Boulder CO Film FestUnofficial guide

The unofficial guide

Boulder CO
Film Fest

January 21–31, 2027 · Boulder, Colorado

Eleven days of independent film are coming to the foot of the Flatirons. This is the plain-spoken guide to where to sleep, how to get around, and what to do between screenings, written for visitors and the locals who will be sharing their sidewalks.

Find a place to stayCompare the areas
COUNTDOWN

Opening day is closer than your hotel search suggests.

--Days
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REEL 01

Start here

Lodging

Where to stay for the festival

Boulder has far fewer hotel rooms than the festival has attendees. Here is how to find a bed anyway, in town or one bus ride out.

Read the lodging guide → Neighborhoods

Boulder and nearby towns, explained

Downtown, the Hill, Chautauqua, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont and more: what each is like, which venues are close, and the trade-offs.

Compare the areas → First-timers

Tips for visiting Boulder in January

Altitude, sun, ice, tickets and the free festival bus. The things you want to know before you land, not after.

Get the tips → Travel

Getting here and getting around

Denver's airport is about 43 miles away. Your options for the last leg, plus rental cars and travel insurance for winter flying.

Plan the trip → Between screenings

Things to do when the credits roll

Flatirons views, Pearl Street, day trips to the high country and tours you can book ahead.

See the list → Gear

The festival packing list

What to wear for a sunny 45°F afternoon that turns into a 20°F walk home, plus a shelf of books for film people.

Pack smarter →
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The festival at a glance

Jan 21–312027 festival dates, the first edition held in Boulder
11 theatersDowntown, on the CU Boulder campus and at Chautauqua
Jan 21–26World premieres run through the first six days
Jan 8Single-film tickets go on sale to the public
Free HOP busThe city plans free rides on the HOP route for festival attendees
Jan 28–31Online screenings for those watching from the couch

We are a guide, not the box office. Schedules, passes, tickets and official lodging all live on the festival's own site.

Official festival website ↗City of Boulder transportation page ↗
REEL 03

Book the big stuff first

Lodging and flights are the two things that get worse with every week you wait. Everything else can be sorted from your phone in line.

HotelsSearch Boulder on Booking.com Vacation rentalsWhole homes on Vrbo Flight + hotelBundles on Expedia Rental carsPick up at Denver's airport Travel insuranceFor January flight delays ToursBoulder experiences on Viator
REEL 04

Live here? This one is for you.

Residents

The locals' guide to festival week

How to actually get tickets, the cheaper weekday and second-half options, getting around your own town, and hosting out-of-town guests without losing your mind.

Read the locals' guide →
Movie night at home

Bring the festival to your living room

Online screenings run January 28–31. A few upgrades make the couch feel like a theater.