Make Waves This August at Montrose's One-of-a-Kind FUNC Fest

As summer begins to wind down across Colorado, one festival is still making a splash. FUNC Fest returns to Montrose this August 7-8, 2026, bringing together whitewater competition, live music, family-friendly activities and one of the state's most unique celebrations of the Uncompahgre River.

Held at the Montrose Water Sports Park, FUNC (Fun on the Uncompahgre) Fest has become a signature Western Slope tradition that blends outdoor recreation, community spirit and late-summer fun. Whether you're paddling through the waves, cheering on competitors from the riverbank or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the festival offers something for every age and experience level.

What makes FUNC Fest stand out is its timing. While many whitewater parks across Colorado have already seen their flows diminish by August, the Montrose Water Sports Park continues running strong.

"Our water sports park is the only sports park in Colorado that has sufficient flows that late in the year, allowing us to hold a water sports event in August," says Thomas Ceniceros, pavilion and community events coordinator for the City of Montrose. "All other parks are shut down during this time. This allows us to get people from all over the state who want to participate in one last event for the year.”

This year's festival also introduces a meaningful new cultural experience. In partnership with a Ute Dance Group, FUNC Fest plans to host a Powwow, celebrating the region's Indigenous heritage and the shared connection to the Uncompahgre River.

"We're working with a Ute Dance Group to provide a Powwow at the event," Ceniceros says. "We think it will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about other cultures and all of our shared history.”

Beyond the river competitions, festivalgoers can browse local vendors, enjoy food and beverages, listen to live music throughout the day and discover interactive activities for the entire family. The welcoming atmosphere has become one of the festival's defining qualities.

To make the most of the weekend, organizers suggest arriving in Montrose a day early to kick things off at the Montrose Summer Music Series, which offers a free concert on Friday evening before the festival. Then, on Saturday, come early to explore vendor booths, catch the entertainment and experience the energy before the river events begin.

One of the festival's most entertaining traditions is the FUNC-Y Parade, where creativity matters far more than paddling skills. Participants build their own "whatever floats" watercraft and launch them down the river, often with hilarious results.

"Participation in the FUNC-Y Parade is free for everyone," Ceniceros says. "People are encouraged to put together a 'whatever floats' boat and test their craftsmanship by going down the river. It's a ton of fun and a great way to get involved with the event even if you do not have water sport experience.”

Whether you're chasing one last adventure on the water, looking for live music and local flavor or planning a memorable family weekend, FUNC Fest offers a uniquely Colorado way to celebrate the final stretch of summer, right along the banks of the Uncompahgre River.

This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.