Big news just rolled down the canyon—and no, it’s not another bear on the loose at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The Sundance Film Festival, yes the Sundance, is packing its bags and making its way from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado come 2027.
While Boulder is shining up its camera lenses and rolling out its metaphorical red carpet, I couldn’t help but wonder… what’s this mean for us up here in Estes Park?
Let’s dig into it. The iconic Stanley Hotel which has been a host to Hollywood before and needs no introduction with two movies filmed on site. Dumb and Dumber and The Shining directed by Stephen King. The Sundance Writers and Directors Guild is already at the Stanley Hotel. With the sale of the Stanley to the State of Colorado there will be a 70,000 square foot Sundance Film Center at the Stanley Hotel. To be completed just in time 2027. That should bring a significant amount of the festival up to the beautiful mountains similar to the original Park City venue.
A Whole Lot of Eyes on Colorado
Sundance isn’t just a movie festival—it’s a cultural tidal wave. We’re talking international filmmakers, actors, writers, media, and movie lovers all descending on Boulder and the Estes Valley for ten days of premieres, parties, and creative chaos. And when that kind of attention lands just over the hill from us, there will be overflow and spillage, it’s hard to imagine Estes Park will be catching a bit of that spotlight.
And frankly, I think it’s about time.
From Red Carpet to Riverwalk
Let’s talk economics for a second—because if thousands of people are coming into Boulder and Estes Park in the dead of winter, some of them are going to start looking for a mountain escape that’s a little quieter, a little snowier, and maybe has a few more elk wandering the streets.
Estes Park, my friends, fits the bill.
We’ve got cozy cabins, boutique hotels, art galleries, good food, and the kind of scenic charm that makes people extend their vacations just a few days longer. With Boulder housing the main event, Estes will become the getaway for festival-goers who want to pair their film screenings with a hike in the snow or a beer from a local brewery by the fireplace.
Believe it or not, the folks over at the Sundance Institute are already thinking beyond Boulder. They’ve said this won’t just be a “Boulder thing.” They want the festival to ripple out across Colorado—and I’d be willing to bet a cinnamon roll from Cinnamon’s that Estes Park could be one of those ripples.
Maybe we host a screening or two at the Historic Park Theatre and the new Sundance Film Center at the Stanley. Maybe there’s a filmmaker Q&A at The Stanley with VIP events at the stunning Pavillion. Maybe a few documentaries inspire a winter photography walk up at Bear Lake.
Estes Park is quietly preparing for the 2027 transfer. We are getting a Hilton Product at the West end of town where the Historic Elkhorn Lodge is being renovated and at the east end of town a developer has proposed plans for a Marriott product. Estes Park is changing. No more horse races up and down Mainstreet for us. These two projects are scheduled for 2027 completion.
So, What Should We Be Doing?
I don’t have all the answers (just ask my wife she will tell you I think I do), but I think we can start by:
- Sprucing up our shoulder season marketing—remind folks that Estes isn’t just for summertime.
- Continue reaching out to Sundance organizers with ideas—show them we’re more than willing to participate.
- Planning a few events of our own that piggyback off the festival—art walks, film nights, who knows.
- And maybe, just maybe, getting a little more comfortable with cameras pointing in our direction.
Final Thoughts from An Old Film Buff (well, Buff-Ish)
I don’t think Estes Park needs to become a mini Hollywood. I like our slower pace, our small-town charm, and the fact that I can still walk into The Wapiti and have the server know my name.
But this Sundance thing? It’s a big opportunity. A chance to bring new visitors to town during a season that could use a little love. A chance to show off our beautiful corner of the Rockies to a crowd that probably doesn’t know what they’re missing. I predict many of our 26 T-Shirt shops will become art galleries and jewelry stores.
So here’s to Boulder for landing the big one—and here’s to Estes Park catching a little of that magic in the drift.
Until next time,
Gerald
