The 2027 Sundance Film Festival is officially coming to Boulder. With it comes a rare opportunity for local homeowners and property owners to welcome filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world.
Beyond the excitement of hosting one of the world’s most influential independent film festivals, the event also offers residents a practical opportunity to participate in the local economy by providing short-term lodging during the festival.
Recent updates from the City of Boulder are making it easier for more residents to participate.
A New Opportunity for Boulder Homeowners
The Sundance Festival Lodging Program invites Boulder residents to make their homes available to festival guests during the event. Whether it is a full home, guest suite, or spare bedroom, local housing will play a key role in supporting the festival’s success.
Sundance has introduced many of the most influential independent filmmakers and films over the past four decades. Bringing that creative energy to Boulder will draw visitors, industry professionals, and film fans from across the country.
Housing is one of the most important pieces of making a large event like this work. When visitors stay within Boulder city limits, they support local restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. It also helps reduce traffic congestion that would otherwise come from attendees commuting in from surrounding communities.
For homeowners, that spare bedroom or guest suite can become a meaningful way to participate in the festival while earning income during the event.
New City Regulations Could Expand Participation
The City of Boulder recently passed the first reading of an ordinance that would allow property owners to hold both a long-term rental license and a short-term festival lodging license simultaneously. If finalized in early April as expected, the change could take effect as soon as May 1.
This update is significant because roughly 54 percent of Boulder’s housing stock is rental housing. Under previous rules, many of those homes could not participate in short-term lodging programs because holding two licenses at once was not allowed.
The proposed change would allow tenants to rent their units on a short-term basis during the festival period with explicit permission from their landlord. Property owners and tenants would be able to create their own agreements, whether that involves a revenue split, a rent credit, or another arrangement.
Local housing advocates and policymakers, including Boulder resident Jill Adler Grano, have been working closely with city partners and tourism leaders to help develop solutions that expand housing options for the festival while protecting Boulder’s neighborhoods.
Who May Be Eligible to Host
Properties located within Boulder city limits may be eligible to participate in the festival lodging program.
Single-family homes without HOA restrictions are generally the most straightforward option. However, other property types may also qualify depending on governing documents and city licensing requirements.
Eligible property types may include:
- Single-family homes
- Condos and townhomes
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Guest suites or spare bedrooms
Homeowners in HOA communities should review their association rules to determine whether short-term or festival-period rentals are allowed.
If you currently hold a long-term rental license, it is recommended that you keep it active. The city is expected to allow property owners to maintain both a long-term rental license and a festival lodging license once the ordinance is formally approved.
Understanding the Festival Lodging License
All participating homes must be properly licensed through the City of Boulder.
Depending on the situation, homeowners may need either a standard Short Term Rental License or a Festival Lodging License designed for events such as Sundance.
Before listing your property, homeowners should confirm their eligibility with the City of Boulder’s licensing office and ensure they meet all local requirements.
Pricing Your Home for the Festival
While large festivals often bring expectations of extremely high nightly rates, experience from past Sundance events suggests that reasonable pricing leads to better results.
Historically, most Sundance attendees travel from within the host state. That means many visitors will be driving in from across Colorado and comparing accommodation options.
Homes priced competitively relative to the typical January rental market tend to book more consistently and keep visitors in Boulder for the entire festival.
A practical approach is to evaluate what your home would normally rent for in January and adjust moderately for the festival window.
A Potential Tax Benefit for Homeowners
There may also be a financial advantage for homeowners who participate.
Under Section 280A(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, often referred to as the Augusta Rule, homeowners who rent their primary residence for 14 days or fewer per year may be able to exclude that rental income from federal taxes.
Because the Sundance Film Festival lodging period typically falls within that timeframe, many homeowners could qualify for this benefit. Local taxes may still apply, so homeowners should consult their tax advisor for guidance.
How to Get Started
For homeowners interested in participating in the Sundance Festival Lodging Program, the process is relatively straightforward.
Typical steps include:
- Confirm your property’s eligibility within Boulder city limits
- Apply for the appropriate City of Boulder lodging license
- Prepare your home for guests and take high-quality listing photos
- List your property through a property manager, the official Sundance housing system, or platforms such as Airbnb
For questions about eligibility, licensing, or navigating HOA rules, residents can also connect with local organizers helping coordinate the program.
Welcoming the World to Boulder
Boulder has long been known as a place that welcomes creativity, innovation, and independent thinkers. The arrival of the Sundance Film Festival builds on that tradition and brings a global spotlight to the community.
Opening your home during the festival is one way residents can help shape that experience while supporting local businesses and the city’s cultural scene. Sometimes the most meaningful way to participate in a world-class event starts with something simple: opening your front door.