In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global film community, the Sundance Film Festival—long held in Park City, Utah—will officially relocate to Boulder, Colorado, in January 2027. The announcement, made by the Sundance Institute, ushers in a bold new chapter for the world’s most celebrated independent film festival and places Boulder at the forefront of global storytelling, cinematic innovation, and cultural transformation.
For decades, Sundance has been a launchpad for visionary filmmakers and provocative voices—giving rise to the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, Damien Chazelle, and countless others. Now, it turns the page and sets its sights on a new home: one known for its natural beauty, progressive energy, and creative pulse.
And we’re ready.
Here at BoulderMovies.com, owned and operated by Boulder Financial Realty, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sundance to our hometown. From our humble beginnings—curating small lists of indie screenings and art house films—to what is now becoming a citywide cinematic movement, we are building something beautiful. And we are proud to say: this is just the beginning.
Why Sundance Chose Boulder
When you look at Boulder through the lens of culture, consciousness, and creativity, the fit becomes clear. Nestled at the base of the Flatirons and home to the University of Colorado, Boulder has long been a haven for innovators, dreamers, and those who think—and feel—deeply.
But this wasn’t a decision made overnight.
The Sundance Institute, led by a new generation of visionaries honoring founder Robert Redford’s legacy, spent years evaluating potential cities that could meet the demands of a growing global audience while honoring the festival’s roots in community, sustainability, and independent spirit.
Park City, while beloved, had grown difficult to navigate. Costs were rising for visitors and filmmakers alike. Crowds were becoming unmanageable. And with growing tensions between the festival and local residents, the time was right to explore a new home. Enter Boulder—a progressive town with deep artistic roots, award-winning infrastructure, walkable streets, breathtaking scenery, and a local population already devoted to the arts.
A City Already in Love With Film
What many people don’t know is that Boulder has been building toward this moment for years.
The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF)—founded in 2004—has quietly become one of the most respected regional festivals in the country, regularly drawing Academy Award–winning directors, actors, and emerging filmmakers to the Front Range. BIFF has proven that Boulder is not only capable of hosting world-class film events, but that it also brings its own brand of intimate, elevated hospitality to the experience.
Boulder is also home to The Dairy Arts Center, a repurposed dairy plant turned thriving cultural hub that hosts hundreds of screenings, performances, and classes each year. Its art house theater and surrounding galleries have been a cornerstone for the community and will play a major role in the Sundance transition.
In addition, Boulder’s public libraries regularly feature community film screenings, educational panels, and youth film programs. And of course, the city has long supported a network of independent cinemas, including the beloved Boulder Theater, known for its vintage charm and vibrant lineup.
Now, with Sundance’s arrival, Boulder’s love affair with cinema is about to deepen—and the rest of the world will get a front-row seat.
BoulderMovies.com: A New Chapter Begins
We at BoulderMovies.com are thrilled to step into a leading role during this exciting evolution. Originally created as a hyperlocal film hub, the site is now undergoing a major transformation in anticipation of the festival’s arrival in 2027.
Our new and improved website will deliver:
• Official Sundance ticketing info
• Real-time commercial theater showtimes for major chains and indie screens
• Local event listings including the Boulder Public Library and Dairy Arts Center
• Curated date night ideas, including happy hours and dinner + drink specials
• Festival guides, parking info, and after-party access
• Real estate resources for visitors, investors, and those looking to live the Boulder lifestyle year-round
Whether you’re a longtime local, a filmmaker scouting your next screening venue, or a cinephile flying in from L.A. or London, BoulderMovies.com will be your go-to digital platform for everything film in Boulder.
The Economic Impact and Real Estate Outlook
As the owners of Boulder Financial Realty, we’re already seeing growing interest from investors and clients excited about the Sundance relocation. The economic impact of Sundance is profound. In Park City, the festival generated over $190 million annually and supported hundreds of jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and real estate. We anticipate similar, if not greater, outcomes in Boulder—thanks to its proximity to Denver and year-round lifestyle appeal.
For those seeking short-term rental properties, investment condos, or primary homes near downtown Boulder and transit lines, this is the moment to take action. The influx of talent, tourism, and global media will bring new energy and opportunity to Boulder’s real estate market, particularly in the hotel, hospitality, and short-term stay sectors.
If you’ve been dreaming of living in a vibrant, walkable town where world-class art meets mountain serenity, Boulder in 2027 is your chance. Our team at Boulder Financial Realty is ready to guide buyers, sellers, and investors through this exciting transition with care and experience.
More Than a Film Festival: A Lifestyle
What makes Sundance special isn’t just the films—it’s the full cultural immersion. And Boulder is built for it.
Imagine attending a premiere downtown, then walking a few blocks to grab cocktails and seasonal small plates at a local farm-to-table bistro. Or taking a morning hike in Chautauqua before heading into an afternoon screening. Or enjoying a filmmaker Q&A over lattes at an open-air café, then catching a sunset concert on a rooftop bar.
That’s the beauty of Boulder. It’s a lifestyle.
And as Sundance brings its artists, studios, and stories here, the town will blossom further—opening up new creative collaborations, tech opportunities, and cultural events that extend beyond January.
Planning your Sundance trip already? We’ve created a curated list of the Top 15 Things to Do in Boulder—from hiking and spa days to vintage shopping and scenic drives. We’ve also compiled a directory of Boulder Farm Stands and local markets to explore our town’s fresh, organic roots.
A City on the Cusp of Something Big
For locals, the move is deeply personal. Many of us remember the early days—when BoulderMovies.com was just a simple list of arthouse screenings, when the Boulder Film Festival was hosted in a single theater, when Dairy Arts was still gaining momentum.
Now, we stand at the edge of something extraordinary.
The relocation of Sundance to Boulder isn’t just a cinematic event—it’s a declaration. It says that independent art, integrity, and innovation still matter. That creativity can thrive outside of Hollywood. That a mountain town with heart can change the narrative.
So whether you’re a filmmaker looking for inspiration, a visitor exploring the city, or a local ready to rediscover your hometown through fresh eyes—2027 is your year.
Give us a call for all of your real estate needs. We are Boulders Best boutique real estate brokerage since 1992 helping buyers, sellers and investors in the Boulder County real estate market. To get started complete one of the questionnaires on our homepage.
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