The Main Events at RiverFest
River Races
The Uncompaghre River and its flow determine which equipment to bring this year. Typically, duckies (rubber kayaks) and play boats (short hardshell kayaks) are best for a year with this level of drought. Standup paddleboards are welcome but the exposed rocks may require more advanced skills and more sitting or kneeling. Inner tubes are also welcome though they don’t generally have the speed to beat other racers. Rafts and canoes are likely not possible this year.
The 2026 River Race will be at 12:30, with registration opening at 12 and a safety talk at 12:15. The race will begin at Rollans Park, and the take out will be determined on race day, depending on flows.
The winners of the River Races win a prized RiverFest award, handcrafted by local artists.
NOTE: Racers are required to bring their own Watercraft, PFD, Helmet, and Appropriate Footwear, plus Registration Fee.
Junk of the Unc
Thrills and spills await brave boaters as they maneuver their junk craft through the Uncompahgre River at Rollans Park toward the finish line, about a quarter mile downstream. Winners must cross the line with most of their junk intact and having floated most (if not all) of he way. During low flows, Junk competitors should plan for the possibility of carrying their craft through the low water to get to the end of the course! Get tips and lots of information (including rules) on what it takes to compete in this wacky race on the Junk of the Unc page.
The winners of the Junk of the Unc win a prized RiverFest award, handcrafted by local artists. One winner will also receive a special prize, a Paco Pad from Jack’s Plastic Welding.
The 2026 Junk of the Unc start will be at 3:45 p.m.
See bottom of page for registration info.
If you don’t feel like racing, bring a tube and swimsuit for after the River Races and Junc of the Unc for a causal float and swim in the river! We anticipate for there to be low flows due to a low snowpack year, so we want to emphasize family fun and splashing around in the river while also carrying on our beloved tradition.
Race Registration
Please register upon arrival at Rollans Park. You can also email Claire at ridgwayriverfest@gmail.com.
Registration Fees
The 2026 registration fee is $20 per person for both the river races and the Junk of the Unc, with no discounts for more than one person in a boat. Each registered person gets a festival shirt (value $25) and a free drink (beer, margarita, or soda – value $3-$8).
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