Sundance Film Festival
- Val Douroux
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Sundance Film Festival is happening next week and here's everything you need to know: Sundance takes place Thursday, January 22–Sunday, February 1, 2026 in Park City, Salt Lake City Utah, and online. From film premieres to parties, panels and free swag, here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Sundance Film Festival's last year in the state of Utah.
KEY DATES
Sundance Film Festival: Thursday, January 22–Sunday, February 1, 2026
First Half: Thursday, January 22–Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Second Half: Wednesday, January 28–Sunday, February 1, 2026
Online Festival Screenings: Thursday, January 29–Sunday, February 1, 2026*
INTEL
Sundance is one of top 5 Oscar qualifying film festivals in the world. Every January, the festival premieres films from all over the world from shorts to features in the categories: US Films & World Premieres: Drama, Documentary, Horror (midnight), Shorts, Kids & New Frontier (technology). Read all about the films here.
In addition to film screenings, famous filmmakers and celebrities can be seen live at Q & As after the film, walking up and down Main Street from venue to venue for an interview with Variety of Q & A or man on the street news/interviews with The Juice Box. Interact with art installations and brand activations. Treat yourself to a nice restaurant on Main Street or shopping at Meredith Marks. The Hollywood buzz is here and happening Sundance week.
The best place to see a film & celebrities at Sundance is Main Street, Park City. The best film premieres happening at The Egyptian Theater. Read the film schedule here.
MAIN STREET
The heart of the festival is on Main Street in Park City Utah. The crown jewel is the Egyptian Theater. Only second to Meredith Mark's (Real Housewives of SLC) shop. Every venue offers something cool.
Co-Op
The Co-Op is the place to get free schwag. Sundance Partner Brands take over the space, offering goods, games and a fun interactive brand experience. I've gotten everything from a Canada Goose beanie to water bottles and really cute souvenirs for friends and family. It's a nice place to rest your feet, and there’s always a fun photo opportunity.
There’s a Sundance booth where you can get a free Sundance water bottle and fill up with Brita filtered water. I love that they do a great job reducing plastic here.
Filmmakers Lodge
The filmmakers lodge is where real good talk happens. sophisticated film talk happens. I even saw Jackie Chan here once. This year here, you'll find Elijah Wood and Ava Duverny, as well as a panel discussing the Salmon Rushdee documentary.
It's a nice multi-story space to get warm, read the daily trades, gather practical swag, and meet interesting people. In the past, they've had a Brita filter for Good water bottle refill station, Revlon make-up, Film Utah, coffee/cocoa, & places to rest for a min.
Check out the Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM). A fair amount of events require a badge, ticket or invite, but some allow you to RSVP or free admission.
Hot Tip:
Bring lots of water, sunscreen, chapstick and weed. It's very dry & high in Utah.
Lodging
The best lodging is on Main Street. I love The Olympic Village. It's always great to book an Airbnb or VRBO with friends, but if you haven't booked yet, the best/most affordable option is stay in Salt Lake City. My favorite hotels in SLC are The Grand America & Little America.
Transportation
There's a UTA bus from SLC - Park City in the morning, afternoon and evening. Once you're in Park City, there are free shuttles busses that shuttle people from venue to venue. There's also a free trolley that loops Main St. Utah's public transportation UTA Route 902 has a bus from SLC - PC on the hour between 5am-8am and night buses one the hour from PC - SLC 2:40pm - 7pm. $5-10.
Once in Park City, there are busses, trolleys, UBER and LYFT. I prefer to drive my own car. Driving is the safest, warmest, and best way to get to Park City. 4WD recommended. Necessary on snowy days. The closest parking lot is off Main St. Parking lots near Main St. cost $40. Beware of neighborhood signs. They tow.
You can't come to Utah and not ski. Are you crazy?! Well, this year, the snow is not so great, but if you have the time, there's a lift on Main St. into Park City Mountain Resort. Nearby resorts: Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Snowbasin.
You can also swim inside The Crater. Super rare experience. The Crater is an inactive volcano that's geothermal heat keeps it nice for swimming and scuba diving.
Check out my Sundance Festival map.
Share it with a friend, and enjoy the festival!
See you at Sundance,
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