Lady Eleanor Goes to Sundance: Five Takeaways

As we near the final Sundance weekend, I’ve gathered some tips from my trip for those who will explore Park City for 2026’s cinematic extravaganza.

1. Arrive Early & Maximize your Wait

Expect lines that snake down the snowy street, no matter how late the time or how frigid the weather. Factor a bumper to bumper bottleneck of traffic into any Main Street adventure’s schedule. Arrive early to each venue, a good seat is worth the line. Make the most of your wait by striking up a conversation with those beside you. In the wise words of Jason Stone, to be interesting you have to be interested. Even if you goal is networking, approach each conversation with an aura of curiosity. The people are what make this industry great, and we can learn from each other.

2. Dress Bold, Dress Warm

Express yourself like Sundance is your own personal catwalk, but anticipate that Utah streets will be donning glistening layers of ice and brilliant, snowy coats. Accessorize and layer: long, elegant coats, luxurious gloves, warm scarves, paired with sleek but practical, snow-ready boots. Have fun with each outfit, for every day is a grand event!

3. Plan your Daily Sundance Schedule Tickets by Venue

The Sundance theaters sprawl across Utah, from Salt Lake cinemas to Park City auditoriums. For example, Broadway Centre Cinemas is nearly an hour from The Egyptian, even in good weather. Elect to spend a day exploring Salt Lake if those are the cinemas with open tickets. Plan to stay strolling through Park City on the days your screenings are on Main Street.

4. Week One is for Industry Connection, Week Two is for Cinema Lovers

The buzzing, electric crowds of Sundance fills the streets Friday through Monday of week one. Following those early days, the festival is much more mellow, tickets are much easier to come by, the attendee crowded streets return to their ski town roots. Aside from the Cinema Café series, you will catch panels and networking events only in those first, busy days. Week two is the time to watch and watch and watch the year’s cinematic gems.

5. Word of Mouth is Golden

Strike up a conversation with locals about which cafés, bistros, bars are best (and perhaps which are worth skipping). That is how I knew to find Laziz Kitchen and venture into the No Name Saloon. Ask fellow moviegoers which films are a must-see. Certain films will win audience hearts, some unexpected but beloved. If you’re able to stay for the less bustling second half of the festival, fill those final days with screenings, heeding others on which movies you simply cannot miss.