Boulder Opens Festival Lodging Licenses for Sundance
Homeowners and tenants may rent out their homes during the 2027 Sundance Film Festival under a new city license.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cultural
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The City of Boulder created the Festival Lodging Rental License for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, allowing residents to rent their homes for 29 days or fewer per year during the event. More than 1,800 festival lodging applications had been submitted as of Oct. 22.
Why it matters
The city created the license to support the local economy and reduce climate and traffic impact during the festival. The rental period covers the festival's run for Boulder residents seeking to earn income from visitors.
The license permits rentals of 29 days or fewer per year from Jan. 11 to Feb. 9, 2027, and the city averages 40 applications per week. Final approval counts have not been reported.
The players
City of Boulder
The Colorado city that created the Festival Lodging Rental License and processes applications for it.
Visit Boulder
The official destination marketing partner for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, with partnership agreements with Airbnb and property management companies.
Airbnb
The short-term rental platform with which Visit Boulder has a partnership agreement for festival lodging.
The details
Applications are processed over several weeks, and Visit Boulder has partnered with Airbnb and several property management companies. Marquee Stays will apply for licenses on behalf of partnered renters.
Timeline
Oct. 22, 2026: More than 1,800 festival lodging applications submitted
Jan. 11, 2027: Festival lodging rental period begins
Feb. 9, 2027: Festival lodging rental period ends
Cultural Context
Boulder's 29-day license exceeds the 14-day limit under IRS Section 280A(g), which lets homeowners exclude rental income from federal taxes for up to 14 days per year. The city's license therefore extends rental activity well beyond that federal threshold during the festival window.
Boulder homeowners and tenants who receive a license can rent their home for up to 29 days during the festival window. Festival visitors will find more lodging options through Airbnb and partnered property management companies.
The takeaway
Residents considering a festival rental should weigh the 29-day license limit against the federal 14-day tax exclusion before applying. Planning ahead gives time for the weeks-long application process.
What happens next
Applications for the Festival Lodging Rental License will continue to be processed over several weeks before the Jan. 11, 2027 start of the rental period.
Further reading
Explore more cultural coverage on how Sundance shapes Boulder's economy and community life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boulder Weekly.
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