The Ridgway RiverFest is a family-friendly celebration of the Uncompahgre River, our watershed and river recreation with all-age river races, live music, local food and drink, kids’ activities, watershed educational and cultural programs. 

The highlight of the day is the infamous “Junk of the Unc” race in which boaters maneuver their craft,  constructed from scrap materials not intended for river travel, through whitewater rapids and others’ junk, trying to keep it all intact until the finish line.

RiverFest is produced by the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, a Ouray County nonprofit watershed group dedicated to helping protect the economic, natural, and scenic values of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed.

2023 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE – Saturday, June 24, 2023

12 noon : Festival opens, including Silent Auction and Booths with giveaways, interactive learning, and more Food & Dessert by Martin’s Tacos, Blue Ribbon BBQ, & Snowbirds Craft Shaved Ice Beer by Colorado Boy and Margaritas by The Liquor Store

12-12:30 p.m : Race registration & Watershed talk on stage

12:30 p.m : Emcee introduction & entertainment

12:45 p.m : Safety briefing next to river

1 p.m : Races start on river

1:30-2:15 p.m : Ute cultural presentation on stage

2:30 p.m : Junk of the Unc competition on river

3 p.m : Announcement of Winners of the River Races, Junk of the Unc and Uncompahgre River Classic peak flow contest

3-4 p.m : Live music by The Last Spike on stage

3:15 p.m : First Silent Auction Section closes

3:45 p.m : Rubber Ducky registration closes

4 p.m : Rubber Ducky Race on river

4:15 p.m : Live music by The Last Spike on stage

4:15 p.m : Second Silent Auction wave closes

5 p.m : Festival closes and sales end for drinks, food, silent auction, etc.

Date: June 24, 2023

Location:

Rollans Park
257 Sherman St.
Ridgway, CO 81432

Click Here to Register in Ridgway RiverFest