Sundance is officially coming to Boulder in 2027, and while there's plenty of excitement with this development, it naturally brings up a few questions. Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) signed HB25-1005 into law April 8, providing a tax incentive for existing festivals across the state and giving a $34 million tax incentive for the Sundance Film Festival. Most importantly, what does this mean for the economy and real estate market. There will certainly be impacts, but what does that actually look like?
job creation and small businesses:
Sundance is no small event. Tens of thousands of visitors will be coming to Boulder for the festival. They'll be booking hotels, eating at local restaurants, shopping in town. It’s expected to bring in over $100 million for Colorado’s economy and could create more than 1,000 new jobs. January isn’t the busiest time in Boulder, but that’s when the festival will hit, and it will affect local business. Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and even ski rental spots in nearby towns will likely see a nice bump during what’s usually a slow season. That's a big deal!
real estate impacts:
With a huge surge in visitors, you can bet that short-term rentals are going to be in high demand. Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners could see a spike in bookings, and they'll probably raise their rates during the festival weeks. We all know that Boulder’s already a pretty desirable place to live. But with Sundance in town, it might get even hotter on the real estate radar. Investors, second-home buyers, and folks who want to be near the action may start looking for homes in the area, especially in walkable, central neighborhoods. We could see a big boost to the real estate market, making this an even more popular place to buy a home.
economic growth:
In 2024, the film festival brought in $132 million to Utah's economy. While that exact number might not be what Boulder receives, it's pretty good indicator of what's to come. It's estimated that the first year alone could bring $100 million in. And it's not just Boulder. The economic impact of Sundance is expected to extend into other cities, benefiting neighboring communities such as Estes Park, Fort Collins, Denver, and Longmont. These areas are also going to see increased tourism and business opportunities during the festival.
changes to infrastructure
At the moment, that's unclear. But hosting a festival this size. More than likely, Boulder will probably need to invest in some upgrades. Things like better transit options, venue improvements, and maybe even more hotel space. That might sound like a headache now, but it could leave the city better equipped for the future.
boulder arts and the university of colorado:
Hosting Sundance puts Boulder on the map in a whole new way, giving local artists, musicians, and filmmakers a bigger stage while drawing fresh creative energy into the city. With more screenings, pop-ups, panels, and parties, Boulder’s cultural scene is set to level up. Additionally, CU Boulder is already exploring partnerships that could lead to internships, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. Whether you’re a film student or just a movie lover, this is exciting stuff.
the bottom line:
Sundance coming to Boulder is a major win. And not just for film fans, but for the local economy, real estate market, and the city’s creative scene too. It’ll bring a ton of energy, opportunity, money, and maybe a few growing pains. But all in all, it’s shaping up to be a seriously exciting chapter for Boulder!
