It’s one of my favorite times of the year to live in Salt Lake City. The Sundance Film Festival kicks off this weekend and swarms of film enthusiasts as well as brilliant producers and actors come to our city to be a part of this incredible showcase. Over the last few years I’ve picked up on how to best enjoy Sundance as a local which I want to share with you today. I put together some Q & As with my good friend Jackie that we hope you find helpful. Please feel free to leave a comment with other questions or if you have more tips on the film festival we would love to hear them as well!
If you didn’t get a ticket package what is the best way to get tickets as a local?
Open ticket sales are the 17th and 18th at the Park City and Salt Lake box offices. Hours are 10-6. On the website, Sundance now has a pretty neat feature “Real Time Availability” that shows what tickets are available. You can also purchase day of show tickets during the festival, box office hours change from 8-7. I believe that they release so many tickets each day. The best thing would be to get to the box office early. Otherwise, waitlisting is the other option. Most festival goers say they love waitlisting! It’s a fun way to experience the festival by meeting other festival goers, and get to see movies that are sold out.
Open ticket sales are the 17th and 18th at the Park City and Salt Lake box offices. Hours are 10-6. On the website, Sundance now has a pretty neat feature “Real Time Availability” that shows what tickets are available. You can also purchase day of show tickets during the festival, box office hours change from 8-7. I believe that they release so many tickets each day. The best thing would be to get to the box office early. Otherwise, waitlisting is the other option. Most festival goers say they love waitlisting! It’s a fun way to experience the festival by meeting other festival goers, and get to see movies that are sold out.
Where and Where to get tickets as a local in Salt Lake City?
Trolley Square Mall starting Jan 17th through 29th 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
What are wait-list tickets and how do locals get them?
Go directly to the theatre of the screening you wish to attend. Arrive two hours before the scheduled screening time to pick up your waitlist number (one per person). For each theatre’s first screening of the day, waitlist numbers will be distributed one hour before the scheduled screening time. Once you have your number, you can go grab coffee or a sandwich, but you must return no later than 30 minutes before the screening time. You’ll then line up according to number, and tickets will be sold in sequential order and based on availability. The tickets are $15. Only cash is accepted.
What’s the best way to see the stars?
If you go to the first screening of a film, the actors are generally there. So, the easiest way to see the stars is to go to the first screening of a film with the star you want to see! Otherwise, Main Street is the place to go. The first weekend of the festival is definitely the most popular. Your chance to see the stars are the best then. In terms of getting tickets though, it is easier the second five days of the festival over the first five days.
If you go to the first screening of a film, the actors are generally there. So, the easiest way to see the stars is to go to the first screening of a film with the star you want to see! Otherwise, Main Street is the place to go. The first weekend of the festival is definitely the most popular. Your chance to see the stars are the best then. In terms of getting tickets though, it is easier the second five days of the festival over the first five days.
If we do go into Park City, what is the best way to find parking?
In terms of Park City, parking can be difficult, therefore give yourself plenty of time! Avoid Main Street at all costs! After 3pm, the parking lot at the high school is a first come first serve basis. This is a good lot to park in and then catch the shuttle. The same is true for the lot on Monitor Drive. If you are willing to pay, you can park at the Yard on Kearns blvd but it costs $15. There is street parking around Headquarters (on Sidewinder Drive) but this will fill up fast. Again, the key is to give yourself plenty of time to find parking so you don’t stress!
In terms of Park City, parking can be difficult, therefore give yourself plenty of time! Avoid Main Street at all costs! After 3pm, the parking lot at the high school is a first come first serve basis. This is a good lot to park in and then catch the shuttle. The same is true for the lot on Monitor Drive. If you are willing to pay, you can park at the Yard on Kearns blvd but it costs $15. There is street parking around Headquarters (on Sidewinder Drive) but this will fill up fast. Again, the key is to give yourself plenty of time to find parking so you don’t stress!
Where are some good places to eat if I see a show in Salt Lake?
There are some fabulous restaurants right by the Salt Lake theaters. Here are a few of my favorites:
Pago, right by the Tower Theater in Salt Lake
Copper Onion, right by the Broadway Theater in Salt Lake (pictured below)
Plum Alley, right by the Broadway Theater in Salt Lake
Other Tips…
You must be at the screening 15 minutes before the show starts. If you are not, Sundance can sell your seat to someone in the wait list. It does not work like normal theaters do so don’t be late!
Many of the Sundance venues are open to the general public if space is available. It depends on the venue. Some you do need a festival credential. It is worth trying to go to the ones open to the public, just another way to enjoy the festival.
http://www.sundance.org/festival/film-events/theatres-venues/
Lastly, if you need any information during the festival, the reception hours are 8-6. The phone number is 435-658-FILM(3456).
Sundance Film Festival Website– film listings and ticket availability
Hope you will take advantage of this fun time to be in Utah! Catch a World Documentary for me, those are usually my favorites! If you have any more tips or questions please feel free to leave a comment.
Sad but I've never been to a Sundance film. Hubs just looks at me like I'm crazy. We'll have to plan a girls night out some time.
I actually really like the deli that is located right next the Broadway on the opposite side of The Copper Onion. I was there Monday and had an awesome blue-cheese, turkey and bacon sandwich and my wife had a turkey apple and cheddar sandwich. It's faster than The Copper Onion if you are trying to catch back to back movies, like we were.
I've only been to one film before, and it was years ago. I would love to go again sometime and try to spot some stars!
Great tips. You now have me wanting to plan a trip to the festival (and I might add your blog as a whole has me wanting to plan a trip to Salt Lake in general!).