Sundance: The festival’s Colorado debut is scheduled for Jan. 21–31, 2027, in Boulder

Sundance is scheduled to make its Colorado debut in Boulder from Jan. 21–31, 2027, after 45 years in Park City, Utah. Before the festival begins, a University of Denver event will offer a preview through stories from filmmakers and other artists connected to past editions.

The festival’s Colorado debut is scheduled for Jan. 21–31, 2027, in Boulder

Boulder is preparing to host the 10-day independent film festival across a roughly two-square-mile area in central Boulder. Planned locations include Chautauqua Auditorium, the Boulderado Hotel and Boulder Public Library, with screenings, panels and other events taking place throughout the day. Rocky Mountain PBS reported that the move follows 45 years in Park City.

The festival’s first Colorado edition is expected to draw attendance comparable to the 85,000 people who attended in person the previous year, according to Rocky Mountain PBS. The report also said that thousands of people participate virtually from around the world. Available reporting does not establish the final attendance or the complete program for the Boulder edition.

The move to Boulder followed a bidding process that began in 2024, with Boulder selected over Cincinnati, Ohio. Rocky Mountain PBS attributed the decision to Boulder’s tax credits and arts reputation, and described the relocation as a connection to Robert Redford’s history in the area. The report said more information about festival passes and tickets is expected in September. Denver Post likewise reported that the Colorado debut is planned for Jan. 21–31 and that ticket information will be released in September.

A Sept. 8 University of Denver event will revisit the festival’s history

On Sept. 8, the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts is scheduled to host “Mostly True Stories From the Sundance Film Festival.” The event is designed to examine the festival through the perspectives of artists who have influenced it and been influenced by it, with a focus on stories from past festivals that are described as rarely heard. The Denver Post reported that the Sundance Institute announced the event.

The listed participants include filmmaker and Sundance Institute board member Amy Redford, writer-directors Rian Johnson and Dee Rees, and producer Christine Vachon, along with other artists. Tickets were reported to start at $29 for adults and $15 for students. The event is separate from the January festival and serves as a Colorado preview rather than the festival’s main program.

Volunteer applications open Aug. 31

People seeking a role at the Boulder festival can apply to volunteer beginning Aug. 31. Rocky Mountain PBS reported that organizers have more than 2,000 positions to fill, including media relations, customer service, ushering and venue operations.

Volunteer commitments vary by category, from “full festival” to “student,” and generally include several four-hour shifts or one longer shift. Selected volunteers must complete training and may receive access to screenings and events, festival gear, merchandise and meal vouchers, according to Rocky Mountain PBS.

The festival’s current reported status is therefore preparatory: the Sept. 8 Denver event is upcoming, volunteer applications are due to open Aug. 31, and the Boulder festival itself is scheduled for Jan. 21–31, 2027. Its final passes, ticket details and full program have not yet been reported.