Boulder Issued Licenses for Sundance Film Festival
The city approved over 1,500 local homes for lodging to prepare for the upcoming 2027 film event.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cultural
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The City of Boulder has approved 1,525 residential properties for short-term festival lodging as part of a new program. The initiative aims to expand housing capacity ahead of the 2027 Sundance Film Festival.
Why it matters
The program was launched to address the high demand for accommodations during the festival. It provides a structured way for residents to host visitors while creating necessary capacity for the influx of attendees.
Official data shows 1,525 homes were approved for festival lodging with a $75 annual permit. Airbnb search volume for Boulder specifically for the festival period rose 500% compared to the previous year.
The players
City of Boulder
This is the municipal government agency responsible for issuing festival lodging licenses and establishing rental pricing benchmarks.
Sundance Film Festival
This is an international film festival that is moving its host location to Boulder for the 2027 iteration.
The details
Homeowners who secured a license may rent their properties for up to 29 days per year. To guide local pricing, the city suggests nightly rates of $250 to $300 for one-bedroom units, totaling approximately $1,995 for a one-week stay.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The city had issued or received applications for 1,848 festival lodging licenses.
October 15, 2026: Sundance Film Festival tickets are scheduled to go on sale.
2027: The Sundance Film Festival is slated to take place in Boulder.
Industry Dynamics
The city established its local rental pricing benchmarks by following the framework utilized in Park City. This shift reflects broader efforts to accommodate the logistical needs of large-scale cultural events as the festival transitions to a new host site.
Attendees can look for a wider range of housing options across local residential neighborhoods during the festival. For those planning to visit, the city recommends budgeting approximately $1,995 for a one-week stay in a one-bedroom rental unit.
The takeaway
The move helps balance local rental inventory with the high demand typical of large festivals. Residents participating in the program should ensure they comply with the 29-day annual limit set by the city's new licensing framework.
What happens next
Sundance Film Festival tickets are set to go on sale to the public on October 15, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local events in Boulder Cultural.
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