The Sundance Film Festival marks the first event of cinema awards season. This week-long program features dramas, documentaries, short films, episodic content, filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and more. Since its 1985 founding, the festival has occurred in the idyllic town of Park City, Utah. All may change in 2027—and weed stands to benefit.
RELATED: Famed weed product revived under well-known alias
Sundance announced that it will begin exploring new locations for when its Park City contract times out in 2026, citing growth beyond the small mountain hamlet.
“We are thrilled with the vitality we see in independent filmmaking and want to assure the continuous discovery and support of independent artists and audiences our Festival is known for,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute board chair, in a press release.
Finding the next Sundance city
Localities were invited to submit proposals explaining why they would make the best host city. By July, the race was narrowed down to six cities: Atalnta, Boulder, Cincinnati, Louisville, Santa Fe, and, of course, Park City/Salt Lake City. This month, the list was cut to three, with two being legal weed states.
The top three finalists for Sundance 2027 are Park City, Utah, Boulder, Colo., and Cincinnati, Ohio. Those in Boulder and Cincinnati are excited to welcome the reputation of Sundance and the economic expansion that may come with being selected as the winner. People hoping to attend the festival are eager, too.
Moving the fest from Utah could open doors for the weed in sponsored and unsponsored Sundance events. Selecting a state with adult-use cannabis, especially an established one like Colorado, opens the potential for infused fine dining events, cannabis mocktails at the bar, and more.
The Sundance Institute considers each city’s hospitality infrastructure, current artistic culture, and economic departments. Representatives have visited each proposed location, and intend to announce the winner at the dawn of 2025.
RELATED: “Disrupted”: long term pot use has unwanted impact
Boulder and Cincinnati Mayors are “excited” and “ecstatic” at getting this far. However, a joint statement from SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Park City Mayor Nann Worel issued a joint statement implying they don’t plan on letting the festival go just yet.
“We are eager to forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience. With our extensive event infrastructure, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, we’re ready to help Sundance shine on the global stage,” they concluded.
