Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colo., will host several events when the Sundance Film Festival comes to town in 2027. Photo Credit: espiegle/AdobeStock
The Sundance Institute’s board of trustees has chosen Boulder, Colo., as the new home of the Sundance Film Festival, beginning in 2027.
According to the institute, Boulder offers small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene, making it the ideal location for the festival, a celebration of the independent film industry, to grow.
“This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our festival,” said Ebs Burnough, chair of the institute's board. "During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution.”
Choosing with growth potential in mind
Together with the Boulder host committee, the institute envisions the heart of the festival to be centered downtown using its array of theaters and venues, and incorporating spaces around the Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-only street. Nearby spaces will offer dedicated gathering locations, including select spots on the University of Colorado – Boulder campus.
The festival plans to work with the host committee to enhance infrastructure and accommodation options.
“Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish,” said Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of the institute. “This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community and to be entertained and inspired. We can’t imagine a better fit than Boulder.”
An actor's legacy
Robert Redford founded the nonprofit institute in 1981 to champion the creation of unique work by storytellers, creating the festival in 1985 to offer a space for artists to share their stories with the world and audiences to discover them.
“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,” said Redford, who continues as the institute's president. "As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.”
Boulder, naturally, is thrilled to have been chosen out of the three city finalists — the other two were Cincinnati and Salt Lake City — to host the Sundance Film Festival. “Creativity, innovation, and expression are at the heart of what makes Boulder special, and we’re ready to welcome storytellers and cinema lovers from around the world. Our walkable downtown, iconic venues, and beautiful landscape at the base of the Rocky Mountains sets the stage for the Sundance Film Festival to flourish in its next chapter,” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder.
The 2026 festival still will take place in Park City, Jan. 22 to Feb. 1.