For more than two decades, Tao Sundance has been an iconic after-dark destination for the Hollywood crowd during the renowned Sundance Film Festival. This temporary nightclub, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, complimentary drinks, and electrifying celebrity performances, is drawing its final curtain in Park City as the film festival prepares for a new location in Colorado.
Tao Sundance originated in 2005 as a pop-up extension of the popular Hollywood nightclub. It quickly became a sanctuary for industry professionals, offering a vibrant escape after long days of film promotion. While local residents and cinephiles sought out ski resorts and cozy dive bars, Tao provided a familiar and exhilarating space for coastal attendees. Each year, it drew a constellation of stars, agents, publicists, and media, all eager to partake in its legendary nightlife. The event's signature free-flowing alcohol, provided by generous sponsors, ensured the festivities continued into the early morning hours. Currently situated at Park City's Utah Film Studios, the venue transforms into a sprawling, warehouse-style space, infused with an inviting après-ski ambiance. This dynamic evolution mirrors Sundance itself, which began as an intimate artistic gathering and grew into a significant commercial event, still frequented by brilliant artists and powerful figures.
Noah Tepperberg, co-CEO of Tao Hospitality group, reminisced about the club's 25-year journey, noting its consistent aim to deliver an exceptional experience for the community, various brands, and to cultivate strong relationships with their year-round clientele. He recalled the inaugural Tao Sundance event, a launch party for Good Charlotte's concert film, 'Fast Future Generation,' featuring band members Joel and Benji Madden as opening night DJs. Subsequent nights hosted parties for rising producers like Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Pablo Cruz, culminating in a celebration for Ryan Gosling’s acclaimed film 'Half Nelson.' These early events were instrumental in establishing Tao's reputation and its integral role within the Sundance social landscape. Over the years, the club's scale and sponsorship grew significantly, culminating in a diverse array of partners for its final Park City appearance, including prominent brands like Casamigos, Evian, Moet Hennessy, Jack Daniels, Hendricks, Red Bull, and Q Mixers.
As a budding reporter covering celebrity events years ago, an invitation to Tao was highly coveted. It represented a unique blend of high and low culture, a place where a Hungarian cinematographer could enjoy tequila alongside a lively performance by Lil Jon. Despite its vibrant allure, Tao also witnessed occasional incidents of unruly behavior, such as the 2015 altercation involving actor Emile Hirsch, which led to legal consequences. Gabby Fernando, Tao's vice president of special projects, highlighted the consistent hospitality provided, mirroring the global standards of their other venues. This dedication allowed Tao Park City to flourish alongside Sundance, solidifying its status as one of the festival's most sought-after events annually.
The concluding celebration, affectionately termed "the last dance" by organizers, saw pop star Benson Boone ignite the party with a backflip and a performance of his hit song "Beautiful Things." Celebrities like Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maude Apatow, along with cast members from popular reality shows, were among the revelers. Even as hundreds departed in the early hours, a sense of nostalgia permeated the air. Tepperberg confirmed that the Tao team plans to explore potential venues in Boulder, Colorado, suggesting that while the location will change, the spirit of Tao will continue to thrive, attracting prominent names and loyal guests, albeit with a different, college-town energy.