The 2027 Sundance Film Festival is coming to Boulder, and with it comes an extraordinary opportunity for local homeowners: the chance to welcome filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world into your neighborhood.
The Sundance Festival Lodging Program invites Boulder residents and property owners to make their homes available as short-term lodging during the festival period. Whether you have a whole house, a guest suite, or a spare bedroom, participating means earning income while helping create the kind of warm, community-rooted festival experience that Boulder does best.
Why It Matters
The Sundance Film Festival has introduced some of the most impactful and iconic independent artists and films for over four decades—work that has gone on to shape entertainment and culture for generations. Having that creative energy in Boulder is thrilling, and housing is one of the most important pieces of making it work.
Festival attendees need places to stay, and a robust network of local hosts keeps visitors in town longer, supports our restaurants and shops, and reduces the traffic and congestion that come with commuters driving in from surrounding areas. Your spare bedroom isn't just a rental—it's an economic engine for the community.
Who Can Participate
If your property is located within Boulder city limits, you may be eligible. Single-family homes with no HOA are the most straightforward path, but the program also includes options for condos, ADUs, and other property types. HOA residents should review their governing documents and confirm whether short-term or festival-period rentals are permitted. If you currently hold a long-term rental license, please do not revoke it—we expect that by April, the City will allow property owners to hold both a long-term and a shorter-term festival lodging license simultaneously.
All participating properties must be properly licensed through the City of Boulder. Depending on your situation, you'll need either a standard Short-Term Rental License or a Festival Lodging License. Details on which applies to you are available through the City's licensing office.
A Note on Pricing
The majority of Sundance Film Festival attendees historically come from within the host state. We can expect most visitors to be driving in from across Colorado—people who are flexible, price-aware, and have options. Hosts who price competitively based on actual market demand, rather than aspirational festival premiums, are far more likely to book successfully and keep guests in Boulder for the full festival run.
A good starting point is to assess what your home would rent for in a typical January, then adjust upward modestly for the festival window. Think of it as smart hospitality, not a windfall—and know that reasonable pricing strengthens the entire festival ecosystem.
A Tax Benefit Worth Knowing
Under Section 280A(g) of the Internal Revenue Code—sometimes called the Augusta Rule—homeowners who rent their personal residence for 14 days or fewer per year can exclude that rental income from federal taxes. The festival period fits neatly within that window, making participation even more financially attractive. Local taxes still apply, so consult your own tax advisor for specifics.
Getting Started
The process is straightforward: confirm your eligibility, apply for the appropriate City license, prepare and photograph your home, and list it—either through a property manager, on the official Sundance housing site, or on platforms like Airbnb that integrate with the festival's booking infrastructure.
If you have questions about eligibility, HOA navigation, or how to get involved, please contact Jill Adler Grano at 303-945-0601or jill.grano@state.co.us.
Boulder has always been a place that opens its arms to artists, thinkers, and storytellers. The 2027 Sundance Film Festival is a chance to do that, literally, one front door at a time.
Jill Adler Grano