What Boulder learned from Utah's final Sundance Film Festival
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Boulder officials who traveled to last month's Sundance Film Festival in Utah came home with a clearer picture of the massive logistical lift ahead as the city prepares to host the event next year.
Why it matters: Boulder will spend much of this year preparing for Sundance's arrival, with housing, transportation and winter staffing topping the list of concerns.
Driving the news: The city of Boulder and Visit Boulder sent representatives to Park City for this year's festival to study what's ahead.
- "We've spent so much time talking about the festival, but there is a difference I think between talking about it and experiencing it," Visit Boulder marketing manager Bailey Burrows told us.
Behind the scenes: Cris Jones, Boulder's director of strategic partnerships, said the city contingent included officials from the police and fire department: "First and foremost, we want to make sure we keep people safe."
- But Jones noted that Boulder is already familiar with hosting large events, including University of Colorado football games and the annual Bolder Boulder.
Between the lines: Of greater concern for the city is the issue of housing attendees.
- "[Park City] is a resort town, so it has a large inventory of short-term rentals, timeshares, hotels, resorts," Jones said. But even with two hotels added on University Hill last year, Boulder has fewer than 4,000 rooms. Sundance drew about 85,000 attendees in 2025.
- And though the city passed a special ordinance to make it easier for residents to rent their homes during the festival, the math suggests most attendees will likely stay outside Boulder.
Yes, but: Jones said even if that is the case, the transportation system in Boulder and the Front Range is better equipped for visitors.
- "And even if [attendees] choose to drive, one thing we have that Park City does not have a lot of is parking."
- While Park City had to implement a special shuttle system, Jones said, Sundance officials are talking with Boulder and RTD about making small tweaks to local bus routes, hours and fares for the festival.
Zoom in: Jones noted that Boulder will take extra steps to ensure all local businesses have adequate staffing and inventory to handle a large influx in the dead of winter.
- Unlike Park City, which is in peak ski season in January, Boulder will be hosting Sundance during one of its quietest months.
- Jones added that many large sponsor companies rent out full buildings for festival events, so planners and safety officials must be ready to issue special permits.
The bottom line: Jones, who previously worked in Salt Lake City on Sundance logistics, acknowledged that many in Utah are unhappy to see the festival leave.
- But, he said, Boulder offers room for growth.
- "The event isn't about the place — it's about celebrating independent film," Jones said. "As hard as it might be to say goodbye for Park City, I think we are well-prepared and respectful of that legacy."