The river flow will be low but the energy will be higher than ever at the 18th annual Ridgway RiverFest on Saturday, June 27. Check out highlights of the 2026 festival!
New schedule
The river races will be at 11 a.m. to noon. The Uncompaghre River and its flow determine which equipment to bring this year. More info.
The main festival will be from 3 to 7 p.m. We pushed the time back so festival goers can enjoy a cooler, evening concert at 5 to 7 p.m. The Junk of the Unc race will be at 4 p.m.
Curtiss & McCook
This year, RiverFest features music by local favorites, Cousin Curtiss. The duo of Curtiss and Harrison B are on a mission to electrify audiences everywhere with their road-warrior, full-band sound. Think, “blues at bluegrass speeds.” Imagine, “rock americana with a soulful drip.” Experience rapid fire acoustic guitar, incendiary harmonica, fiercely energized solos, all driven by a thunderous kick drum.
Roland McCook, president and founder of Native American Cultural Programs, will share Ute culture and history. Having grown up on the Uintah and Ouray reservation, McCook’s distinguished career includes service as a Northern Ute Tribal chairman and collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute on Artifact Repatriation.
Connected, laid back & hydrated
The 2026 festival will see the return of free wifi from Clearnetworx, free water from Montrose Water Factory, pre-festival yoga, and a new stage location facing the Uncompahgre River.
The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (UWP) is working hard to produce the best festival yet. So be sure to SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, June 27!
And please consider a RiverFest sponsorship (any amount!) to help us keep this an admission-free event that supports UWP’s watershed health activities. More info.
