Plan Your Visit

Ten days, five venues, one walkable town at 5,400 feet. Here’s the short version of everything first-timers ask.

Badges vs. tickets

Badges ($295) cover every screening, panel, and party for all ten days, plus partner discounts around town. Individual tickets ($14–18, opening night $35) go on sale in November. If you’re coming for three or more days, the badge math wins.

Where to stay

The festival rate at Hotel Chautauqua is the move — walkable to the trailheads, shuttle to every venue. Pearl Street hotels put you in the middle of the food. Book by mid-December; the town does sell out.

What to pack

Boulder in January swings from 15°F mornings to 50°F sun. Layers, actual boots, sunglasses (the snow-glare is not a joke at altitude), and a water bottle — the altitude dehydrates you faster than you think, and so does festival wine.

Getting here and around

Fly into Denver (DIA), take the AB1 SkyRide bus straight to downtown Boulder (about $10, hourly). No car needed: the free festival shuttle loops the venues 8am to midnight. Full transit details in our getting-here guide.