The 2026 Festival Experience: Dates and Venues
For its final bow in the Wasatch Mountains, Sundance retains its hybrid format, ensuring accessibility for global audiences while maintaining the exclusive allure of its physical events. The festival hub remains the Eccles Theatre and the historic Egyptian Theatre, where standing ovations have launched countless careers.
Key Dates:
In-Person Festival: January 22 – February 1, 2026
Online Screening Window: January 29 – February 1, 2026
Awards Ceremony: January 30, 2026
Attendees navigating the snowy streets of Park City for the last time are seeing a convergence of nostalgia and innovation. While the physical premieres drive the buzz and acquisition market, the digital platform allows cinephiles worldwide to stream select U.S. Dramatic Competition and World Cinema titles from home.
2026 Lineup Highlights: Star Power and Provocateurs
The 2026 program is characterized by a mix of high-profile returns and daring debuts. This year, the festival explores themes of artificial intelligence, celebrity culture, and political resilience.
Must-Watch Premieres
| Film Title | Director | Key Cast/Subjects | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Moment | Aidan Zamiri | Charli XCX, Rachel Sennott | Premieres (Mockumentary) |
| The Gallerist | Cathy Yan | Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega | U.S. Dramatic |
| I Want Your Sex | Gregg Araki | Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman | Midnight |
| Knife | Alex Gibney | Salman Rushdie | U.S. Documentary |
| The Brittney Griner Story | TBA | Brittney Griner | Documentary Premieres |
Charli XCX has emerged as a dominant force at this year’s festival, starring in multiple projects including the highly anticipated mockumentary The Moment. Meanwhile, queer cinema pioneer Gregg Araki returns to the Midnight section, revisiting the transgressive energy that made him a Sundance icon in the 90s.
Market Trends: Acquisitions and the AI Conversation
The business side of Sundance is evolving. While the “gold rush” era of streaming acquisitions has stabilized, high-quality titles continue to command significant deals. Neon made headlines early in the festival with a reported $15-17 million acquisition of the horror film Together, signaling that theatrical potential still drives the biggest checks.
The Rise of AI in Filmmaking
Reflecting broader industry anxieties and opportunities, the 2026 program features The AI Doc by Daniel Roher (director of Navalny). Panels at the Filmmaker Lodge are heavily focused on the ethical use of generative AI in scriptwriting and post-production, a contentious topic following recent industry strikes.
The End of an Era: Moving to Boulder in 2027
Perhaps the most discussed topic in the shuttle buses and coffee shops is the impending relocation. After over four decades in Utah, the Sundance Institute announced that starting in 2027, the festival will move to Boulder, Colorado. This decision aims to revitalize the festival’s infrastructure and accessibility.
- Legacy: Park City transformed from a quiet ski town to the epicenter of indie film under Robert Redford’s vision.
- Future: Boulder promises a more condensed, walkable festival footprint and strong alignment with environmental sustainability values.
How to Navigate the Final Park City Festival
For those attending in person, logistics are critical. The free festival shuttle system remains the lifeline for moving between venues like the Ray Theatre and Redstone Cinemas. Ticket packages for 2026 saw high demand, particularly for the “Locals” packages and the all-access Express Pass.
Pro-Tip for Online Viewers: Virtual tickets for the 2026 online platform are limited per screening. It is highly recommended to book your slots immediately when the selection window opens to ensure access to award-winners.
Sources & References
- •
Sundance Institute. ‘2026 Festival Program Guide.’ Sundance.org. - •
Screen Daily. ‘Sundance 2026 Acquisitions and Market Report.’ January 2026. - •
The Guardian. ‘Charli XCX and Natalie Portman Lead 2026 Sundance Lineup.’ December 2025. - •
Los Angeles Times. ‘Sundance prepares for final Park City bow.’ December 2025.
