Sundance Bids Farewell to Park City

The Sundance Film Festival is currently holding its final event in Park City, Utah, marking a poignant conclusion to over four decades in the mountain town. This year's festival, running from January 22 to February 1, 2026, is a bittersweet affair for attendees and organizers alike, as reported by CBS News.

Beginning in 2027, the renowned independent film festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, a decision announced in March 2025, according to wikipedia. This move signifies a new chapter for the festival, which has become a pivotal platform for independent cinema globally.

The festival was founded by Robert Redford, who passed away in September 2025, as pbs reported. His legacy is a central theme of this year's Park City event, with tributes and screenings honoring his vision for independent storytelling.

Organizers cited the festival's growth beyond Park City's infrastructure as a primary reason for the relocation, according to KUTV. The small resort town struggled with traffic congestion and limited venue space, impacting the festival experience.

The 2026 festival in Park City features a diverse program of nearly 100 features, including dramatic films with notable stars and a robust lineup of documentaries, CBS News stated. Screenings are taking place both in-person across Park City and Salt Lake City, and online.

Boulder was selected after a comprehensive, year-long evaluation process that considered several cities, as detailed by the Sundance Institute in March 2025. The Colorado city's vibrant arts scene, natural beauty, and community engagement were key factors in its appeal.

• The Sundance Film Festival's departure from Park City concludes a 45-year tenure in Utah, where it evolved from a regional event into the largest independent film festival in the United States, as noted by People.com. Originally established in Salt Lake City in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival, it moved to Park City in 1981 and was renamed Sundance in 1991, according to wikipedia.
• The decision to relocate was driven by the festival's significant growth, which strained Park City's capacity. Reddit users and news outlets like KUTV highlighted issues such as limited hotel availability, high costs for attendees, and severe traffic congestion, making it challenging for the festival to expand. The Sundance Institute's contract with Park City was set to expire after the 2026 festival, prompting the search for a new home.
• Boulder, Colorado, was chosen for its ability to provide the necessary infrastructure and a supportive environment for the festival's future. The Sundance Institute's official announcement in March 2025 emphasized Boulder's "small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene," which aligns with the festival's ethos, as reported by the Institute.
• The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of six finalist cities, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Louisville, Santa Fe, and a joint bid from Park City and Salt Lake City, wikipedia confirmed. Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman expressed enthusiasm, stating that the move would elevate filmmaking and storytelling in the state, according to the Sundance Institute.
• For Park City, the economic implications of losing the festival are substantial. The event has historically brought significant revenue and global attention to the town. However, some local residents and business owners also anticipate relief from the annual influx of traffic and crowds, as discussed by Silver Lake Accommodations. The Sundance Institute confirmed it will maintain its headquarters in Utah, continuing its year-round artist programs there, KSL News reported.
• Robert Redford, who founded the Sundance Institute in the early 1980s, played a crucial role in shaping the festival's identity, as detailed by Britannica. His vision was to create a platform for independent filmmakers outside the mainstream studio system. People.com noted that Redford, who passed away in September 2025, believed in constant evolution, stating, "As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival."
• The 2026 festival in Park City is designed as a celebration of this rich history. It includes a "Park City Legacy Program" featuring archival screenings and tributes to Robert Redford, according to ksl News. Filmmakers and attendees are reflecting on the festival's impact on independent cinema and its unique atmosphere in Park City, pbs reported.
• Looking ahead, the move to Boulder in 2027 is expected to foster new opportunities for the festival's growth and programming. The city's blend of arts, technology, and education is anticipated to create unique experiences for artists, industry professionals, and audiences, the Sundance Institute stated. However, some Boulder residents have voiced concerns regarding potential traffic and infrastructure challenges, according to reddit.