When the Sundance Film Festival begins in Boulder, Colorado, on Jan. 21, 2027, tens of thousands of filmmakers and moviegoers will descend on the city. The influx of film aficionados will bring a problem familiar to cities that host large events: Those out-of-town visitors will all need lodging at the same time.
Boulder has traditionally had restrictive rules around short-term rentals. The city responded to the lodging pressure by creating a new rental license in April 2026 that temporarily expands who can offer short-term lodging during the event.
