The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most anticipated film industry events, taking place annually in Park City, Utah.

From January 18-28, 2024, industry professionals, celebrities, and film enthusiasts alike will flock to the wintery event to appreciate the best independent film releases. Thousands of people from all over the world attend the festival and (data says) stay for an average of 3-4 days each, but the festival runs for 10 days and features a range of independent film screenings, as well as industry panel discussions, workshops, glamorous parties, and A-list occasions.

It’s often said that the small mountain town of Park City is transformed into a snowy playground for Hollywood, but funny enough the Sundance Film Festival was actually originally started by Robert Redford in 1980 to celebrate American and international filmmakers that were not getting enough attention from Hollywood studios.

While the focus of the festival may be the films, the party culture is also a major draw, with dozens of celebrations sponsored by big brands and industry players.

Whether you’re looking for tips on what to wear, where to stay, or where to party, we’ve got you covered in this complete guide to the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.

What to Wear to Sundance

Photo Cred: Elle Canada

Sundance is a great place to show off your creativity and style, but with the festival taking place in…*drumroll*…the mountains, it’s important to be prepared for the colder climate!

Layering is Key

One of the most important things to remember when dressing for the Sundance Film Festival is to layer. The mountain climate can be unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating throughout the day and dropping significantly at night. Not to mention long lines (depending on your guest list status) and packed rooms—it’s best to dress ready to adjust to the changing weather in order to stay comfortable.

Some layering options include:

Base Layers

You’ll inevitably be spending time outside, whether it’s waiting for the shuttle, standing in line, or walking to your next film. Especially if you have any intention of skiing, snowboarding, or other physical activity (walking up steps? you do you), the key is to start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you warm and dry.

Look for materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics that will keep you warm even if wet. Brands like Patagonia and Smartwool offer a range of base layer options that will last you forever and ever.

Mid Layers

Add a mid layer for extra warmth and insulation. Options like fleece jackets or wool sweaters are great choices, or a thin, but warm, insulated layer like the Patagonia Nano Puff. The North Face and Arc’teryx also have a variety of mid layer options.

For some après-ski chic fashion mid layers, check out brands like FERA.

Outer Layers

For your outer layer, a waterproof and windproof jacket or parka is essential. Look for a jacket with a hood to provide additional protection against the elements. Brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Arc’teryx, and Marmot offer a range of waterproof jackets. For some chic, performance-ready outerwear options, be sure to check out brands like FERA as well.

Footwear Matters

In addition to layering, it’s also important to wear the right footwear to Sundance. With the festival taking place in a mountain town, it’s likely that you’ll encounter snow and ice.

To stay warm (and avoid slips and falls) choose footwear that’s warm, waterproof, and has good traction. Aka, your UGG boots from 7th grade might not cut it. (*She shares from personal experience.)

Some footwear options to consider include:

Snow Boots

Snow boots are a great choice for keeping your feet warm and dry in the mountains. Look for boots with good traction to help prevent slips and falls. Brands like Sorel and Bogs offer a range of snow boot options for style, warmth, and waterproofing. Moon Boots are also a ski fashion classic.

Warm Socks

Don’t forget to pack warm socks to wear with your boots. No, your normal cotton socks aren’t going to cut it if you’re standing out in the cold for long periods of time. Merino wool or synthetic materials are good choices for keeping your feet warm and dry. They don’t have to be super thick either—brands like Smartwool, Darn Tough and Farm to Feet offer a variety of warm socks to choose from.

Outerwear Options

When it comes to outerwear, it’s understandable you want to choose pieces that are both fashionable and practical. After all, you want to look your best at film screenings, parties, and other events…but you also need to stay warm and protected from the elements.

Some outerwear options to consider include:

Faux Fur

Faux fur is a popular choice for Sundance Film Festival attendees, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. Look for a faux fur jacket or vest to wear over your layers for added warmth and style.

Parkas

A parka is a practical choice for the mountain climate, providing warmth and protection from the elements. Look for a parka with a hood and waterproof or water-resistant fabric to keep you dry.

Ski Gear Essentials

Ski or Snowboard Boots

If you plan on hitting the slopes during the Sundance Film Festival, you’ll need a pair of ski or snowboard boots. These boots are specifically designed for use on the mountain and will provide the support and warmth you need. Brands like Rossignol, Salomon, Burton, Ride, and more offer a range of ski and snowboard boots.

Ski Jackets

If you plan on hitting the slopes during the Sundance Film Festival, a ski jacket is a must. These jackets are specifically designed for use on the mountain and will provide the warmth and protection you need. Check out Flylow, Burton, Patagonia, FERA, and Marmot for some good options.

By dressing appropriately for the colder climate, you can fully enjoy all that the festival has to offer without sacrificing style. Remember to layer, choose warm and waterproof footwear, and opt for fashionable yet practical outerwear pieces like faux fur, puffies, or parkas. With the right outfit, you’ll be ready for any event, activity, or (fingers crossed) exclusive invite that comes your way during the Sundance Film Festival.

Where to Stay: Sundance Film Festival Lodging from Luxurious Resorts to Cozy Rentals

Finding the perfect place to stay during the Sundance Film Festival can be difficult, but finding the right spot can really level up your festival experience. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a cozy rental, there are a range of options to suit your needs and budget in Park City.

Some top choices for Sundance Film Festival lodging include:

Vacation Rentals

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, vacation rentals in Park City or Canyons Village may be a good choice. These rentals can range from cozy condos to spacious houses, and offer a more home-like atmosphere for festival goers.

Luxury Resorts

St. Regis Deer Valley

Located in the heart of Park City, the St. Regis Deer Valley is an elegant resort offering ski-in/ski-out access, as well as a spa and fitness center. Festival goers can also enjoy live music and other events at the St. Regis during the Sundance Film Festival.

Montage Deer Valley

Located just a few miles from Park City, the Montage Deer Valley is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort offering spacious suites, several dining options, and a full-service spa. Festival goers can also enjoy premiere parties and other events presented by AT&T at the Montage.

Tao Park City

If you’re planning to stay in Canyons Village, the Tao Park City is a popular choice for Sundance Film Festival lodging. This chic ski-in/ski-out hotel offers luxurious guest rooms and suites, as well as a full-service spa and several dining options.

Where to Watch 2024 Sundance Films

Sundance films are available to watch both in-person and on-demand online. In-person, the films are typically screened at venues throughout Park City and Salt Lake City, and festival goers can purchase tickets in advance or (sometimes) at the box office.

If you’re planning on attending the Sundance Film Festival in-person this year, here’s the 2024 list of film venues:

Park City, Utah (Thursday, January 18 – Sunday, January 28)

• Eccles Theatre (1750 Kearns Blvd.)
• Egyptian Theatre (328 Main Street)
• Holiday Village Cinemas (1776 Park Avenue)
• Library Center Theatre (1255 Park Avenue)
• Park Avenue Theatre (DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Park City 1800 Park Avenue)
• The Ray Theatre (1768 Park Avenue)
• Redstone Cinemas (6030 North Market Street)
• Prospector Square Theatre (2175 Sidewinder Drive)

Salt Lake City, Utah (Friday, January 20 – Sunday, January 29)

• Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 East Broadway)
• Grand Theatre (Salt Lake Community College 1575 S State Street)
• Rose Wagner Center (138 West 300 South)
• Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway (400 West 200 South)

Sundance, Utah (Friday, January 20 – Sunday, January 29)

• Sundance Mountain Resort Screening Room (8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway)

Pssst: Here’s a handy-dandy map to the venues.

In addition to traditional film screenings, the Festival also offers a range of special categories and events. The Midnight category features late night screenings of burgeoning cult favorites, while the New Frontier category showcases films that challenge the boundaries of modern cinema. The Festival also hosts panels and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, giving attendees the chance to learn more about the films and the creative process behind them.

If you’re looking to catch a specific film at the Festival, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance. Individual tickets for most films go on sale a few weeks before the Festival begins, and can be purchased through the Sundance Institute’s website, or at the Box Office if available. Festival Passes, which allow you to attend as many films as you’d like during the Festival, are also available for purchase, but sell out quick.

No matter how you choose to watch films at the Sundance Film Festival, you’re sure to have an exciting and memorable experience.

Sundance Film Festival Tickets

The Festival offers a range of passes and packages to suit different budgets and preferences, so it’s important to consider your options before making a purchase.

Festival Passes

One of the most popular options for attending the Festival is the Festival Pass ($850). This pass allows you to attend 10 films in-person during the Festival, so it’s a good choice if you’re planning on seeing a lot of films or if you’re unsure about which films you’d like to see.

Festival Passes come in a range of prices, depending on the level of access you’d like. The Express Pass, for example, offers the most access and includes priority seating, while the Festival Pass offers a lower price point and less access to films.

If you’re a local to Utah, you can get the same Festival Pass for $200 cheaper (called the Locals Pass at a price point of $650 for 2024).

There are also cheaper pass options that come with limitations, such as the Salt Lake City pass ($550), which gives you priority access to all in-person premieres, repeat screenings, and award-winner screenings for any of the Salt Lake City venues.

Ticket Packages

Another option for attending the Festival are the Ticket Packages. These packages include a set number of tickets and are a good choice if you’re planning on attending a specific number of films with a group.

There’s the Award-Winners Package ($300), which gives you eight tickets to in-person Award-Winner screenings on Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29 (four/day).

There’s also the Festival Package: Online ($350), which includes 10 tickets for on-demand online screenings, valid January 25–28, 2024.

The Sundance Film Festival also offers a range of packages for schools and educational institutions, which include tickets and educational materials for teachers to use in their classrooms.

Individual Tickets

If you’re only interested in attending a few specific films at the Festival, individual tickets are also available for purchase. Individual tickets go on sale a few weeks before the Festival begins and can be purchased through the Sundance Institute’s website or at the Box Office.

For 2024, single film tickets cost $30/piece and go on sale January 11, 2024 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time.

No matter which ticket option you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and purchase your tickets as early as possible. The Sundance Film Festival is a popular event and tickets can sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to make your purchase as soon as you’re able to secure your spot.

There’s something for everyone at the Sundance Film Festival—whether you’re looking to attend a lot of films or just a few specific ones, there’s probably a ticket option that will suit your needs!

Where to Party at Sundance 2024

Cee-lo at 2012 Sundance…oldie but iconic

The Sundance Film Festival is known for its variety of parties and events, ranging from sponsored partner venue events to intimate gatherings at local bars to lavish premiere parties at venues like the Tao Park City. Just bring your party pants and networking skills.

Sundance Partner Venues & Events

Acura House of Energy (Events)

Address:

550 Swede Alley

Operating Hours:

Friday, 1/19: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, 1/20: 12:30–5 p.m., 7–11 p.m.

Sunday, 1/21: 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Monday, 1/22: 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Adobe on Main (Events)

Address:

558 Main St

Operating Hours:

Friday, January 19–Monday, January 22: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. MST.

This venue will be closed after 6 p.m. MST for invite-only programming.

Audible Listening Lodge (Events)

Address:

675 Main St

Operating Hours:

Friday, January 19: 11 a.m–4 p.m. MST

Saturday, January 20: 12–6 p.m. MST

Sunday, January 21: 11 a.m–4 p.m. MST

This venue will be closed every day after the hours listed above for invite-only programming.

Canon Creative Studio (Events)

Address:

528 Main St

Access to this venue is by invitation only for accredited filmmakers and photographers.

Chase Sapphire® on Main (Events)

Address:

573 Main St.

Open to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers only.

Daily Happenings on the Main Floor:

11 a.m.–5 p.m. Dining Concierge

12–4 p.m. Espresso Bar & Matcha Station

12–2 p.m. Brunch Bites

2–4 p.m. Afternoon Bites

Daily Activation Moments from 12–5 p.m.:

Spices on Friday 1/19 and Saturday 1/20

Permanent Bracelet with Polaroid Photographer on Sunday 1/21

Park City Patches on Monday 1/22 and Tuesday 1/23

Talent Appearance from 1–3 p.m.: Melissa King on Friday 1/19 and Saturday 1/20

Daily Happenings in the Basement:

12–4 p.m. Flat Coffee, Tea & Spa Water Hydration Station

2–4 p.m. Live Music and Afternoon bites

Talent Appearance by Ezinma on Sunday 1/21 from 12:45–1 p.m. and 2–2:15 p.m.

Operating Hours:

Friday, January 19th–Tuesday, January 23rd 12 p.m.–5 p.m. MST

This venue will be closed Thursday, January 18th–Tuesday, January 23rd after 5 p.m. MST for invite-only programming.

Cotopaxi Basecamp (Details)

Address: 333 Main St

Operating Hours:

Open to the public 11am-6pm daily. Access to this venue is by invitation only after 6pm.

Deadline Studio (Details)

Address: 608 Main St

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

Dropbox Studio @ 501 Main (Details)

Address: 501 Main St

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

Los Angeles Times Studios (Details)

Presented by: Chase Sapphire

Address: 580 Main Street

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

Napoleon Dynamite Food Truck (Details)

Address: 526 Swede Alley

Tater tots and commemorative giveaways to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Napoleon Dynamite.

Operating Hours:

Sunday, January 21–Tuesday, January 23: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. MST

Shutterstock Chalet and Portrait Studio (Details)

Address: 201 Heber Avenue

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

The MACRO Lodge (Details)

Address: 136 Heber Avenue

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

The Variety Studio (Details)

Presented by: Audible

Address: 675 Main St

Access to this venue is by invitation only.

United Airlines Lodge on Main

Address: 751 Main St

Complimentary illy coffee and craft beverages, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. MT, breakfast bites, 8–10 a.m. MT, and lunch, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. MT, all served daily.

Open lounge area with charging capabilities and promotional giveaways.

Operating Hours:

Thursday, January 18–Saturday, January 21: 2–4:30 p.m. MST

From January 18-21, this venue will be credential access/invite only 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.

White Claw Shore Club (Details)

Address: 201 Heber Ave

Operating Hours:

Public Hours:

Thursday, January 18: 1–10 p.m.

Friday, January 19–Sunday, January 21: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Private / RSVP Area Hours:

Thursday, January 18: 1–10 p.m.

Friday, January 19–Sunday, January 21: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

World of Hyatt (Details)

Address: 440 Main St

Complimentary Coffee & Tea Service 10 a.m. – 4 p..m.

Operating Hours:

Friday, January 19–Sunday, January 21: 10 a.m.–5 :30 p.m. MST

This venue will be closed after 5:30 p.m. MST for invite-only programming.

Stay tuned for an updated 2024 list of where to party at Sundance.

Some past places to see and be seen have included:

Sundance Premiere Lounges and Parties

If you’re looking to get on the guest list for the hottest Sundance events in 2023, it’s a good idea to start networking and connecting with industry professionals ahead of time. You can also try reaching out to the event organizers or PR firms handling the parties to see if there are any opportunities to attend.

Some of the most notable parties and events at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023 include:

TAO Park City

TAO nightclubs in Las Vegas and New York City are known for their exclusive, invite-only parties, and the Sundance Film Festival version is no different. Past sponsors of the event include Casamigos, Stella Artois, and Chateau d’Esclans, and it is known to attract a star-studded crowd. In past years, partygoers have been treated to special guest performances by artists such as Pharrell, Nas, and Kaskade.

DIRECTV Lodge Presented by AT&T

AT&T and DIRECTV are recurring sponsors of the festival and join forces each year to create a lively space for actors, tastemakers, and industry professionals to mix and mingle. The lodge hosts a number of lunches, panels, and dinners for attendees, making it a staple in the week’s events.

Stella Artois Lounge

Belgian beer brand Stella Artois hosts a lounge space each year on Main Street, bringing together filmmakers and stars who are making innovative moves in the industry. In past years, the Stella Artois Film Finishing Fund grant has been presented to its recipients at this venue, along with Women in Film.

Lyft Lounge

As one of the official rideshare sponsors of Sundance in the past, Lyft has had a strong presence at the festival by providing rides for attendees and also hosting a two-story lounge open to the public. The venue features a photo booth and hot chocolate bar and serves as a popular stop for film lovers taking a break between films. By night, the lounge hosts a variety of events, dinners, and cocktail parties.

MACRO Lounge

The MACRO Lounge returns each year to host panels and events highlighting up-and-coming figures in the film industry. Past guests at the Lounge’s events have included Ava Duvernay, Michael B. Jordan, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The annual invitation-only Midnight Macro Party also takes place on Saturdays, providing a late-night destination for guests to party.

Canon’s “Raise Your Glass to Cinematography” Party

Canon cameras are a classic choice for filmmakers, and their Creative Studio pays tribute to filmmakers’ artistry with a pop-up that includes interactive displays, snacks, and wifi. The studio also hosts an invite-only Raise Your Glass cocktail party.

Salesforce Music Lodge

The Salesforce Music Lodge is one of the most star-studded locations during the festival, originally created as a lounge for actors and musicians to perform for their peers. Past guests at the lodge have included Anne Hathaway, Jake Gyllenhaal, Taylor Swift, and Ben Stiller. The lodge features a hosted bar from Heineken and brand product displays, along with media partners doing live interviews.

Sundance Film Festival Intimate Gatherings

Another option is to check out smaller, more intimate gatherings and events. These can be a great way to meet new people and experience a different side of the Sundance Film Festival.

The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition is a non-profit organization that hosts a range of events during the Sundance Film Festival, including panel discussions, film screenings, and cocktail parties. Past events have featured celebrities like Susan Sarandon, Tim Daly, and Kristin Chenoweth.

New Frontier Program

Located at the Kimball Art Center in Park City, the New Frontier program showcases the latest in immersive storytelling and innovation. The program features film screenings, panel discussions, and interactive installations, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the future of film.

Overall, the Sundance Film Festival is a must-attend event for film fans and industry professionals alike. It’s a great opportunity to experience the best in independent film, check out the latest short films and indie episodic series from up-and-coming filmmakers, and meet industry professionals while enjoying the mountain town atmosphere.

With the right plan, outfits, accommodations, and attitude, you can fully enjoy all that the festival has to offer, from the latest films to the hottest parties. Just remember to bring your ski-tiquette and party beanies!