Sundance 2026 - What to See and Do During The Last Dance in Park City
Over four decades, film and entertainment aficionados have descended into Park City to get a sneak peak at up and coming artists, amateur film creatives all for the love of independent film. Since 1981, Sundance has called Park City home, and this year marks the end of an era - its the last dance in Park City before making Boulder, Colorado its new home in 2027. Here are the top activations and panels that are happening over opening weekend! Cheers to the last dance - may it be grand!
Friday, January 23rd:
11th Hour Lodge: January 23-26th:
As the Sundance Film Festival marks its final year in Park City, 11th Hour Productions in partnership with Ferrara Media will debut the first-ever 11th Hour Lodge, an invite-only, four-day immersive experience taking place January 23–26, 2026. Positioned as a defining cultural moment in Sundance’s closing chapter in Utah, the Lodge honors the legacy of independent film while helping shape what comes next. Check out the full preview preview of the 11th Hour Lodge HERE.
Dubbed The Last Dance in Sundance, the experience will welcome a highly curated guest list of VIPs, influencers, celebrities, producers, directors, and media for four days of immersive programming rooted in wellness, community, and creative exchange.
The IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy:
An interior view of the Buddy Premiere Party hosted by Acura at Acura House of Energy on January 22, 2026 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Acura)
The IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy (Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25) IMDb will produce three days (January 23-25) of original celebrity photography and video interviews in The IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy. Getty Images celebrity photographer Mat Hayward will capture exclusive portraits featuring leading actors and filmmakers representing titles including I Want Your Sex, See You When I See You, The Shitheads, The Weight and Wicker. Casts and filmmakers can relax and recharge in the IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy green room, and guests will enjoy light refreshments and receive IMDb branded swag. Access to The IMDb Studio at the Acura House of Energy is by invitation only. Portraits from the studio and additional original coverage will be available at www.imdb.com/sundance.
NAACP: “From TV to Policy” Panel:
11:00am - 12:00pm MT - A conversation on how portrayals of Black and Brown communities in television and film shape public perception, influence policymakers, and ultimately impact the laws that govern our lives. The panel will examine how harmful on-screen narratives can lead to harmful real-world policies, and how accurate, empowering storytelling can drive meaningful change.
Gold House: “After The Pitch– A Look Inside Developing A Studio Project” Panel
1:00pm - 2:00pm MT - Selling your pitch or script is only half the battle — developing it successfully within the studio system is a battle just as big. What separates the projects that move forward from those that stall? Hear from seasoned producers, executives, and creatives who've shepherded projects through the studio system about the strategies, relationships, and creative decisions that keep projects alive during development.
Frameline, GLAAD, & NewFest with IMDbPro Present: “Cheers, Queers”
3:30pm - 4:45pm MT - INVITE ONLY - Cheers, Queers Toast
Industry professionals will gather to celebrate LGBTQ stories and makers with representation at Sundance Film Festival.
4:45pm - 5:00pm MT - “We Will Always Be Here: A Highlight Reel of LGBTQ Sundance Film Festival History”
This panel will bring notable LGBTQ filmmakers, creatives, and activists to the stage to share personal memories and visions for the future, MC’d by Ryan Mitchell. This segment will include reflections from the Cheers, Queers event founders Alex Schmider (GLAAD), Allegra Madsen (Frameline), and David Hatkoff (NewFest).
5:00 - 5:50pm MT - “The New & Next Queer Cinema: A Conversation with Queer Icons of Then and Now” Panel
As the Sundance Film Festival casts its gaze (gay-ze?) across its 40+ year history, and GLAAD also marks its 40-year anniversary advocating for LGBTQ representation and acceptance, this segment will bring together a historic conversation between the Queer Icons that shaped the New Queer Cinema movement, and those building on its legacy.
5:50pm - 6pm MT - Honoring LGBTQ Storytellers at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival
A staged photo to visually commemorate and spotlight LGBTQ storytellers and culture makers, celebrating their boundary-pushing creativity and impact in the industry.
Acura House of Energy Kickoff Party - 8:00pm - 11:00pm MT
8:00pm - 9:00pm MT - DJ Cardi Set
9:00pm - 11:00pm MT - DJ Nice Set
Connecticut at the Last Dance
5:00-7:00PM: Celebrating Innovation, Culture and the Future of Film in Connecticut
Self Custody Screening:
7:30PM: Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers
Talent: Garrett Patten (Lead Actor & Director), Adrian Grenier, Fernando Ferro (Co-Director)
Moviemaker Magazine Celebration of Indie Film:
Presented by TBK Productions. In partnership with Jane Owen Public Relations, Weazl Sauze, and TBK Productions
Saturday, January 24th:
IMDb Presents: Stars to Watch Panel (Saturday, January 24 at 12 PM MST) This live panel conversation will feature the stars from some of the festival's buzziest titles— emerging talents whose breakthrough performances exemplify the independent spirit at the heart of Sundance Film Festival: Gideon Adlon (Worried), Michelle Mao (Zi), and Will Price (The Only Living Pickpocket in New York). With moderator Jeff Luppino-Esposito, IMDbPro Sr. Content Strategist, the industry's brightest young stars will talk about their Sundance Film Festival experience, the standout performances that brought them to the forefront of fans' and critics' attention, their first IMDb credit, how independent filmmaking has shaped their artistic journey, and so much more. The panel will be open to the public. Visit the Acura House of Energy 550 Swede Alley on Saturday, January 24 at 12pm MT or watch the livestream on IMDb.com and the IMDb YouTube channel.
12:00pm - 1:00pm MT - IMDb Presents: Stars to Watch
This live panel conversation will feature the rising stars from some of the festival's buzziest titles—emerging talents whose breakthrough performances exemplify the independent spirit at the heart of Sundance. With moderator Jeff Luppino-Esposito, Sr. Content Strategist, IMDbPro, the industry's brightest young stars will talk about their Sundance Film Festival experience, the standout performances that brought them to the forefront of fans' and critics' attention, their first IMDb credit, how independent filmmaking has shaped their artistic journey, why emerging young voices matter, and so much more.
3:00pm - 4:00pm MT - “Elevating Indigenous Voices in Entertainment, Media, and Culture” Panel
Indigenous House is a recently launched media platform and lifestyle brand taking a forward looking and bold approach to storytelling, culture, and commerce through a celebration of Indigenous voices and creators. Featuring an exciting mix of industry creatives and allies, this dynamic panel will examine the evolving landscape of entertainment and media, highlighting the power of storytelling to drive cultural impact, representation, and community. The day will also include exclusive Indigenous House merchandise and more.
4:00pm - 5:00pm MT - Indigenous House Happy Hour
Indigenous House will host a lively gathering for industry professionals to cultivate connections, celebrate authentic storytelling, and highlight Indigenous creators at Sundance Film Festival.
7:00pm - 10:00pm MT - INVITE ONLY - IndieWire’s Chili Party
IndieWire’s legendary Sundance Film Festival event, held to celebrate the Sundance filmmakers and the indie film community.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH:
Women in Film (WIF) Programming:
10:00am - 11:00am MT - INVITE ONLY - Rising Together: Women in Film’s 2026 Sundance Film Festival Brunch
WIF will once again convene an energetic networking gathering with featured appearances from women filmmakers with films in official selection at the Festival. New this year, we shine a light on the power of mentorship, with a focus on the attending fellows from WIF's ReFrame Rise, a mid-career fellowship for women and gender diverse directors and cinematographers pairing them with committed industry-leading mentors.
11:15am - 12:00pm MT - “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Women Filmmakers Fighting for Change” Panel
A dynamic lineup of festival filmmakers from around the globe join forces to discuss how they are challenging systems and changing narratives - democratizing storytelling, fighting for rights and representation, and building bridges across communities through art and activism.
12:15pm - 1:00pm MT - “Emphasis on Empathy: The Power of Compassion” Panel
As our world and realities are in constant flux, the Sundance Film Festival continues to platform women filmmakers and artists, bringing their perspective to a wider audience. If, to quote Roger Ebert, “Movies are like a machine that generates empathy,” these narratives are now running at high voltage. Join WIF for a powerful conversation on how the stories women tell could pave the way toward a future where care and compassion are the norm.
2:00pm - 6:30pm MT - 2026 Sundance Film Festival ASCAP Music Cafe
From creating atmosphere to building emotion and driving narrative, music elevates the art of great filmmaking. The ASCAP Music Café at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival celebrates this essential creative collaboration with exciting live performances by a diverse array of artists and songwriters, alongside intimate conversations with the composers behind some of this year’s Festival films. Presented by ASCAP, home to more than one million of the world’s greatest music creators.
Kemo Sabe x The PBM Princess:
Special guests heading to Park City have the option Kemo Sabe on Main Street, one of the Sundance Film Festival’s hidden gems, for an exclusive red carpet reception honoring The PBM Princess, Rachel Strauss, and a special screening of “Side Effects May Include: The Hidden Cost of Prescription Drugs.”
This will be a lively cocktail-style experience where guests can mingle, enjoy curated appetizers and craft cocktails, and move freely throughout the space while the film plays.
The night will open with celebrities walking the red carpet. Guest will be treated to cocktails curated by High West Whiskey, delectable appetizers, Kemo Sabe hat Demo’s, as well as customized 2026 manifestation mantras by NY Times Best selling author Allie Kingsley that can be sewn into Kemo Sabe’s sought-after cowboys hats. Celebrity and reality star DJ Jon Gosselin will be on the turn tables playing music for everyone who attends. Brandi Glanville will be sharing stories of her medical journey the past couple years to the media and how Rachel Strauss has helped her reduce her piling up medical bills.
8:00pm - 11:00pm MT - Musical Performance by DJ Cardi
Monday, January 26th:
12:00pm - 1:00pm MT - Producers Guild of America (PGA): “The Producers Guild Presents: The State of Producing & Future of Producing” Panel
A panel presented by the Producers Guild of America, bringing together a dynamic mix of producers to discuss the evolving landscape of film production from the rise of AI to changes in distribution, tax incentives, and how they overcame the challenges to launch their productions. The panel will be moderated by Susan Sprung, Chief Executive Officer of the Producers Guild of America.
2:00pm - 5:15pm MT - 2026 Sundance Film Festival ASCAP Music Cafe
6:30pm - 9:30pm MT - INVITE ONLY - CHASING SUMMER Premiere Party
The IMDb and IMDbPro Dinner Party - A Celebration of Filmmakers:
IMDb and IMDbPro will host an exclusive seated dinner in Park City to celebrate filmmakers and honor special guests Jay Duplass (See You When I See You) and Alexandria Stapleton (The Brittney Griner Story). IMDb Founder & Executive Chair Col Needham will raise a toast to the honorees. This invitation-only celebration of filmmakers will take place at the prestigious St. Regis Deer Valley, with cocktail hour at 7:00pm and dinner at 8:00pm. The illustrious annual dinner features handcrafted cocktails and gourmet cuisine. In a special tribute, guests will converse about the films featuring legendary Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford.
