Sundance Is Coming to Boulder: What Homeowners Need to Know

When the Sundance Film Festival arrives in Boulder in January 2027, it won't just bring filmmakers, celebrities, and movie enthusiasts, it will create one of the largest temporary housing demands Boulder has ever experienced.

For homeowners, that raises an important question:

Could your home become a valuable rental opportunity?

Whether you've considered renting your home before or never imagined becoming a landlord, Sundance is creating a unique opportunity for homeowners across Boulder County to think differently about their real estate.

Why Boulder?
After more than four decades in Park City, Utah, Sundance selected Boulder for its vibrant arts community, walkable downtown, stunning mountain backdrop, and strong culture of creativity and innovation. The Festival's move places Boulder on an international stage and introduces thousands of first-time visitors to the community each year.

Real Estate Still Makes Sense

Markets shift. Interest rates fluctuate. Regulations change.

Despite those changes, real estate continues to be one of the strongest long-term wealth-building tools when approached strategically. Today's market still presents opportunities for buyers and homeowners who think beyond the current market cycle.

 Think of rental property like a business. Successful owners establish goals, understand their numbers, and make decisions based on strategy rather than emotion.

Finding the Right Rental Strategy

Not every homeowner has the same goals, and not every rental strategy is the right fit.

Long-Term Rentals

Long-term rentals (typically 12 months or longer) are ideal for homeowners looking for consistent monthly income. These homes are generally rented unfurnished and often appeal to the largest pool of tenants. Owners considering selling in the future should also remember Colorado's 91-day notice requirement when choosing not to renew a lease.

Mid-Term Rentals

Mid-term rentals offer additional flexibility. They are often furnished and appeal to homeowners who still want occasional access to their property while potentially earning more than a traditional long-term lease.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals offer the greatest earning potential, especially during major events like Sundance. However, they require more active management, greater attention to guest experience, and compliance with local short-term rental regulations.

The right approach ultimately depends on each homeowner's financial goals, lifestyle, and willingness to manage the property.

Sundance Creates Regional Housing Demand

While Sundance officially runs from January 21–31, 2027, its impact extends far beyond those eleven days.

Previous Sundance festivals attracted approximately 85,000 attendees across those 11 days, and Boulder is expected to welcome more than 40,000 visitors during its inaugural year. Previous Sundance Festivals have generated approximately $196.1 million in economic impact, with projections suggesting Boulder could experience a similarly significant boost, including $162.4 million in spending from out-of-state visitors.

Housing demand won't come solely from moviegoers.

Visitors will include:

• Film crews
• Actors and production teams
• Sponsors and brand partners
• Staff and volunteers
• Media and publicity teams
• Festival attendees

Because Boulder has limited hotel inventory and downtown parking, the official lodging footprint is expected to extend roughly 40 miles from the city, encompassing nearly 80,000 hotel rooms.

Regional transportation providers and hospitality businesses are already exploring ways to accommodate increased visitor demand. This illustrates that Sundance's impact will likely extend well beyond Boulder into Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Longmont, and other surrounding communities.

Know Your City's Rules

Every municipality has different short-term rental regulations.

For example:

• City of Boulder offers a Festival Lodging Rental License for qualifying homeowners.
• Louisville plans to offer a temporary Sundance short-term rental license.
• Superior also plans festival-specific licensing opportunities.
• Lafayette will continue operating under its existing short-term rental regulations.
• Longmont maintains more restrictive rules, generally limiting short-term rentals to owner-occupied homes.
• Unincorporated Boulder County follows county regulations and does not currently offer a festival-specific license.

Before making plans, homeowners should understand the regulations that apply to their specific property.

Preparing Your Home

Successfully renting your home begins long before guests arrive.

Homeowners may want to consider:

• Completing deferred maintenance projects
• Refreshing spaces that have been put off
• Investing in professional photography
• Purchasing quality linens and rental supplies
• Obtaining any required licenses
• Deciding whether to self-manage or hire professional property management

These improvements not only help attract guests but can continue adding value long after the festival ends.

What Could Your Home Earn?

Depending on location, size, amenities, and guest demand, some homeowners may have the potential to generate more than $15,000 in gross rental revenue during the Festival, with homes closest to downtown Boulder expected to perform the strongest.

Rental pricing depends on several factors, including:

• Property type
• Number of bedrooms
• Length of stay
• Parking availability
• Amenities
• Proximity to festival venues
• Overall guest experience

Homes within approximately one mile of the festival footprint may command premium pricing, and larger homes with five to seven bedrooms are expected to be in especially high demand due to limited inventory.

Don't Forget About Taxes

One tax advantage homeowners should be aware of is the federal 14-Day Rule, sometimes referred to as the Augusta Rule.

Under current federal tax law, homeowners who rent their primary residence for 14 days or fewer during the year generally do not have to report that rental income on their federal income tax return.

Homeowners interested in maximizing revenue may choose to rent for longer. Boulder allows qualifying homeowners to obtain a Festival Lodging Rental License permitting rentals for up to 29 days, although different tax considerations may apply.

Regardless of rental length, homeowners are still responsible for complying with applicable lodging tax requirements. Depending on the booking platform, these taxes may either be collected automatically or require direct remittance to the appropriate municipality. As always, homeowners should consult a CPA or tax professional regarding their individual tax situation.

Property Management Can Simplify the Process

For homeowners who don't want to manage everything themselves, professional property management can simplify the experience.

Management companies may assist with:

• Property readiness
• Pricing strategy
• Revenue optimization
• Guest communication
• Concierge services
• Linen programs
• Turnovers and inspections
• Quality control
• 24/7 maintenance and guest support

These services allow homeowners to participate in the rental market without handling every aspect themselves.

Hospitality Matters

Perhaps the greatest opportunity extends beyond rental income. 

It extends to hospitality.

Sundance represents an opportunity for Boulder to welcome visitors from around the world while supporting local restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, artists, and small businesses. A thoughtful guest experience benefits not only homeowners but the entire community.

Simple touches like a beautifully prepared home, local recommendations, or a welcome basket can leave a lasting impression and encourage visitors to return long after the festival has ended.

The goal isn't simply to maximize rental income. It's to create an experience that leaves guests saying:

"Wow, what a great place to host an event."

Looking Beyond Sundance

Although Sundance is generating tremendous excitement, its greatest impact may be changing how homeowners think about their property.

Whether through long-term, mid-term, or short-term rentals, homeowners have more options than ever to generate income while building long-term wealth.

Sundance is creating a unique opportunity, but preparation starts now. Understanding your local regulations, evaluating your home's rental potential, and making strategic improvements today can help position your property for success when visitors arrive in 2027.

For many homeowners, this isn't just about one festival. It's about recognizing the long-term value and versatility of one of their greatest assets: their home.