Sundance Film Festival to Bring Economic Boost to Boulder
In 2025, the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, generated an economic impact of $196.1 million and attracted 85,472 in-person attendees. These numbers have been a testament to the festival’s significance, and officials are now looking to maintain or even grow this impact as the event moves to Boulder, Colorado.
Ebs Burnough, Chair of the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, spoke about the potential for growth during a panel discussion with real estate professionals and students at the University of Colorado Boulder. The event, held at the Limelight Boulder hotel, explored how the relocation of the festival could influence the local real estate market.
Burnough acknowledged that while it is difficult to predict exact figures for the first year, there is optimism that the economic impact will be equal or even greater in Boulder. “I would expect it would be equal or grow even more,” Burnough said, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition.
The move to Boulder comes after years of financial challenges in Park City, where filmmakers and artists often spent a significant amount on lodging despite their relatively low-budget films. Burnough noted that Boulder’s proximity to Denver and its diverse lodging options make it a more sustainable location for the festival.
“On the lodging front, I think there’s going to be some movement,” Burnough said. “I think it’ll be full here (in Boulder) and a positive spill out beyond.”
Paula DuPré Pesmen, managing director of the Sundance Film Festival Relocation and a Boulder resident, highlighted the logistical efforts being made to support the event. Hundreds of staff and approximately 1,500 volunteers will travel to Boulder to assist with multiple film screenings across different venues. The festival is working closely with the city, neighbors, and other stakeholders to plan for lodging and transportation needs.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, the city and Visit Boulder have introduced a short-term rental license program. This initiative allows homeowners to rent out their properties during the festival, providing a financial benefit while helping meet the high demand for lodging.
“We have an opportunity to do something that I haven’t seen done anywhere else in the nation,” Burnough said, highlighting the unique chance to preserve the spirit of the festival while building something new.
Sundance officials are committed to maintaining the festival’s core values, including its connection to nature. The event aims to offer a space where people can escape the fast pace of life and immerse themselves in cinematic experiences.
The Sundance Film Festival will make its debut in Boulder from January 21 to January 31, 2027. The festival has announced its venues, which include the Chautauqua Auditorium, Macky Auditorium, Boulder Theater, and theaters within the Dairy Arts Center.
Local businesses and property owners are also preparing for the event. The Boulder Chamber is helping connect them with brands and festival partners who need commercial space. For more information, visit boulderchamber.com/sundance-activation/.
As the festival transitions to Boulder, the community is embracing the opportunity to welcome the world’s best independent films and the cultural and economic benefits they bring. With careful planning and collaboration, the future of the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder looks promising.
