2026 Sundance Kicks Off! Happenings on Main St., Navigating the Festival

 

Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy: Sundance Institute.

Day one of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival starts tomorrow, January 22, for one last time in Park City, Utah - the festival's home for over 40 years. As it has been Sundance's mission since its inception, attendees will once again experience the work of bold, independent storytellers from across the globe for 11 days of dynamic and diverse projects in Park City, Salt Lake City, and online. The festival has also become synonymous with showcasing some can’t-miss events. This year there are offerings such as the Episodic Fiction Pilot Showcase, Episodic Nonfiction Pilot Showcase, Nouvelle Vague Live Commentary, and more.

What’s Happening on Main Street:

The line up on both sides of Main Street promises to enthrall and excite as Sundance lock-steps a final dance on this street that film professionals around the world have grown to know and love over the years. 

Main Street, Park City, UT. Courtesy: Sundance Institute.

While strolling down Main Street, people can catch activations, from the Audible Storybooth to record and preserve your Sundance Film Festival memories to the Beyond Film program, including talks with Olivia Wilde and Richard Linklater, to the Acura House of Energy, where you can vibe to live music and DJ sets. Then there is the Adobe House - the ideal place to relax, recharge, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Experience, where you can treat yourself to premium café drinks. Plus, people can grab a picture next to the iconic Little Miss Sunshine van and celebrate Sundance's Park City Legacy program, in honor of the Fest’s rich history in Utah.

How to Get Around During the Fest:

Per Sundance's website, the best ways to get around while you’re on the ground in park city, is to use their How to Fest page. You can access the festival map, get info on shuttle routes — which will get you to your screenings and events — locate the best places to park, and more.

Download the Fest App for Tickets, Waitlists, Bus Routes, and More:

Navigate the Fest with the Sundance app and gain access to everything you need to make your experience memorable. If films on your must-see list have sold out, more tickets may become available. Sign up for waitlists on the app and keep checking back every morning for open seats. The app takes 24 hours to connect with your Festival account, so this should be taken into account.