Sundance Film Festival Begins Its Colorado Era Ahead of 2027 Boulder Debut

For more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival has called Park City, Utah home. That changes in 2027, when one of the world’s most influential celebrations of independent film officially relocates to Boulder, Colorado.

The inaugural Colorado edition of the Sundance Film Festival will take place January 21 through January 31, 2027, bringing filmmakers, actors, artists, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the world to Boulder. The move marks a new chapter for the Festival while continuing its long tradition of championing independent storytelling.

While January may still feel a long way off, Sundance is already giving Colorado audiences a taste of what’s to come. Throughout the summer, the Festival is partnering with local organizations for screenings, concerts, festivals, and community events across the Front Range.

Boulder Theater photo by Eddie Clark

Sundance Comes to Colorado This Summer

Several events have already taken place, but there are still opportunities to experience Sundance programming before the Festival officially arrives next winter.

Andrea Gibson: Love Letter from the Afterlife
July 5 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

One of Colorado’s most anticipated cultural events of the summer celebrates the life and work of beloved Colorado poet Andrea Gibson. The evening features the Colorado Symphony performing original music alongside Gibson’s poetry, with appearances by poet Megan Falley and singer-songwriters Sara Bareilles and Chris Pureka. The event is presented by AEG in association with the Sundance Film Festival and several Colorado community partners.

Film on the Rocks: Little Miss Sunshine
July 13 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

To celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, Sundance is partnering with Denver Film for a special screening of Little Miss Sunshine, which originally premiered at Sundance in 2006.

The evening includes appearances by directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, an opening performance by Wheelchair Sports Camp, and a headlining set from Denver favorites DeVotchKa before the movie begins.

Earlier Summer Sundance Events

Before July, Sundance also partnered on several Colorado events introducing audiences to the Festival, including:

• A screening of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions at MCA Holiday Theater featuring filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and several guest speakers.
• Outside Days: The Best Summer, Tamra Davis’ documentary celebrating 1990s alternative music featuring Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Beck, Bikini Kill, Pavement, Rancid, and more.
• Community appearances at Longmont Pride, Boulder Pridefest, Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver Pridefest, and Outside Days.
  Looking Ahead to Sundance 2027

The Festival has already announced many of the official Boulder venues for its first Colorado edition. Screenings and events will take place throughout downtown Boulder and the University of Colorado campus, including Boulder Theater, Chautauqua Auditorium, Dairy Arts Center, Macky Auditorium, Cinemark Century Boulder, eTown Hall, Boulder High School, and several CU Boulder venues.

More Ways to Experience Sundance This Summer

The Sundance Film Festival is also making appearances at several community events throughout Boulder and the surrounding area this July. Stop by the Sundance booth to learn more about the Festival’s move to Colorado, pick up information, and connect with the team before the 2027 Festival arrives.

Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 17 – 19 – Pearl Street Mall, Boulder

Stroll through one of Boulder’s signature summer art festivals featuring sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more from artists across the region. The Sundance Film Festival will have a booth throughout the weekend to share information about its upcoming Boulder debut.

Hours:
Friday, July 17: 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 19: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Boulder Farmers Market
July 22 & 29 – Downtown Boulder

A longtime Boulder tradition since 1987, the Boulder Farmers Market brings together local farmers, food producers, artisans, and community members every Wednesday. While you’re shopping for fresh local produce and handmade goods, stop by the Sundance booth to learn more about the Festival coming to Boulder in January 2027.

Hours:
Wednesday, July 22: 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29: 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Broomfield Area Bites & Brews
July 23 – Blue Sport Stable, Superior

This annual tasting event showcases local restaurants, caterers, breweries, and nonprofit organizations from across the region. Festival representatives will be on hand at the Sundance booth throughout the evening.

Hours: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Louisville Street Faire
July 24 – Steinbaugh Pavilion, Louisville

Enjoy live music, local food, drinks, shopping, family activities, and community fun at one of Louisville’s most popular summer traditions. Be sure to stop by the Sundance Film Festival booth while you’re there.

Hours: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Erie Concert in the Park
July 25 – Coal Creek Park, Erie

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music from Boogie Machine, along with food trucks, a beer garden, and community activities. The Sundance Film Festival booth will also be on site to share information about the Festival’s move to Colorado.

Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Sundance Film Festival 2024 – Boulder Venues

The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will take place across downtown Boulder and the University of Colorado Boulder campus, with screenings, panels, and events hosted at a variety of theaters, auditoriums, and community venues.

Here’s a look at the official venues announced so far:

• Boedecker Theater – Dairy Arts Center
• Boulder High School Auditorium
• Boulder Public Library – Canyon Theater
• Boulder Theater
• Casey Middle School Auditorium
• Chautauqua Auditorium
• Cinemark Century Boulder
• eTown Hall
• Gordon Gamm Theater – Dairy Arts Center
• Macky Auditorium Concert Hall – University of Colorado Boulder
• Muenzinger Auditorium – University of Colorado Boulder
• Old Main – University of Colorado Boulder
• Roe Green Theatre – University of Colorado Boulder

As additional programming, ticket information, volunteer opportunities, and special events are announced throughout the year, excitement is only expected to grow.

For Colorado film fans, this isn’t just a change of address. It’s the beginning of a new era that puts one of independent cinema’s biggest annual events right in our backyard.

Visit the official Sundance Film Festival website for more information.

Check out other entertainment and posts about Colorado!

Greeblehaus is a Denver-based music and travel blog sharing concert photography, reviews, and stories from live music across Colorado and beyond. You can find more upcoming shows in our Denver concert calendar.