Boulder, Colorado, has officially been selected to host the renowned Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027, as announced on March 27. This decision concludes a year-long search, prompting festival veterans to reminisce about their favorite spots in Park City. Notably, the choice of Boulder reflects various similarities to Sundance’s previous venue, contributing to its selection.
Central to Boulder is Pearl Street, which will transform into the festival’s new Main Street, bustling with shops and eateries that can easily be repurposed into venues like the Chase Sapphire Lounge—where patrons can sip drinks while dodging unwanted conversations. While attendees will gaze at the iconic Flatirons instead of the Wasatch Mountains, they can expect the same vibrant atmosphere. The Boulder Theater, akin to Park City’s Egyptian Theater, will be a prime photo opportunity for Instagram, even if most visitors may not step inside. Additionally, travelers can anticipate a one-hour commute from the airport to their hotels.
However, several differences set Boulder apart from Park City.
Park City has been synonymous with luxury vacation homes owned by Hollywood elites and tech moguls, while Boulder thrives as a quintessential college town. This demographic shift is evident in housing prices: as reported by Realtor.com, the median home price in Park City was $2.2 million in February 2025, compared to Boulder’s $800,000. This change may influence the festival’s audience, transitioning from affluent attendees to younger, excitable students seeking extra credit for course requirements.
Below is a preliminary overview of what to expect from the 2027 Sundance Film Festival in Boulder.
Most Elusive Reservations for Attendees
Say goodbye to Riverhorse and Grappa. With a Michelin star and several James Beard accolades, dining at Frasca Food and Wine will undoubtedly be a sought-after experience. Other highly coveted reservations include the farm-to-table Bramble & Hare, the meat-centric Steakhouse No. 316, elevated Mexican eatery Cozobi Fonda Fina, and the tapas spot Corrida, famed for its stunning views of the Flatirons and delicious Queso Asado.
Hotspots for Back-to-Back Screenings
Although official theaters for the 2027 festival have yet to be named, accommodating venues with significant seating capacity were crucial in Boulder’s selection. One prime candidate is the Macky Auditorium at CU Boulder, featuring over 2,000 seats. Furthermore, its college campus location ensures proximity to convenient dining options like Chipotle and Panda Express.
Photo credit: Reilly Kaczmarek/Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival
Where to Ski While “Taking Meetings”
In Park City, the ski lift on Main Street served as a convenient escape during festival downtime, while Deer Valley was known for its celebrity sightings. In Boulder, attendees can head to Eldora Ski Resort, located approximately 35 minutes from downtown. For those relying on public transport, a direct bus service connects Boulder to the mountain area. Currently, a one-day pass for Eldora is $99, significantly lower than Deer Valley’s $289 price as of April 2025. Eldora offers 53 ski trails, with larger resorts like Arapahoe Basin and Vail requiring longer travel times of up to three hours round trip.
Accommodations for Festival-Goers
Accommodations in Boulder will appeal to a wider audience with more affordable housing options compared to Park City’s luxury hotels like St. Regis and Montage. The boutique St. Julien Hotel, featuring only 201 rooms, and the charming Boulderado will likely experience high demand, while the Four Seasons in Denver remains a fallback for those seeking upscale lodging.
Your New Nightlife Options
Boulder’s vibrant college scene guarantees a diverse array of dive bars. On your nightly outings, Sundown Saloon (offering pool and pitchers), Jungle (serving Mai Tais), and Bohemian Biergarten (a European-style beer hall) may replace the No Name Saloon and High West. Additionally, with Colorado legalizing recreational cannabis in 2012, visitors can easily explore dispensaries, including locally-loved 14er, known for its quality flower and extracts.
Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images
Where to Grab a Quick Meal
Among the challenges for any festival attendee, obtaining a quick meal is paramount. Fortunately, Boulder boasts numerous dining establishments well-suited for festival-goers. The Sink, a popular spot for burgers and beers, is just a short walk from the Macky. For a broader selection, head to Avanti on Pearl Street, which offers pizza, ramen, and more in a food hall setting. Additionally, Mustard’s Last Stand and Cheba Hut provide convenient options for a quick bite on the run.