For Gen Zers, preparing for the Sundance Film Festival looks a little different—it starts with a search for “Sundance” on TikTok, a pinned group chat filled with Park City-inspired outfits, and a rough budget guide that may or may not end with throwing hands in the air and declaring it will be all okay due to “girl math.”
Each year, Sundance draws in massive crowds comprised of all ages and backgrounds. According to the Sundance Institute, 85,472 people attended in person in 2025. Additionally, the festival amassed over 214,000 online views. That blend of in-person and online accessibility makes it easier forpeople who might not have the budget for travel or full passes to participate in the festival.
If you’re a Gen Zer planning on attending in person, the process may look a little different. Instead of printed schedules or industry memos, we screen record trailers, bookmark Letterboxd lists, and create shared lists with our group.
A Gen Zer’s Tips for Doing Sundance Young, Fun, and Smart
Keep It Cool Around Celebrities
Celebrities are everywhere at Sundance, but the real flex is acting like you’ve been here before. A quick “loved the film,” and then letting them grab their coffee in peace is elite behavior. At Sundance, everyone’s here for the films and honestly, the best interactions still happen outside the theaters, in shuttle conversations, in long lines, or while bonding over food that costs way too much.
Embrace the Standby Line
Standby culture is almost a Sundance rite. For Gen Z, lines are community builders, not just wait times. Use your lemons to make lemonade and have a friendly conversation around you. You may make a new professional connection, get invited to a party or even find a new friend
Dress Warm and Look Cool
Don’t let the “Get Read With Me” videos fool you—it’s very Gen Z to dress in warm layers suited to the cold. Consider layering thermal base layers (merino wool is best) under a thrifted jacket, rocking boots to keep your toes toasty and maintaining a Pinterest board to organize all of your looks.
Balance Screenings with Self-Care
Even the pros can’t survive four films in a row, and there’s no prize for sitting through the most screenings. While previous generations may have prioritized seizing the day and sacrificing rest, Gen Z thinks differently, often taking the “less is more” approach. You’re sure to get more enjoyment from attending the events you’re genuinely interested in, and if you get to a spot where you’d prefer a nap or a cocktail, go for it. Self-care is totally in right now.
Fuel Up Without Breaking the Bank
In Park City, food isn’t exactly cheap, so skip Main Street for cheaper eats and coffee. Some of our favorites are Lucky Ones Coffee, Five5eeds, or Daily Rise for affordable brews. For a more significant breakfast or lunch, hit up The Bridge Cafe or local sandwich dives like Big Dipper or Five5eeds. Harvest, located at the bottom of Main Street, is a great middle ground, offering healthy cuisine at an average price of $20 per entree.
Pro Tip: Stock up on snacks from a grocery store and bring them with you.
Goodbye, Sundance! You Will Be Missed.
Here’s one giant Sundance fact that should shape your planning: 2026 will be the final festival in Park Citybefore Sundance relocates to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. That makes this year’s event feel like an ending and a celebration, something Gen Z deeply understands. Brave the crowd anxiety and participate in the end of an era.
What I’ve noticed as a Gen Zer is this: whether you’re streaming from home or rubbing elbows with celebs, Sundance is about discovering new voices, watching films that matter, and being part of a community that makes even the coldest days in Park City feel worth it.
Related: Sundance 2026: What We’re Excited For
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