In the West, mountains aren’t hard to come by. Terrain shoots up into rocky faces that shape our landscape and our lives (you should see me try to navigate anywhere outside of this bowl). You’ll have to forgive my elitism—as beautiful as the Rocky ranges are, and as wide and all-encompassing as they’ll remain, there’s no view like the open maw of Parley’s canyon swallowing Sundance-bound cars from Salt Lake. If this is Sundance’s last year in Utah, we certainly ought to act like it with an events list to wow natives and newcomers alike.
Sundance Film Festival Panels
Your first stop is at the Impact Lounge, a coming-together of changemakers in a Park City cool-off space. Don’t miss From Gatekeepers to Gateways: Power, Tech, and the Future of Storytelling, and other panels about the intersection of ethics, film and sustainability. Special guests like Erika Alexander of NBC will talk genre and culture. Brunches, mixers and bites are scattered throughout.
More Impact Lounge Highlights:
- Friday, Jan. 23 at 1:30 p.m. | The Green Behind the Screen: Sustainable Production in Action
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m. | Beyond the Frame: Storytelling, Responsibility, and the Power of Shared Culture
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m | Language of the Land: The Rise of Indigenous Language & Culture on Screen
- Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. | The Nightingale of Iran: Reviving a Jewish-Muslim Legacy for a New Generation
A Sundance classic, the Beyond Film event series is hosted and run by the film festival. Archive treasures come back to life on the screen, Nouvelle Vague will play with live commentary from special guests, and favorite faces like John Turturro will review Sundance’s legacy as you look back through time. Beyond Film also presents an informal conversation series, Cinema Cafe, featuring exclusive interviews with high-profile players. If you know a literature buff—no matter how remote—don’t forget to clue them intoSalman Rushdie’s appearance. Beyond Film’s end-cap event this year is one you just can’t miss: Everyone Has a Story: Four Decades of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah is an overlook of Sundance’s run in Utah with a bright cocktail hour and exclusive guest appearances, bringing together our local community, film festival staff and everyone who has had a hand in making Utah’s Sundance the most prestigious film festival on the globe. See the full Beyond Film lineup here.
Of course, that’s not all. Acura House of Energy is hosting a full program of diverse panel presentations and focused conversations. Gold House’s “After The Pitch—A Look Inside Developing A Studio Project” Panel will be held on Jan. 23rd at 11 a.m., followed by a conversation by Indigenous House on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.
More Acura House of Energy program highlights:
- Friday, Jan. 23 at 4:45 p.m. | We Will Always Be Here: A Highlight Reel of LGBTQ+ Sundance Film Festival History
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m | IMBDb Presents: Stars to Watch
- Sunday, Jan. 25. At 11:15 a.m. | Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Activism on Film and the Women Fighting for Change
- Sunday, Jan. 25 at 12:15 p.m | Emphasis on Empathy: The Power of Compassion
Canon isn’t just here to sponsor this year. They’ll showcase what their cameras can accomplish in film in a curated series of panels with guests from Sundance 2026 and beyond:
- Friday, Jan. 23 at 2:00 p.m. | Spotlight on Documentaries
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12:00 p.m. | Spotlight on Documentaries II
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3:00 p.m. | Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story
- Sunday, Jan. 25 at 12:00 p.m. | Curating Your Cinematography Career
- Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3:00 p.m. | Give Me the Ball!: Billie Jean King
Canon will also run technology forum panels about its latest innovations. See the whole list here.
Pop-Ups
Staying for the screenings but missing the plethora of pop-ups at Sundance would be a crime. Hit post-panel mixers at Behind the Camera House to rub elbows with featured guests and cinephiles, unwind at the Audible Listening Lodge (or leave a voice recording in one of their custom Gondolas spotting the city), and race custom bobsled slot cars for a chance to win a Motocompacto at the Acura Energy House. Make sure to check your pockets—if you’re a Chase Sapphire cardholder, you’ll want to reserve a table at Chase’s Fracasa restaurant pop-up for a look ahead to Michelin-starred Denver, CO cuisine.
What’s a film festival without cameras? Canon is setting up shop at the Park City Museum with live discussions from industry agents, Sundance directors, and more. Hold the latest gear with hands-on demos as this tech monolith celebrates the art of filmmaking. Head over to Dropbox on Main Street next for product experiences, light bites, and an exclusive panel series.
Park City might be freezing, but World of Hyatt still has visions of the sun (and they’re willing to share). A grand prize trip to a Hyatt resort is in the mix every night at Not Your Standard Bingo at 7 p.m. Stop by Scents of Sundance earlier in the day for a scent experience with expert perfumers, or find a morning boost from Peloton with Hyatt’s Wellbeing Mornings.
Parties
We can’t let you go without a push toward the best bash in the canyon. Here’s a quick rundown: hit Monday on Main Street at The Cabin for booze, bites and networking with industry professionals; TAO for an after-hours rave; and the Friday Night Dance Party with Heretic Films for house tracks like you won’t believe. Plus, Park City Fashion Week is your stop for high-fashion allure among Park City ateliers and luxury designers alike.
Don’t forget to make your way back over to the Acura Energy House—the panels and pop-up were the tip of the iceberg and the Kickoff Party, Indigenous House Happy Hour, and DJ Cardi set are still calling your name. After the sun goes down, escape into the World of Hyatt After Dark with surprise performances and inventive cocktails for an unforgettable time in downtown Park City.
Related: What We’re Excited for at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival
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