BOULDER, Colo.—Sundance Institute recently announced that Sundance Film Festival will relocate from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colo., beginning in 2027. The decision concludes a year-long site selection process, with Boulder chosen over fellow finalists Salt Lake City and Cincinnati.
The move marks the festival’s first location change since it began in Park City more than 40 years ago. The 2026 edition will still occur in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 22 to February 1, 2026.
According to the nonprofit’s Board of Trustees, Boulder was selected for its infrastructure, community engagement, natural surroundings, and alignment with the festival’s mission to support independent artists. The decision follows a request for information (RFI) and requests for proposals (RFP) process, site visits, and evaluations of each finalist’s event capabilities and long-term potential to support the festival.
“Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our festival’s future,” said Ebs Burnough, chair of Sundance Institute Board. “We have deep respect and gratitude to the finalist cities for their time, commitment, and strong proposals.”
Acting CEO Amanda Kelso said the transition presents an opportunity to reimagine how the festival is designed while maintaining its core programming. “Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town,” she said. “It is a place where the festival can build and flourish.”
The festival’s new footprint will be in downtown Boulder, with venues planned near Pearl Street Mall and the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The institute will work with local partners to prepare the city’s infrastructure, venues, and accommodation options to support an accessible and sustainable festival experience.
Robert Redford, the institute’s founder, acknowledged the contributions of Park City and Utah while framing the move as a necessary step in the festival’s evolution. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow,” he said. “This move will ensure that the festival continues its work of supporting innovative storytellers.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed the announcement, noting the economic and cultural impact of hosting the festival. “Now, with the addition of the Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs and benefits for our small businesses,” he said.
Sundance Institute confirmed that it will maintain its base in Utah. Park City and the surrounding communities will continue to be recognized as a key part of the festival’s history.
The move comes after Sundance’s 41st festival earlier this year and represents a shift in the event’s long-term planning and engagement strategy.
