2026 Sundance Film Festival, How to Fest in Park City, Utah
I am one of the emotional ones and I’m sadly reporting this is your last “How to Fest” in Park City… Since I grew up in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival will always hold special memories for me. As a local high school student, we were given access to meet actors, actresses, and producers. I volunteered a couple of years, I was a pro-attendee for a few, and even worked in a festival with the PR company I worked for out of Los Angeles… before I digress….
Is this your first time attending the Festival? Read the beginner’s guide from Sundance Institute here.
The dates: January 22 – February 1, 2026.
Mark your calendar with the important dates below.
Single Film Ticket Sale Begins: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10 a.m MT
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*
*Dates may vary for Sundance Film Festival Industry Office and Sundance Institute Press Office members. Photos and information courtesy Sundance Institude.
The 2026 42nd Sundance Film Festival — celebrates independent storytelling through world premieres, documentaries, shorts, episodic projects, panels, talks, and more. It’s a major launchpad for films seeking critical attention and industry buzz.
The official lineup. 90+ feature films and numerous shorts and episodic works from storytellers around the world. Most films are world premieres — a Sundance hallmark.
Range of Selections. From narratives, documentaries, and genre pieces — to features from established artists and first-time filmmakers alike.
Notable premieres. Watch for films with high-profile talent (Jenna Ortega, Charli XCX, Seth Rogen, Russell Crowe, and Ethan Hawke).
Films expected to premiere at Sundance 2026 include:
Cookie Queens — documentary with executive producers Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions.
One in a Million — World Cinema Documentary premiere.
Once Upon a Time in Harlem — historical documentary world premiere.
The Best Summer — music-culture documentary in the Midnight section.
A daily series of conversations with filmmakers, actors, writers, and creators runs mid-festival.
The festival will pay tribute to Robert Redford, Sundance’s founder (who passed away in 2025), with restored classic film screenings and talks about his impact.
Watch for a curated “Park City Legacy Program” presents iconic films from Sundance’s history — Little Miss Sunshine, American Dream, Saw, Half Nelson, and more — celebrating decades of independent cinema in Park City.
Join the e-waitlist. If a screening is sold out, register through the Sundance app early on the day of and often you can still attend due to no-shows.
Skip renting a car in Park City, use the bus. Traffic is heavy and parking limited. Use Park City’s free transit system to reach venues — it’s frequent and covers all major festival sites.
Dress for winter. Always wear Black. Sundance is January in the mountains — layers, warm boots, gloves, and hand warmers are essentials when you're out walking between venues or wait for waitlist check-ins. If you're not a PIB, you're not part of the true "Fest" crowd (if you know you know!).
Festival store & merch. Pick up a beanie, poster, or tee at official festival shops — pro tip: check online before you go.
Come with an open mind and happy attitude. Chat with everyone! You’ll watch inspiring, challenging, mind-stretching films - some good, some exceptional. Some not. And the people you meet will depend on how open you are to meeting new people and striking up a fun conversation!
Egyptian Theatre. This Historic Main Street venue will not be hosting any films this year! Instead watch for their music line-up, special Q&As, and legacy screenings.
Sundance isn’t just movies — it’s a cultural festival with talks, parties, panels, and local culture.
Beyond Film Talks & Panels. Dive into conversations with creatives, industry leaders, and innovators — usually free with registration and packed with insights into storytelling, art, and technology. These are held at spaces like the Sheraton Park City / Filmmaker Lodge throughout the festival.
Historic Main Street close to vehicles and becomes a social hub during Sundance. Great for pedestrian strolls, window shopping, pop-up lounges, private screenings, peruse through galleries and special curated art installations, and street activations, adding to vibrancy and fun between screenings.
Salt Lake City. Movie screenings in the valley may offer easier access for locals or extended date flexibility.
Eat & Explore. Park City’s restaurants and après festival experiences are part of the Sundance vibe — cozy dinners, chef pop-ups, and local flavors elevate your visit.
Nightlife & Parties. Venues like Park City Live host music, DJs, and festival parties synced with Sundance energy — these are great spots to mix with other festivalgoers after screenings.
Perfect time to Ski. Nearby ski resorts - Deer Valley and Park City Mountain are nearby and tend to be quieter since most visitors are festival goers!
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival — one of the biggest events in independent cinema and a major cultural moment for Park City, Utah and the film world. This edition is the final Sundance Film Festival to be held in Utah before a planned move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027, making this year historic and especially emotional for longtime attendees and locals.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Reviewing the most current stats with Liza Story and Summit Sotheby's International Realty
With over 400 miles of single track trails in the Park City area, the options are endless.
Deer Valley isn’t just one of the best ski destinations in the country — it’s also one of the most desirable places to own real estate.
Selling your home or investment property is a big financial decision — and how you approach it can make all the difference in the results.
Pack your bags, these beaches are less that four hour flight time!
Park City’s real estate market remains resilient despite global economic uncertainty, with a 15% increase in closed sales across Greater Park City.
From Zion National Park, to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches, these are a must visit.
Donate your time and efforts to help others in need.
Get In Touch With Liza To Learn More
