Scouted Colorado plans 11-day market at Chautauqua during Sundance's Boulder debut

Scouted Colorado will bring more than 35 Colorado businesses, artists and makers to Chautauqua Community House from Jan. 21-31, 2027, timed to the first Sundance Film Festival screenings in Boulder. Vendor applications are open now, with proceeds supporting the Colorado Chautauqua Association.

Why it matters: - The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will draw a global audience to Boulder for the first time in Colorado, creating a rare sales and visibility opportunity for independent businesses across the state. - Scouted Colorado is positioning local brands directly across from official festival screenings at Chautauqua Auditorium, linking Colorado commerce to a high-traffic cultural event. - Net proceeds after expenses, plus a share of vendor sales, will support the Colorado Chautauqua Association and its restoration work.

What happened: - Scouted Colorado announced an 11-day market at Chautauqua Community House in Boulder from Jan. 21-31, 2027. - The curated collective will feature more than 35 Colorado businesses, artists, makers and entrepreneurs. - Applications are open now for vendors and Supporter Partnerships at scoutedcolorado.com. - The first round of vendor applications closes Oct. 30, 2026.

The details: - Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1898, will host official Sundance Film Festival screenings. - The auditorium is undergoing a major restoration ahead of the festival. - Chautauqua Community House sits across a garden from the auditorium and has more than 35 available spaces throughout the building. - Scouted Colorado will offer shopping, food and beverage, and special programming during the full 11-day run. - The collective will include categories such as fashion and Western style, alpine and outdoor lifestyle, fine jewelry and accessories, art, home and design, Colorado craftsmanship, independent retail, and travel and experiences. - Scouted Colorado is presented by Kristie Shehan, Leigh Gordon, Shelly Hamill and Shani Canillas, who own and edit The Scout Guide's Boulder, Denver, Aspen and Fort Collins guides. - The Scout Guide is a lifestyle brand focused on local businesses through print and online city guides. - Supporter Partnerships remain open, including category exclusivity at the leading levels. - Media contact information listed for the project includes hello@scoutedcolorado.com, plus social links on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Between the lines: - The project blends festival tourism with local retail, giving Colorado brands a way to reach visitors who may not otherwise encounter them. - Chautauqua's historic role adds a heritage angle to Sundance's Boulder debut, which organizers are using to frame the market as part of a broader cultural moment. - The emphasis on independent businesses suggests Scouted Colorado is aiming for a curated, state-wide showcase rather than a standard vendor fair.

What's next: - Vendors and supporters can apply now as organizers fill the market's spaces. - The festival and market are set to run together Jan. 21-31, 2027. - Scouted Colorado and Colorado Chautauqua will continue preparing the campus as Chautauqua Auditorium moves toward year-round cultural use.

The bottom line: - Scouted Colorado is using Sundance's first Colorado year to create a high-profile sales platform for local businesses while directing revenue back to Chautauqua's nonprofit stewardship.