Sundance Film Festival 2027: The Ultimate Guide to the Boulder Debut

For the first time in over 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is moving its headquarters. From January 21–31, 2027, the global epicenter of independent cinema will shift from the snowy peaks of Park City to the iconic Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado.

Whether you are a filmmaker, a cinephile, or a Boulder local preparing for the influx of Hollywood talent, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2027 edition.

Sundance 2027 Dates and Locations

Mark your calendars: The 10-day festival officially kicks off on Thursday, January 21, 2027, and runs through Sunday, January 31, 2027.

Unlike previous years where events were clustered on a single Main Street, the 2027 Sundance Film Festival will be a city-wide experience, utilizing Boulder’s unique blend of historic theaters and world-class university facilities.

Confirmed 2027 Sundance Venues:

• The Boulder Theater: The historic heart of downtown’s Pearl Street.

• Macky Auditorium (CU Boulder): A grand venue for major premieres on the University of Colorado campus.

• The Dairy Arts Center: Home to the Boedecker Theater and Gordon Gamm Theater.

• Chautauqua Auditorium: A stunning, historic wooden tabernacle at the base of the mountains.

• Boulder High School & Casey Middle School: Large-scale auditoriums for public screenings.

• eTown Hall & Cinemark Century Boulder: Additional hubs for screenings and panels.

Where to Stay: Best Boulder Neighborhoods for Sundance

Boulder is notoriously compact, making it one of the most walkable festival host cities in the world.

1. Downtown / Pearl Street: The "Main Street" of the festival. You’ll be steps away from the Boulder Theater and the best dining in Colorado.

2. University Hill ("The Hill"): Ideal for those attending screenings at CU Boulder’s Macky Auditorium or the Roe Green Theatre. Closer to Chautauqua will be more out of the student rental area. 

3. Chautauqua: For a quiet, scenic retreat. Historic cottages offer a "cabin in the woods" feel while staying minutes from the action.

4. NoBo (North Boulder): A hub for artists and the "creative class," offering a more local, laid-back vibe.

Top 5 Things to Do in Boulder Between Screenings

While the films are the main event, Boulder in January offers a legendary winter lifestyle.

• Winter Hiking at Chautauqua: Take a "brain break" with a hike up to the Flatirons. Just remember to bring ice cleats (Yaktrax) for the snowy trails!

• Après-Film at Boulder Breweries: Visit Avery Brewing or Upslope to experience the craft beer capital of the West.

• Sipping Chocolate on Pearl Street: Stop by Piece, Love and Chocolate for their famous thick sipping chocolate—the perfect winter warmer. This will be the perfect throwback to one of my favorite films Chocolat

• The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: A gift from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan, this is the most Instagrammable spot in town for a mid-day meal.

• Have more questions? Feel free to reach out and I'll give you the local's take.

Planning for 2027: Logistics and Travel

• Nearest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is roughly 45 minutes away.

• Public Transit: The RTD AB1 bus runs directly from DIA to the Downtown Boulder Station for just $10.

• Getting Around: Boulder is highly bikeable (even in winter!) and will offer dedicated "Sundance Shuttles" and free HOP bus service for festival attendees.

Looking to Invest or Rent Your Home?

With the festival expected to bring over 100,000 visitors, the demand for Short-Term Rentals (STRs) will be at an all-time high. If you are a Boulder homeowner, now is the time to ensure your property is licensed and ready for the January 2027 surge.

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