From celebrating cult classics like the Big Lebowski in New York and the World's longest Shotski in Breckenridge, Colorado to major Sporting events like the Super Bowl and cultural institutions such as Mardi Gras, events are a huge part of our culture.

But, what role do events really play in the economies of our cities and neighborhoods?

One city is soon to find out as 2026 marks the last year of Sundance Film Festival as we know it, the 2027 Festival will take place in Boulder Colorado after more than 40 years in Park City, Utah.

Other cities such as Dallas and Kansas City are preparing for a one year only boom of the World Cup.

I had to ask myself, maybe more than once, am I only writing this so I can express how much I love the movie A Knight's Tale (2001) but you can't overlook some of the earliest examples of the importance of events and sport to the culture of cities, with the tournaments from which carousel games emerged beginning around the year 1100, including, jousting.

As far as my story and my career trajectory, I have been more than just a spectator of events, and I would say I owe a lot of success and passions to my experiences hosting and creating events for more than 10 years.

TLDR: Below you will find

-List of important annual events around the United States

-List of Unique Austin events

-Summaries of some cool lesser known US based events

-Essay on how events influenced my view of cities and real estate

Summary: This article explores the power of events big and small, provides background and history of some of our most important events as well as some lesser known (That you should probably put on your bucket list) events. However, the main reason I am writing this article is to explore why Austin needs to embrace more local events as a path to mature as a city.

Let's get started:

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival officially wrapped on Feb 1, but not only is this the completion of this year's event but also a wrap on Park City's run as the host city, with the 2027 event marking the start of a new era in Boulder, Colorado.

Through my research you see a mix of thoughts and feelings on this move, with one reporter stating, "That I’d heard rumors that Park City calculated there was more money in catering to the posh ski crowd than, say, film critics."

This begs the point, can you put a dollar amount on the value of Park City, Utah being part of the cultural zeitgeist? New York Times article titled "Sundance Says Thank You, and Goodbye, to Park Cityhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/business/media/sundance-film-festival-park-city-boulder.html

The article went on to say, "Along the way, Park City changed, too. The town became a bigger draw for skiers after it helped host the Winter Olympics in 2002, and it changed again during the pandemic, when many people moved to the snowy mountain town to escape big city living. And eventually, the festival outgrew it."

I tend to feel the most strongly about more micro local events, like neighborhood block parties, parking lot concerts and farmers markets.

Eventbrite recently put out their Inaugural Social Study Report with a headline of "Reveals the ‘Reset to Real': How Gen Z and Millennials Are Redefining Live Experiences in 2026"

"After years of digital-first experiences, local connection is grounding. 89% want events that connect them to their community, craving block parties with food and music, markets featuring local artists, and "meet your neighbor" café events. Eventbrite data reveals over 600,000 people attended block parties in the US, while local art walks saw 49% attendance growth."

A few past events I produced or co-produced

Some data and support statements to drive the point home:

"Reno, Nevada Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Arts activity creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and generates billions in government and business revenues. The arts also make our cities destinations for tourists, help attract and retain businesses, and play an important role in the economic revitalization of cities and the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”"

"Indeed, 80 percent of attendees to arts and culture events agreed that “the event they were attending inspires a sense of pride in the neighborhood or community,” and 86 percent responded that they “would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”"

"Cultural tourists spend an average of $38.46 per person at local merchants over and above event admission costs. This additional spending goes to restaurants, retail shops, parking facilities, hotels and other activities. Thus, a multiplier effect is created for the local economy."

"Keeping Money Local

When communities invest in local arts programs and venues, they provide a reason for residents to spend their entertainment dollars locally rather than traveling. This keeps the money flow within the community, which strengthens the local economy and supports small businesses."

With my events, I partnered with other local creatives and community partners as well as hired local artists and musicians. Whereas larger events tend to bring in out of town acts/bigger names to command higher ticket prices and thousands of attendees.

Both events large and small serve a purpose and have a positive impact. However, a topic I want to daylight moving forward, is, for a city like Austin, these large events draw major corporate investment and thus city permits and fees are geared towards sponsors and organizers with larger budgets because the city needs the money but if you hold a local organizer hosting a small neighborhood based event to the same barriers as a multi million dollar festival, the small event can not bear the same costs and our city suffers as a result.

Unique Austin Events

Eeyores Birthday https://eeyores.org/

Bat Fest: https://thedailytexan.com/2025/09/04/19th-annual-austin-bat-fest-takes-flight-with-local-musicians-food/

Austin Film Festival: https://austinfilmfestival.com/

Seismic: https://www.seismicdanceevent.com/

Levitation/Austin Psych Fest: https://levitation.fm/pages/about

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/events/austin-chronicle-hot-sauce-festival

Joe's Chili Cook off: https://do512.com/events/2026/2/1/jos-19th-annual-chili-cook-off-tickets

Kite Fest: https://abckitefest.org/

Fantastic Fest: https://fantasticfest.com/

Some events around the country:

Cinespia | Los Angeles

What: Cinespia is a Los Angeles based organization that brings movie magic to life with screenings of classic films throughout the year to an audience of hundreds of thousands from all around the world, including some of Hollywood’s most famous faces. With over 30 events per year, Cinespia hosts dazzling screenings under the stars at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Rose Bowl Stadium, Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park. Cinespia also produces private screenings, fundraisers, concerts, television and film premieres year-round outdoors and at the beloved Art Deco movie palaces of historic downtown Los Angeles’ theatre district.

Where: Los Angeles, California

When: Summer (May-September)

History: Since 2002, Hollywood Forever has teamed up with film organization Cinespia to produce outdoor classic film screenings each summer (May-September)

Hollywood Forever Cemetery was founded in 1899 and is the resting place for hundred's of Hollywood's greatest luminaries. The cemetery has restored to its original splendor and has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places

Thru the Chute | New Braunfels

What: Thru the Chute is a cardboard boat race held annually at the New Braunfels City Tube Chute. Competitors launch their handmade vessels through the Chute as spectators cheer them on

Where: New Braunfels, Texas

When: Next event is April 11, 2026

History: The annual Thru the Chute Boat Race and River Expo was Started by Kris Bolstad in 2011

It all began when banker William Clemens purchased property along the river and built a dam in 1882 in an attempt to harness the river’s power for industry. It ended up sitting idle as a power source, but created a popular swimming hole. When the City bought the surrounding Prince Solms Park in 1976, they added the chute to give swimmers easy passage around the dam. Today it’s a highlight of the float along the Comal for river tubers.

https://www.visitnbtx.com/events/thru-the-chute

Art Prize | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Title: "Glow"

Artist: Ivy Laurel Anderson

Category: Installation

Venue: Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts - ArtPrize 2025

What: For sixteen days, art is exhibited in galleries and storefronts. Parks and museums. In breweries and public spaces and Venues of all kinds.

"As for the prize in ArtPrize, we award over $400,000 directly to artists through both popular and juried voting. In addition, we distribute over $200,000 in annual grants to support the ambitious work of eligible participating Artists."

Where: Grand Rapids, Michigan

When: Next event is Sept. 17 - Oct. 3, 2026

History:

Inception (2009): The inaugural event featured 1,262 artists and $449,000 in total prizes, with artist Ran Ortner winning the first-ever top prize.

https://www.artprize.org/

Ullr Fest | Breckenridge, Colorado (Ullr Dag)

Uhhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T8nNnqhYRY&t=6s

What: "Winter Carnival", Each year they compete to break the record for the "World's Longest Shot Ski", the festivities take place over multiple days and now include the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen, Parade, Bonfire party, Film Festival and Concert and Snowboarding competition.

*In 2025, Breckenridge reclaimed the record, overtaking Park City with 2,489-foot-long shot ski consisted of 507 skis and 1,420 participants. This achievement marks their 13th time holding this record.

Where: Breckenridge, Colorado

When: Next event is Jan 30, 2026

History: in the early 1960's, competition amongst the series of new Colorado areas was fierce, thus Ullr Dag was created to make Breckenridge stand out.

Norwegians Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne came to Breckenridge to start the ski school, and brought Norse mythology with them. Ullr, the Norse god of winter and patron of skiers

It is a long-standing tradition of honoring the Norse god of winter, Ullr, designed to bring snow to ski resorts

https://gobreck.com/event/ullr-fest/

Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, New Mexico

"We are fortunate that Balloon Fiesta calls Albuquerque home. Albuquerque is known throughout the world for this event, and it gives us a year-round marketing opportunity as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World.” Few other places in the world are identified so strongly with such a signature event. And the event has such a significant economic impact on the city and state. Much of that economic generation is new money contributing positively to our overall quality of life as residents. Tourism is a $2 billion industry in Albuquerque and supports over 43,000 jobs, and as the largest visitor event in the state and the largest festival event of its kind, there’s no better time to see the power and importance of the industry than during Balloon Fiesta." said

What: Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year

Where: Albuquerque, NM

When: October 2026

History: Began as small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972 The Balloon Fiesta began in 1972 as the highlight of a 50th birthday celebration for 770 KOB Radio. Radio station manager Dick McKee asked Sid Cutter, owner of Cutter Flying Service and the first person to own a hot air balloon in New Mexico, if KOB could use his new hot-air balloon as part of the festivities