Whether you’re a hardcore movie buff or a casual lover of film, there is something for you at the Sundance Film Festival. The Festival, which is the most prestigious film festival in the United States, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and laid-back vibe.
Sundance acts as a clearinghouse for the best independent filmmakers and acting talent in the world. Filmmakers strive to be among the two-to-three percent of films chosen to screen, and big production houses jostle to sign on new talent and purchase the best movies. The Festival overflows with infectious energy, and festival-goers return year after year to soak in the down-to-earth yet glitzy vibe of Park City, Utah’s most famous mountain town.
Is this your first year going to Sundance? Here’s how to glam it up at this year’s Festival.
Secure Lodging
The Sundance Film Festival draws over 125,000 attendees to Park City, creating a surge in accommodation demands. While last-minute lodging might be available, it's advisable to book in advance. For special events or holiday periods, I strongly recommend securing lodging at least 6 months ahead of your travel dates, particularly considering Sundance falls smack in the middle of ski season!
Park City's downtown is quaint and beautiful, but it faces challenges in handling the influx of traffic during large events. Street parking is both scarce and expensive, making lodging choices critical for attendees. The top options are within walking distance of historic downtown Park City or along the free shuttle route. However, if being in the thick of the action is your preference, a condo or room in the Galleria or Town Lift condos downtown is ideal. With its compact, walkable layout, attendees can easily access the Festival’s main theaters and events on foot.
Additionally, being downtown puts you close to the vibrant scene of parties, red-carpet celebrity sightings, and some of the finest dining and drinking spots the town has to offer. Park Station condos offer the best of both worlds. These condos have all the comforts of home, are just a short walk from Main Street, and are conveniently located near the Park Station East shuttle stop.
If you're keen on some relaxation during your stay, book a little further out from downtown. The Festival’s free shuttle route runs daily until the wee hours of the morning and is the fastest and easiest way to get around. It’s also a great place to chat with fellow moviegoers and catch the latest buzz on which films to see, which to skip, and where to find that perfect lunch burrito.
Snag Tickets
Seeing the up-and-coming films at the Sundance Film Festival requires either a pass or individual movie tickets. Snagging tickets takes a bit of finesse and perseverance, but with these two qualities, you’ll be able to get into almost any film you’d like to see.
A limited number of public ticket packages and passes will be available to purchase (at last year's prices starting) on July 23, 2024. The Festival Package offers 10 in-person tickets, the Salt Lake City Pass provides priority access for all Salt Lake City screenings, and the Utah Locals Ticket Package with early access to ticket selection for 10 screenings. General ticket sales will come later this fall.
Where to Eat
For a small mountain town, Park City knows how to delight your taste buds with everything from quick meals to elegant, multi-course affairs. There are nearly 200 restaurants in Park City, and if eating well is on your list of “must-do’s” during the Sundance Film Festival, it pays to do a little legwork ahead of time.
The Park City Area Restaurant Association is a great place to start your research. Their directory can be sorted by what type of food you're in the mood for, whether it's family-friendly or adult-only, and other features.
Secure your reservations well in advance of the Festival itself (many restaurants in Park City are on Open Table, making this process easy and quick). If you haven’t booked your table, opt for more casual dining or try your luck at scoring a table on a no-show reservation. Be sure to call in advance to make sure the restaurant is serving the public that night—some establishments close to host private sponsor parties during the Festival.
One last quick tip: to stave off hunger throughout the day, stock up on snacks. Park City has Whole Foods, Smiths, and several small markets.
What to Wear
Queuing is part of the culture at the Sundance Film Festival, and whether you’re waiting for tickets or a dinner table, you’ll want to be warm. Park City is known for its casual elegance; use this to your advantage by layering your clothing to fend off the chill.
Long, warm jackets are de rigueur on the streets of Park City. Pair the jacket with lightweight wool leggings or long underwear under your outfit to keep your legs and core warm while you wait. You’ll also want to keep your tootsies warm and dry with insulated and waterproof boots.
Glamour and celebrity mix with raw talent and the creative fringe at the Sundance Film Festival. This year, join the party with a trip to Park City to experience the passion and skill of the world’s best independent filmmakers.
About Sarah Sheehy
Sara Sheehy is a writer who travels the world, seeking wild places and great stories. She loves discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, starting conversations with strangers, and goin on road trips. When she's not traveling, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho.