Independent films, glistening snowflakes, a grand mountain backdrop, and Robert Redford—what do all these things have in common? The famous Sundance Film Festival. Salt Lake City is bustling with lounges and premieres during the annual beloved Festival. With six theaters and three noteworthy lounges, you can get lost in the exciting Sundance Film Festival atmosphere while enjoying the perks and conveniences of Salt Lake City like a local.
Not only can you say you attended THE Sundance Film Festival (you know, the one started by Robert Redford that grew from filmmaker labs and workshops), but you’ll have considerable bragging rights after you’ve watched all the future Oscar-winning films before they hit theaters. You can even rub elbows with the filmmakers, industry folk and actors by attending Q&As, panels, or finding them at a lounge if that’s more your thing. Have you started looking for tickets already? You’ll just need a bit more patience, unless you’re getting a Festival pass (if you’re a true fangirl-movie-goer, you should go this route). Individual ticket sales begin January 14 (for Members), January 16 (for locals), and January 21 for the public (anyone who isn’t a local or a Sundance Institute Member).
So to get ahead of the curve, here are some insider secrets of the Sundance Film Festival that you’ve been waiting for:
Load the Sundance Film Festival App
With a favorites tab, notifications so you don’t lose track of time, an easy eWaitlist, and the full Festival schedule, the Sundance Film Festival app will help you navigate the what and where of the Festival. Tip: Most festivalgoers forget about the eWaitlist, so you’ll have an advantage of getting into sold-out movies easier than most.
Book a Hotel in Salt Lake City
With everything at your fingertips in Salt Lake, not to mention reasonable lodging rates ($500+ per night rooms? No thank you), hotels in Salt Lake are the smart way to go. From luxurious and historic hotels like The Grand America to hip and stylish hotels like The Kimpton Hotel Monaco (did we mention the free bicycle rentals?), Salt Lake City makes a great home base for your Sundance Film Festival journey. And if you have a panel or film you need to catch in Park City or at the Sundance Mountain Resort, it’s just a quick jaunt up the canyon.
Sign up For the Panels and Attend Live Music Events
With a huge focus on films (we get it though), the crowds sometimes lose sight of the incredible panels and concerts at the festival. That’s good news for you, because you won’t have to fight to get a glimpse of your favorite actor or YouTuber speaking about the things they’re passionate about. Many of the panels host inspirational speakers and thought-provoking subjects, so don’t glaze over that ‘Offscreen’ section on the official schedule.
Go to the Festival Lounges and Feel Fancy
We mourn those who will have sat by their computers on January 14, 16 & 21 exactly as the clock strikes noon, only to see the horrific “sold out” notice flash upon their screens, imminently revealing their fate of the eWaitlist. So what’s there to do in Salt Lake City if you’re impatiently waiting, but you still want to have an experience in the meantime? Hit up one of the three Festival lounges of the city (all within walking distance of the theaters).