The Tao Sundance pop-up nightclub, a staple of the Sundance Film Festival's nightlife for over two decades, hosted its final event in Park City on January 25, 2026, as the festival prepares to relocate to Colorado. Stars and industry insiders gathered for performances and celebrations marking the end of an era. Organizers plan to continue the tradition in Boulder with a fresh approach.
For 25 years, Tao Sundance has been the after-hours hub for Hollywood at the Sundance Film Festival, drawing celebrities, agents, and executives to its pop-up venue in Park City, Utah. Launched in 2005 at the Utah Film Studios, the event transformed a cavernous space into a lively warehouse-style club with après-ski accents, offering free-flowing drinks sponsored by brands like Casamigos, Evian, Moet Hennessy, Jack Daniels, Hendricks, Red Bull, and Q Mixers.
Noah Tepperberg, co-CEO of Tao Hospitality Group, described the premise as creating something exceptional for the town, brands, and key supporters. The inaugural edition featured parties for Good Charlotte’s concert film “Fast Future Generation,” with Joel and Benji Madden as opening DJs; up-and-coming producers Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Pablo Cruz; and Ryan Gosling’s indie hit “Half Nelson.” Over the years, it hosted performances by Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Diplo, and Lil Jon, attracting A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Paris Hilton, Jon Hamm, Jason Momoa, and Ryan Gosling.
The club has not been without controversy. In 2015, actor Emile Hirsch assaulted a female Paramount executive there, leading to charges of aggravated assault; he was sentenced to 15 days in jail and community service, later calling it the worst moment of his life amid struggles with binge drinking.
Gabby Fernando, Tao’s vice president of special projects, emphasized maintaining world-class hospitality, which helped the event grow alongside Sundance. The final Park City night, dubbed “the last dance,” featured pop star Benson Boone performing “Beautiful Things” with a backflip. Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maude Apatow cheered him on, joined by cast members from “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Revelers enjoyed cocktails and Whispering Angel rosé until around 3:30 a.m., with many expressing sentimentality.
As Sundance shifts to Boulder, Tepperberg noted the change in energy due to its college-town vibe but anticipates drawing top names. The team will scout venues there soon.
