Dental Implants Near Boulder, CO

The graduation is free and open to the public. Tickets and registration are not required for Thursday's ceremony.

BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) will award more than 10,000 degrees during its spring commencement ceremony on Thursday.

The ceremony will award degrees to students who earned their degree in fall 2024 or applied to graduate this spring or summer, including: 7,476 bachelor’s degrees, 1,776 master’s degrees, 153 MBAs, 179 law degrees and 480 doctoral degrees.

In his first commencement at CU Boulder, Chancellor Justin Schwartz will also recognize CU superfan Peggy Coppom with the Chancellor’s Impact Award for her lifetime of dedication to the university.

Traffic is expected to be heavy in and out of Boulder and on campus.

CU Boulder 2025 spring graduation ceremony

Three-time Olympian Emma Coburn will deliver the commencement speech on Thursday.

Coburn is a three-time track Olympian and NCAA national champion. Coburn attended CU Boulder and graduated with a marketing degree in 2013.

She competed in her first Olympics in 2012 while still a student. In 2016 Coburn won a bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro, in the steeplechase.

Credit: CU Boulder

Emma Coburn

“When I was invited to deliver the commencement speech at the spring 2025 graduation ceremony, I had to read the email three times because I was so excited,” Coburn said. “I am a proud Buff and am so honored to be able to speak to the graduates and celebrate their achievements. These students are bound for great things, and I am grateful that I get to be part of their graduation ceremony.”

“Emma Coburn is the epitome of a Buff: strong, focused, determined and resilient,” said CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “I know her message will resonate with anyone who dreams of making a tremendous impact on the world's stage.”

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak delivered CU Boulder's commencement address in 2024 and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis delivered the address in 2023.

The Sundance Film Festival is Boulder bound, leaving its home of four decades in Park City, Utah, for a new chapter in neighboring Colorado.

Organizers announced their decision Thursday after a yearlong search in which numerous U.S. cities vied to host the nation’s premier independent film festival. The other finalists were Cincinnati, Ohio, and a combined Salt Lake City and Park City bid.

Festival leaders said politics did not influence their move from conservative Utah to liberal Colorado. They did however make “ethos and equity values” one of their criteria and referred to Boulder in their announcement as a “welcoming environment.”

Why was Boulder chosen?

Boulder stood out to organizers as an artsy, walkable and medium-sized city close to nature. It has one of the highest concentrations of professional artists in the U.S. and is home to the University of Colorado, where the film program contributes to a vibrant art scene, Sundance leaders said. They noted the large student population and campus venues will create new opportunities to engage young people in the event.

Nearby nature in the Rocky Mountain foothills offers room for visitors and artists to stretch their legs and draw inspiration from high country scenery. It’s also just over half an hour from downtown Denver and not much farther to the city’s international airport. There is not currently a light rail system connecting Denver to Boulder, but a bus runs between the two cities.

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When Sundance leaders began their search for a new home, they said the festival had outgrown the charming ski town of Park City and developed an air of exclusivity that took focus away from the films. Boulder, a city of 100,000 people, has space for a more centralized festival. But it’s not all that more affordable for attendees. The cost of living is estimated to be 31% higher than the national average, versus Park City’s 33%, according to the Economic Research Institute. Visitors also say it can be difficult to find available hotel rooms and short term rentals when the university hosts large events or home football games.

What is Boulder known for?

Actor Jonah Hill, “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and — perhaps most significantly — Sundance founder Robert Redford all attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. The school has a heady party culture that sometimes spills into the surrounding streets. The city is also home to a private Buddhist college.

Redford, 88, gave the festival’s relocation his blessing.

Redford is remembered in Boulder with a mural inside The Sink, a restaurant and bar where he worked as a janitor back in his college days.

“It’s gonna be really fun to see what happens and when people are introduced to the beauty of Boulder and how amazing this place is. It’s just gonna elevate Boulder’s presence on the world stage, I think,” said Chris Heinritz, a co-owner of The Sink.

Just outside Denver’s suburbs, Boulder has its own identity — and decades ago a very unique, hippie vibe. Well before Colorado voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, thousands of University of Colorado students and others would gather on campus to smoke pot every April 20.

Today, Boulder retains its charm at the foot of the sandstone Flatirons, a foothill range crisscrossed by hiking trails that begin at the Colorado Chautauqua, a cultural and performing arts hub dating to the 1800s. The pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall with its nearby theaters could provide a similar central hub to Park City’s Main Street.

It’s no longer ideal for hippies, however. The university kicked the 4/20 weed fest off campus and soaring housing costs — the median home price is now $1.1 million — make living there unattainable for most.

A history of film in Boulder

Films have been shown in Boulder since 1898, when the first kinetoscope, a device co-invented by Thomas Edison, showed moving pictures to one person at a time at the Chautauqua Auditorium.

Besides Redford, Hollywood names who attended the University of Colorado include Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter for “Spartacus” and “Roman Holiday” who was among the Hollywood Ten blacklisted for suspected communist sympathies in the late 1940s and 1950s.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Boulder locations featured as backdrops in the Woody Allen film “Sleeper” and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” And Boulder was the fictional setting of the TV show “Mork & Mindy.”

Today, it’s home to more than a dozen smaller film festivals, including the Boulder International Film Festival and Chautauqua Silent Film Series.

“It just makes perfect sense. We’re a small teeny tiny town but we’re filled with so much. We have so much art so much history, so much vibrancy,” said Hannah Givens, a University of Colorado graduate who lives in the Boulder area.

What is the festival’s history in Utah?

Sundance has called Park City home for 41 years. Past leaders of the festival said Redford chose the mountains of Utah as a space to foster independent filmmaking away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Utah’s iconic red rock landscapes have served as a backdrop to many films, including “Thelma and Louise,” “Forrest Gump” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” for which the festival is named.

This year, thousands of festivalgoers affixed bright yellow stickers to their winter coats that read “Keep Sundance in Utah” in a last-ditch effort to convince its leaders to keep it local.

Sundance will have one more festival in Park City in January 2026 before moving to Boulder in 2027.

What kind of economic boost does it provide?

Over four decades, Sundance helped transform its quaint mountain hometown into a renowned winter destination. Home prices skyrocketed, luxury hotels emerged and some local businesses shuttered while others thrived.

Out-of-state visitors spent an estimated $106.4 million in Utah during the 2024 festival. Its total economic impact that year was estimated at $132 million, with 1,730 jobs for Utah residents and $70 million in wages for local workers. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was sad to see Sundance go, but the state’s economy could sustain the loss.

Utah offered Sundance $3.5 million to stay. Colorado lawmakers proposed $34 million in tax credits over 10 years to lure it away.

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Associated Press journalist Thomas Peipert contributed to this report from Boulder, Colorado.

Colorado lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up the 2025 legislative session today. While Boulder wasn’t at the center of the contentious land-use reform debates that dominated last year, lawmakers representing the city carried several bills that drew notable attention at the Capitol.

Sen. Judy Amabile backed a bill giving local governments the authority to lower base wages for tipped workers. The legislation, HB25-1208, allows cities like Boulder — which have local minimum wages higher than the state’s — to adjust the “tip credit,” a provision that lets employers pay tipped workers less than the standard minimum wage. The bill gives cities the option, but not the obligation, to reduce tipped wages, as long as they stay above the state’s tipped minimum of $11.79.

Supporters say the change would give restaurants financial relief by lowering labor costs. Opponents, including labor groups, argue it’s a pay cut for service workers. The bill passed and is now awaiting the governor’s signature. (See our previous coverage here and here.)

Rep. Junie Joseph sponsored a bill aimed at strengthening protections for renters who receive federal housing subsidies, such as Housing Choice vouchers. HB25-1240 includes a provision that codifies into state law a pandemic-era rule requiring landlords to give tenants at least 30 days’ notice before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent. The legislation also requires landlords to make “reasonable efforts” to help tenants applying for rental assistance. The bill is headed to the governor’s desk.

Reps. Lesley Smith of Boulder and Kyle Brown of Louisville co-sponsored a bill that initially sought to automate local permitting for solar energy projects. But HB25-1096 faced pushback from cities, including Boulder, that were concerned the bill would override local zoning codes. In the end, the measure was significantly scaled back. What remained were tweaks to a state grant program to help local governments use automated permitting software. The bill has passed both chambers.

Rep. Brown also backed legislation seeking to address rising home insurance costs and dropped coverage due to wildfire risk. HB25-1302 would have added a fee to insurance premiums to fund a reinsurance program designed to reduce financial risk for insurers covering homes in fire-prone areas. The bill was voted down in committee on May 5.

Press conference to be held at 2 p.m. today in downtown Boulder

BOULDER — Today, the Sundance Institute named Boulder, Colorado as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. To celebrate the announcement, a press conference will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 27, in front of the Boulder Theater on the southwest corner of 14th and Spruce in downtown Boulder, Colorado. State officials, including Gov. Polis, Sundance Institute representatives, and Visit Boulder are all expected to speak. Members of the media who plan to attend should RSVP to Ally Sullivan at ally.sullivan@state.co.us.

“I’m beyond excited to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado starting in 2027. Powerful films tell our stories; who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be. Here in Colorado we also celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture. Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants, and to help the festival achieve even greater success. Thank you to the Sundance Film Festival and all of the partners including the City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and I also want to thank the bipartisan legislators and leadership who have worked tirelessly to make this possible,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Today’s announcement follows the submission of a winning proposal by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder) with support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media (COFTM), OEDIT’s Business Funding & Incentives Division, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and a regional coalition of partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center. The proposal to host the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder has also secured bipartisan support, including the sponsors of HB25-1005, which is still moving through the legislative process, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Rep. Brianna Titone, Sen. Judy Amabile and Sen. Mark Baisley.

“We’re beyond excited that Boulder has been chosen as the future home for the Sundance Film Festival. With its thriving creative spirit, stunning mountain backdrop, and welcoming community, Boulder offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience for filmmakers and attendees alike. This moment is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to champion art, culture, and connection. Congratulations, Boulder and all of Colorado — this is our moment to shine!” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder.

Through this historic opportunity, Colorado will honor the Festival’s roots in the mountain west, while supporting its ongoing growth and success and boosting the state’s creative economy. The Festival’s presence in Boulder will benefit the region and beyond, increasing tourism and boosting sales to restaurants and small businesses during a quiet time of year, while bolstering Colorado’s creative economy and generating new jobs for Coloradans.

“Colorado has long been known for its culture of collaboration, and that spirit was on full display throughout the proposal process. Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen our creative economy, create new jobs for Coloradans, boost tourism and elevate Colorado on the global stage, a diverse group of partners came together to showcase Colorado as the ideal next home for the Sundance Film Festival. The relationships we have built and strengthened, especially our partnership with the Sundance Institute, will ensure the Festival’s next act is a tremendous success,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado and work with our new partners at the Sundance Institute to ensure a smooth transition to Boulder in 2027. We can think of no better partner to elevate filmmaking and storytelling in Colorado and look forward to celebrating the many creative milestones that lie ahead,” said Colorado Film Commissioner, Donald Zuckerman.

“With our world-renowned Rocky Mountain landscapes, well-established creative communities, strong hotel bed base, and robust domestic and international connectivity through Denver International Airport, Colorado is the perfect stage for the Sundance Film Festival’s next act. Congratulations to Boulder, and welcome to our new Festival partners!" said Colorado House Majority Leader Monica Duran.

“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival is an incredible win for the Boulder region and the state of Colorado. The 2024 festival generated $132 million in gross domestic product, created 1,730 jobs paying $69.7 million in wages, and attracted 24,000 out-of-state visitors who spent an average of $735 a day. We expect to see a similar impact for Coloradans and look forward to welcoming the Festival in 2027,” said Colorado Rep. Brianna Titone.

“The Tax Incentive for Film Festivals is advancing through the Colorado legislature with bipartisan support, paving the way for today’s historic announcement and demonstrating our state’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado. This exciting news will elevate our creative industries and create new jobs for Coloradans for years to come,” said Colorado Sen. Judy Amabile.

“Today’s announcement is a tremendous win for Colorado small businesses. We welcome the Sundance Film Festival making its new home in Boulder. This will boost sales at restaurants, retailers and other small businesses throughout the region that rely on tourism, bringing much needed revenue to Colorado communities during a quiet time of year,” said Colorado Sen. Mark Baisley.

About Visit Boulder

Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1985, Visit Boulder strengthens the local economy by inspiring visitor connections to Boulder’s vibrant landscape and unique culture.

The Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colo. in 2027, ending its decades-long run in Park City, Utah. The festival reached a 10 year-deal with city officials after an extensive search for a new base of operations. The snowy haven prevailed against two other finalists: Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City and Park City.

In selecting Boulder, the festival’s leadership cited the fact that it is a college town as well as a tech hub. It also highlighted the community’s natural beauty, something that has been a key component of Sundance, which has always boasted itself as an opportunity to watch great movies against an alpine backdrop.

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“One of the things that we also thought about is one of Robert Redford’s founding principles, which is this notion of making sure that the festival has a sense of space and a sense of place,” said Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute’s acting CEO. “One of the things that you’ll see when you walk around [Boulder] is we are surrounded by this breathtaking Flat Iron Mountain Range, and it’s truly an incredible vibe. So when you’re walking from theater to theater, you’ll really get this opportunity to sort of metabolize what you just watched while convening in nature.”

The city has earned the nickname “People’s Republic of Boulder,” which one popular tourism site attributes to “unique character, progressive values and engaged citizenry.” It’s known as eco-friendly and open to artists and countercultures.

Still, the move to Boulder begins a new and uncertain era for the film festival. After all, Park City has become synonymous with Sundance, having served as its home since 1985. Over the years, it has hosted the premieres of films like “Reservoir Dogs,” “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” and “Little Miss Sunshine” that ignited the indie revolution of the ’90s and early aughts. This helped redefine moviemaking into something edgier, sexier and more subversive.

But the art form that Sundance celebrates has struggled amid a global pandemic and a prolonged box office slump. The 2024 edition lacked the kind of buzzy new films that once used the festival as a launching ground. Though a few movies like the horror film “Together” and the historical drama “Train Dreams” were sold during Sundance, it’s taken months for other films to find distribution. It’s not just a sign of the punishing new economics of releasing these kinds of movies in theaters. It also signals that streaming services like Netflix that were once aggressive buyers at film festivals have tightened their acquisitions spending.

At the same time, the festival’s relationship with the town has also become strained. Studio executives and agents have been frustrated by the high cost of sending people to Park City, while some locals have grown disenchanted with the influx of fans and press into their tiny hamlet. The fact that the festival is held in the height of ski season, the main source of revenue for the community, has also been a source of tension.

From Sundance’s perspective, the festival was struggling to find enough places for filmmakers to showcase their work. During COVID, the town lost theaters after one venue went bankrupt and another, the Redstone, was remodeled into a luxury venue with fewer seats. Even if Sundance had stayed in Utah, Park City was going to play a much smaller role, hosting only a few events. Under that plan, Salt Lake City would have become the festival’s main hub.

In April 2024, The Sundance Institute, the nonprofit behind the festival, announced that it was entertaining proposals from “viable locations in the United States” to host the festival when its current contract expired with Park City in 2026. Over 100 potential cities and town expressed interest, 13 of which submitted proposals. After several rounds, three finalists emerged. One of these was Cincinnati, Ohio and the other was a proposal that would keep Sundance in Utah.

Sundance appointed a task force to vet potential new home bases. Amy Redford, the daughter of the festival’s founder Robert Redford, was part of that group. As part of the process, the team evaluated the various locations’ infrastructure and event capabilities. The task force offered its recommendations to Sundance’s board, which voted on Wednesday.

In a statement, Robert Redford expressed his gratitude to the state of Utah, while characterizing the organization’s decision to move as a necessary step. “What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining,” he said. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences. I am grateful to the Boulder community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the festival there.”

Boulder’s downtown will become the central hub of the festival, with the city’s theaters and venues hosting screenings and events. There’s also a pedestrian-only block called Pearl Street that will be a locus of activity. The festival said it will also use select spots on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. It said it is working with the city to enhance its infrastructure and accommodation options. Sundance’s leaders expect that Boulder will have more theaters and venues than Park City.

In a statement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said his state was “thrilled” to welcome Sundance. “Here in our state we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture,” he said. “Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants.”

The festival’s leadership declined to detail what tax breaks and other financial incentives Boulder offered it to relocate and how those compared to the other finalists.

“Each city and state came to the table with incredible packages, with incredible incentives, but also more more importantly, with incredible passion,” said Ebs Burnough, chair of the Sundance Institute’s board. “We were very diligent in our process to have the financial piece of it be just that — a piece of it.”

In an interview before the news was announced, the festival’s leaders talked excitedly about Boulder, but they also acknowledged that there was something bittersweet about having only one more year left in Park City.

“The Utah audience has for 40-plus years, shown up year after year and been an incredibly enthusiastic and embracing audience for this festival,” said Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival Director. “I frankly, can’t wait to be there on day one, on January 22, 2026, to start unveiling the next program and and in all sincerity, invite that loyal, committed audience of Sundance Film Festival fans to continue that relationship with us in 2027 and beyond.”