Robert Redford created the Sundance Film Festival, which runs from January 22 to February 1, to showcase unknown filmmakers. Today, it acts more like school recess for the one percent. The Sundance Kid does not hide the fact that he’d love to put the parading, gilded horse out of its misery, but Park City is unwilling to relent for obvious financial reasons.
If you are one of the 99-percent folks—the poor ones with holes in their Patagucci jeans—you’re in luck. Since the festival was originally designed for paupers, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your time in Park City.
1. Skip the Fine Dining
Reservations fill up quickly and prices can be high at best, and completely out of range the rest of the time. If you’re in need of thrifty sustenance, pop into Back Door Delicatessen or Main Street Deli. It’s not lobster or foie gras, but you’ll get a nice beer and an impeccable sandwich. For those willing to travel out, there are several fast food choices at the Kimball Junction exit, approximately seven miles away from Main Street.
2. Walk the Streets for Treats
Boutique companies love to showcase their products. It’s cheaper to set up their samples on the bustling street than it is to rent an over-priced office the size of a Cracker Jack box. One walk down Main Street at midday could grant a pauper a weeklong supply of handcrafted lip balm, a locally roasted coffee and a free ticket to the community theater’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
3. Waitlist, Waitlist, Waitlist
There are a variety of packages for tickets to the festival but most of them are incredibly expensive and honestly, it’s impossible to see several movies. It’s more economical to choose two films and waitlist the tickets. It does require standing in line, sometimes in the freezing cold, and tickets aren’t guaranteed at the window. However, that circumstance is so rare that it doesn’t warrant worry.
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