Catch the Last Wave of Summer at FUNC Fest 2025: 2 Days of Water, Music + Western Slope Fun in Montrose
Get ready to make a splash at the 2025 FUNC (Fun on the Uncompahgre) Fest in Montrose, Colorado! This free, family-friendly festival returns Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9, 2025, bringing two action-packed days to the Montrose Water Sports Park on the scenic Uncompahgre River.
“FUNC Fest is the annual celebration of fun on the Uncompahgre River in Montrose,” says Thomas Ceniceros, pavilion and community events manager with the City of Montrose. “It’s a free, family-friendly festival with river competitions, live music, local food trucks, a beer garden and more. Bring your swimsuit or just come enjoy the Western Slope summer vibes!”
Competitions + Activities
Water sports competitions are the heart of FUNC Fest, and 2025 brings back favorite events like:
• FUNCy Down River Kayak Rodeo
• Mighty Unc SUP and Kayak Cross-Comp
• Riverbottom Downriver Race
• Western Slope River Surf Competition
• Youth Flow Boogie Board Championships
Plus, the beloved FUNC-y Parade makes its return this year — don’t miss it!
Competitors can look forward to awesome prizes and a cash purse. Not interested in racing? Bring your own river gear to float or surf casually in the park’s renowned rapids, or just relax on the banks and watch the action.
The festival grounds feature a lively beer garden, a food truck village serving local flavors, kids’ activities, vendors and shaded areas perfect for spectating.
“Even if you don’t get in the river, you can enjoy the fun atmosphere with music, food, drinks and more,” Ceniceros shares.
Live Music at FUNC Fest 2025
The stage is set! Get ready for two nights of incredible FREE live music.
Friday, August 8 at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater:
◦ 6 p.m.: Neon Sky
◦ 7:30 p.m.: Living on a Bad Name
Saturday, August 9 at the Montrose Water Sports Park:
◦ 4:30 p.m.: The River Arkansas
◦ 6 p.m.: The Brown Family Band
◦ 7:30 p.m.: The William’s Brothers
Bring a camp chair or blanket, kick back under the summer sky and soak up these stellar performances.
A World-Class Water Sports Park
The Montrose Water Sports Park is one of Colorado’s largest, with 1,000 feet of river channel built for everyone — from beginner waders to expert kayakers. Natural obstacles create a thrilling but approachable run, with an ADA-accessible ramp for easy water access.
Thanks to reliable irrigation flows from the Gunnison Tunnel Diversion via the South Canal, the Uncompahgre River maintains consistent, fun levels through late summer even when other rivers drop.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re competing, spectating or simply relaxing by the river, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, water toys (boogie boards, SUPs, etc.), life jackets and plenty of water. Competitors must bring their own equipment, including helmets and approved PFDs.
If you’re visiting Montrose for FUNC Fest, don’t miss the chance to explore everything else the Western Slope has to offer. Extend your trip with local hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, scenic drives or cultural attractions.
“FUNC Fest 2025 is set to be our biggest and most exciting yet,” says Katie Riley, Community Events Manager at the City of Montrose. “We can’t wait to welcome both locals and visitors for two full days of adventure, community and celebration along Colorado’s beautiful Uncompahgre River.”
FUNC Fest is completely free to attend. Water sports competitions require a $20 entry fee, except for the Youth Flow Fury Boogie Board Championships, which is free for participants 17 and under. Youth must still be registered to compete.
Learn more and register to compete at visitmontrose.com/FUNCFest.
This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.