Main Street will be pedestrian only during a portion of the festival. Photo: Sundance Institute // Jemal Countess

PARK CITY, Utah — The Sundance Film Festival returns for the last time to Park City from Thursday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 1, bringing with it packed buses, a pedestrian-only Main Street, and a surge of visitors from around the world. For locals, preparation is key to getting through the 11-day festival smoothly.

Park City Municipal’s 2026 Sundance Community Guide lays out what residents need to know about transportation, parking, street access, and public notices during one of Park City’s busiest stretches of the year.

Stay informed before you head out

City officials encourage residents to sign up for real-time alerts before the festival begins by exting “FILMFEST” to 888-777. Text alerts through this system will provide updates on traffic, transit changes, emergencies, and weather impacts throughout the event.

Transit is your best friend

Park City Transit will operate from 6:40 a.m. to 2 a.m. with increased frequency during Sundance. The city’s free transit system remains the fastest and most reliable way to get around Old Town, especially when Main Street is closed to vehicles, according to city officials.

Residents are encouraged to download the Transit App to plan trips and track buses in real time. High Valley Transit also provides service throughout the Wasatch Back for those commuting from surrounding areas.

Expect street closures and access limits

To reduce congestion and protect neighborhoods, several street restrictions will be in place from Jan. 22 through Feb. 1:

Main Street will close to vehicles daily at 11 a.m. between Swede Alley and 7th Street during opening weekend.
Swede Alley and Hillside Avenue will require a Residential Access Pass or ADA placard.
Park Avenue will operate as one-way northbound, with residential pass holders allowed southbound travel.

Residential Access Passes were distributed in late December. Residents needing extras can contact the city’s Special Events Office. City officials stress that these passes provide street access, not parking, and are valid year-round.

Dining out during the festival often requires reservations, and residents are advised to run errands early in the day — especially if they need access to Old Town. Mail pickup at the Main Street Post Office is recommended before 11 a.m. to avoid congestion.

Parking requires a strategy

Public parking in Old Town will be paid or permit-only throughout the festival, with multiple lots closing partially or fully for event operations. Overnight parking in public lots is not allowed due to winter maintenance, which runs from 2–6 a.m. daily.

For locals who need to park and ride, Richardson Flat offers free parking with buses running every 15 minutes to Old Town. Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Village lots will also allow limited evening parking outside resort hours.

Main Street employees with permits may use designated lots earlier in the day, though access restrictions begin late morning. City officials encourage carpooling, transit use, and flexible scheduling whenever possible.

Accessibility and community safety

ADA parking remains free with proper placards, and paratransit services are available to both residents and visitors.

Officials also remind locals to report suspicious activity to Park City Police and to avoid cutting through residential neighborhoods during peak festival hours.

While Sundance brings temporary disruptions, city leaders emphasize that advance planning and clear communication help minimize impacts on daily life.

For full details, including contact numbers and parking maps, residents can review the complete 2026 Sundance Community Guide on Park City Municipal’s website