When you walk around Utah\u2019s Park City, it might not immediately strike you as a locale for one of the industry\u2019s biggest film festivals. And yet, over the course of 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival has established itself as a launching pad for tomorrow\u2019s biggest Hollywood talent\u2014both behind and in front of the camera. For the average attendee, you might feel out of place navigating a small mountain town that\u2019s geared more toward winter sports than hosting a massive film fest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve assembled a few tips for getting around, making sense of the festival, and other practicalities so that you won\u2019t feel so stressed as you figure out Sundance\u2019s screenings and events. While this guide can get you started, keep in mind that Sundance\u2014which runs Jan. 23\u2013Feb. 2, 2025\u2014has some of the best film festival volunteers, and they can usually point you in the right direction if you get lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting around<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that you can\u2019t fly straight into Park City; you\u2019ll have to book a flight to Salt Lake City International Airport and then drive roughly an hour. Be sure to book a shuttle or car service from the airport in advance as other attendees will be making the same arrangements, which can make it difficult to secure last-minute transportation upon arriving in SLC. You can make the journey with Uber or Lyft, but be prepared to pay some surge pricing. We\u2019d also recommend not renting a car unless you\u2019re planning to frequently return to Salt Lake City for screenings and events. There\u2019s a shuttle service operating throughout Park City that will take you anywhere you need to go. Parking within the area is extremely<\/em> limited; the time you\u2019ll spend trying to find a spot may not be worth the hassle unless you\u2019re staying with a resident who can safely stow your ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of the shuttle service, it\u2019s free for attendees and stops are clearly marked. Also, there should be a volunteer stationed at each stop to help provide directions. Service tends to be fairly frequent and will take you not only to downtown Park City, but to the various venues. There are 13 venues in Park City (although the Redstone Cinemas is a bit of a trek via shuttle, so expect at least a half-hour commute to that venue), and four more in Salt Lake City (like the airport, these will take an hour to reach, so plan accordingly).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main drawback of the shuttle service is standing in the cold as you wait for the bus, but thankfully there are heat lamps. At this time of the year, temps tend to stay around the low teens and 20s, but you should also prepare for snow. Be sure to check the weather report before you venture out. Nevertheless, bundle up as you make your way through the town. Walking is also an option for some venues, but unless you\u2019re familiar with the area, we recommend starting out with shuttles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nCourtesy sundanceorg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Dining<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re staying for more than a couple days, you should get familiar with Fresh Market at 1760 Park Ave., the main grocery story for Park City. The Market is easy to get to (it\u2019s directly behind one of the major shuttle stations), sits next to several theater venues, and is always well stocked. If you\u2019ve rented an Airbnb or another accommodation with a refrigerator, and you\u2019re looking to save on eating out, your first stop after getting settled should be the Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to dine out, there are plenty of options. The more expensive restaurants tend to be in downtown Park City, but you can still find good food at a reasonable price. Check out the pizza place Davanza\u2019s, where the seating is tight but the pepperoni pizza is sublime. If you\u2019re in a hurry and want something familiar, there are chain restaurants like Einstein Bros. Bagels and Domino\u2019s, but you can typically do much better; stop at the Mexican restaurant El Chubasco or grab a sandwich at the Fresh Market\u2019s deli counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While at the venues, most tend to have concessions nearby, but you\u2019re only allowed to bring water into the auditoriums; so if you want to eat right before a screening, you\u2019ll have to do it standing in line or in the lobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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