Key Points:

• The Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027 after being in Park City, Utah for over 40 years.
• Organizers cite Boulder's charm, community, and infrastructure as essential reasons for the move.
• The festival brings significant economic impact to its host city, with Utah expected to lose around $132 million in annual revenue.

The Sundance Film Festival has officially announced its move from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. This transition comes after more than four decades in Park City, where the festival has become a cornerstone for independent cinema. The decision was made public by HuffPost as part of a year-long evaluation process examining various cities, which ultimately narrowed down options to Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City.

According to NPR, Boulder was chosen due to its unique blend of small-town charm, vibrant arts scene, and strong community engagement, making it the ideal place for the festival to thrive. Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, emphasized that Boulder is a “tech town, art town, mountain town, and college town,” positioning it perfectly for the festival’s growth. “This is the beginning of a bold, new journey,” Kelso stated. The festival will primarily be hosted around the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall and other venues throughout the city.

The move is seen as vital for the Sundance Institute, which has experienced declining attendance figures due to escalating costs associated with hosting the festival in Park City. As reported by SFGATE, this relocation may significantly affect Utah’s economy, which has relied on the festival for approximately $132 million annually. With nearly 73,000 attendees in recent years, the festival has generated substantial tax revenue, which local officials now seek to replace.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and local leaders have expressed enthusiasm about hosting the festival, highlighting the cultural and economic benefits to the Boulder community. As noted by CBS News, Boulder city leaders have committed to managing hotel prices during the festival to ensure accessibility for attendees.

Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute, praised the move, underscoring its mission to support independent voices in film. The 2026 festival will remain in Park City, marking a final celebration at its historic venue before the big transition to Boulder in 2027. The film festival has played a crucial role in launching the careers of numerous filmmakers and continues to be a platform for innovative storytelling.

To read more about the Sundance Film Festival's move, visit The Hill.