A guide to the Sundance Film Festival
Unlike some film industry events, the Sundance Film Festival invites anyone to be part of the experience. Whether you’re a Hollywood executive or a devoted film enthusiast, you can purchase a festival pass, a ticket package or individual tickets.
In this article, we’ll take you through some things you need to know about the Sundance Film Festival, including some tips to consider before you even arrive.
When is the Sundance Film Festival?
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival is scheduled for January 18th to 28th, 2024, featuring a hybrid format. The festival will include in-person screenings for the full 11 days and online screenings from January 25th to 28th.
Screenings will begin around noon on Thursday, January 18th. If you’re coming from out of town, consider arranging your travel plans so you arrive Wednesday and you don’t miss anything on opening day.
The coveted festival awards will be announced on Friday, January 26th.
You’ll likely find that the first week of the festival is the busiest and access to screenings may sell out quickly.
Where is Sundance Film Festival?
The Sundance Film Festival takes place in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, every winter and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the world of independent cinema. Park City is a destination that beckons travelers year-round with its natural beauty, outdoor activities and cultural events.
In-person film screenings will take place throughout Park City, as well as in nearby Salt Lake City, Utah. A few of the venues include the Egyptian Theater, Library Center Theater, Prospector Square Theater, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center and many more.
Tips for attending Sundance Film Festival
There is plenty to do and see during the festival and you’ll want to maximize your time there. Here are some tips to help you with planning.
Book your travel to Park City, Utah early if possible
The massive attendance numbers mean that getting hotel reservations, plane tickets, ground transportation and even dinner reservations can be tough. Not only will there be a huge influx of visitors for the festival, but there are also people in town for the world-class skiing. Try to make all your reservations three to six months in advance of the festival. Use the Festival’s official booking partner for your lodging to receive the best rates guaranteed.
Plan your schedule for the festival well in advance
Sundance Film Festival tickets are highly sought after, and many screenings will sell out quickly. It’s helpful to decide which films you want to see ahead of time and purchase the tickets online (or opt for passes if you want to see many screenings throughout the weekend).
Study the festival map so you know where to go from one event to the next and how much time it will take. You can find the latest information on film schedules and events, plus purchase your tickets, on Sundance Film Festival’s official website.
If you’re a foodie looking to enjoy some of Park City’s finest restaurants, make sure to book dinner reservations well in advance to ensure you get a table.
Arrive to screenings early
For popular screenings, arriving early to the theater is the best way to ensure you aren’t waiting in long lines and can secure a good seat. It also gives you extra opportunities to mingle with fellow film enthusiasts.
Bring your ski gear
Given that Park City is best known for its world-class ski resorts and over 9,000 acres of skiable terrain, you won’t want to miss hitting the slopes while you’re there.
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, skiers and snowboarders won’t run out of snowy slopes to take on. Deer Valley Resort is one of the largest and most popular resorts of the region and attracts ski enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cardmembers can enjoy cardmember benefits at Deer Valley which include 25% off single-day lift tickets, complementary ski waxes, and more. Secure up to (4) four single-day lift ticket discounts on Ultimate Rewards and purchase tickets at 25% off through your Ikon account with this offer. Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cardmembers can show their card for (1) complementary ski wax per cardmember at the Deer Valley repair shop while supplies last.
Most people make time to ski or take part in other outdoor sports during the weekend of the festival (as it’s a beautiful time of year full of perfect powder!). If this is your plan, book your ski passes ahead of time and don’t forget to pack your gear. Or if you prefer, you can rent your poles, skis and boots when you arrive in town.
Wear layers and sensible shoes
Utah in January can be quite cold, so you’ll want to pack accordingly. Layering is key, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
Overall, the Sundance Film Festival is quite casual in terms of what you wear. Most people prioritize warmth over style during the day and then change into something a bit more dressy for evening parties or events.
Don’t forget sensible, sturdy walking boots, as you’ll likely be traversing snowy streets.
What to know about Sundance Film Festival 2024
According to the festival’s website, the 2024 Sundance Film Festival will feature around 90 full length films and more than 60 short films.
When it comes to purchasing tickets, several types are available which cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some common types of in-person tickets:
Individual tickets: These tickets allow you to attend a specific film screening. They are ideal if you have a particular film in mind that you wish to attend. Single film tickets are $30 for in-person screenings and can be purchased on the website or at a Festival box office.
Package tickets: Package tickets offer a bundle of film screenings and events for a set price. Packages are at a higher price-point than single film tickets because package-holders get to select the films they want to see before single film tickets are on sale. Packages typically include 10 tickets (valid during specific dates) and start at $250.
Passes: Passes grant you access to unlimited screenings over the course of the festival. They offer flexibility and convenience for festival-goers who want to explore a broad range of films and who may not want to pick specific films in advance. Passes can cost up to several thousand dollars.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at Sundance Film Festival
Do you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card? Cardmembers get access to a cozy lounge space right in the heart of Park City called Chase Sapphire on Main, located at 573 Main Street. Enter the lounge simply by showing your Sapphire Reserve card at the door.
Enjoy two floors of spaces dedicated to cardmember exclusives — most notably, an intimate film panel series of discussions with casts and directors. Among the additional perks you’ll find at the Sapphire lounge, cardmembers find a cozy spot to relax, charge your phone and enjoy an espresso bar, brunch bites or rotating culinary dishes, including some from Melissa King of Top Chef fame.
Need some help making a hard-to-get-into restaurant reservation? Stop by the on-site concierge desk and a representative will be happy to help make arrangements for you. Or get on-the-spot digital upgrades for certain tickets or programming. Additionally, if you’re looking for some action, the lounge will feature several live musical performances.
Pro tip: When the weather is frightful, step inside the lounge to warm up with a cup of coffee in the ski break room. It’s like your own personal film fest headquarters.
Not a cardmember yet? Learn more and apply here!
Recap
As you plan for your trip to the Sundance Film Festival, remember that it’s not just about the films you watch, but it’s also about enjoying the natural beauty of Park City, fitting in some outdoor adventures and making new friends. As a reminder, it’s advised that you plan out your trip well in advance. This includes purchasing tickets, booking travel and deciding which restaurants you need reservations for. The magic of Sundance awaits!
