From street corners to movie theaters, Sundance volunteers are the guiding force behind the festival experience. According to the Sundance Institute, about 80 percent of this year’s 1,300 volunteers are returning veterans, while others are attending for the first time. Lilly Luse traveled from Nashville and spent about $2,500 to be part of Sundance’s final edition in Utah, calling the experience worth the cost. For some, volunteering is a family tradition—like three sisters and a close friend from Half Moon Bay who followed one sister’s lead. Together, these dedicated volunteers show that the passion for Sundance goes far beyond the expense, with many already planning to return when the festival begins its next chapter in Boulder in 2027.
