a hub for independent filmmaking. Meanwhile, Park City's selection to host the 2034 Winter Olympics signals a new era focused on sports and tourism.

  • Sundance Film Festival will hold its final Utah season in 2027 before relocating to Boulder, Colorado.
  • Park City is set to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The players

Robert Redford

The founder of the Sundance Film Festival, who transformed Park City into a global cultural destination for independent film.

Eugene Hernandez

The festival director and head of programming for the Sundance Film Festival.

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What they’re saying

“On a personal note, Mr. Redford's vision ignited my own journey when I made my way to the Sundance fest for the first time in 1993. The experience changed my life, so I join all of us who celebrate Utah and this dynamic home for independent, global storytelling that he built.”

— Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and Head of Programming

The takeaway

The Sundance Film Festival's departure from Park City marks the end of an era for independent film in the town, as it prepares to shift its focus to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics. This transition reflects the changing landscape of entertainment and tourism in the region.