Key Dates and Festival Format
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 22 to February 1 in Park City and Salt Lake City venues. The festival will feature premieres, retrospectives, and special events honoring the festival’s history before its move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
- Premieres: Scheduled from January 22 to 27, attendees will see feature-length films, episodic projects, and other proposals for the first time.
- Commemorative Block: Starting January 28, the festival will open a commemorative block celebrating over 40 years of independent cinema screened in Park City, featuring special functions, talks, and legacy events.
- Online Screenings: For those unable to travel to Utah, Sundance will offer online screenings from January 29 to February 1, focusing on the five competitive sections, including NEXT, with early access for press and industry professionals starting January 28.
A Tribute to Robert Redford’s Vision
The 2026 festival will emphasize honoring Robert Redford’s influence and his commitment to fostering new voices and creative risk-taking. Special moments will be included in the programming, with an official celebration on January 23 at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, a benefit event to raise funds for Sundance Institute programs throughout the year.
What to Expect in the 2026 Program
The complete selection includes over 90 feature films and more than 50 shorts, along with the Beyond Film series featuring conversations and encounters with prominent creators and artists. The organizers have announced participation from both emerging talents and established filmmakers.
Main Street will once again be pedestrianized during the festival, reinforcing the community atmosphere that has characterized Sundance. The 2026 edition will incorporate archive screenings, restorations, and special events to celebrate the films and experiences that defined the festival and its cultural impact over the decades.
This year marks the final Sundance in Park City, a farewell that the organizers present as an opportunity to express gratitude to the local community, volunteers, artists, and audiences who contributed to the festival’s growth.
Venues and Spaces
In Park City, screenings will take place at venues such as the Eccles Theatre, Holiday Village Cinemas, Library Center Theatre, The Ray Theatre, Redstone Cinemas, and the return of The Yarrow Theatre.
In Salt Lake City, attendees can visit the Broadway Centre Cinemas and Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.
The Sheraton Park City will host the festival’s central headquarters as well as the Artist, Industry, and Press Hub.
Awards and Logistics
The jury and audience awards ceremony will be held on January 30 at The Ray Theatre. Early hotel booking is recommended, as Utah experiences high demand during the festival in January.
The Sundance Film Festival 2026 presents itself as both a closing celebration and a bridge to a new chapter, reaffirming its role as one of the world’s leading showcases for independent cinema.
Key Questions and Answers
- When and where will the 2026 Sundance Film Festival take place? The festival will run from January 22 to February 1, with venues in Park City and Salt Lake City.
- What will the 2026 festival focus on? The festival will honor Robert Redford’s legacy and the history of Sundance before its move to Boulder, Colorado.
- What types of screenings and events can attendees expect? The festival will feature premieres, retrospectives, special events, and online screenings.
- What is the significance of the 2026 festival being the last in Park City? It is a farewell that expresses gratitude to the local community and marks a new chapter for Sundance.
