Transitioning to a New Home
The Sundance Film Festival is preparing for a historic transition as it moves its operations to Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 edition. After a 45-year tenure in Park City, Utah, the festival, founded by Robert Redford, will take place from January 21-31, 2027, across central Boulder. Organizers are now turning their attention to the essential task of staffing, with volunteer applications scheduled to open on August 31, 2026.
Brian Marquez, senior volunteer manager at Sundance, noted that the festival aims to fill more than 2,000 positions, spanning roles in media relations, customer service, ushering, and venue operations. The recruitment process is designed to handle thousands of applications, with a dedicated team of coordinators preparing to conduct interviews and guide prospective volunteers through the requirements.
Logistics and Community Integration
The relocation to Boulder presents significant logistical challenges, particularly regarding housing. To accommodate an expected influx of 85,000 in-person attendees, the city of Boulder implemented a new short-term rental licensing policy in April 2026. This measure expands the available lodging stock by allowing second homes and tenant-occupied properties to enter the market during the festival dates.
For volunteers, the festival is implementing a centralized approach. A “Volunteer Village” will be established in Longmont, utilizing a cluster of nearby hotels to house out-of-state and international participants. While the festival cannot guarantee housing for local residents from the Denver or Boulder areas, the proximity of venues in Boulder—including the Chautauqua Auditorium, the Boulderado Hotel, and the Boulder Public Library—is expected to foster a more cohesive volunteer community than was possible in Park City.
Preparation and Expectations
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend a series of virtual information sessions throughout September 2026. These sessions, which are free to the public, provide detailed insights into the time commitments and responsibilities associated with the festival. Applicants are advised that the roles require serious dedication, with Marquez emphasizing that the organization seeks individuals motivated by the spirit of service rather than those looking for exclusive access to celebrity events.
The festival’s move is viewed as a strategic economic shift, with Boulder officials anticipating a significant boost to the local economy, mirroring the $196 million in revenue the festival generated for Park City in its final year there. For the Sundance Institute, the 2027 event represents a homecoming of sorts, honoring Robert Redford’s deep historical ties to Boulder, including his academic and professional history in the area.