Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
The 16th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features kayak, stand up paddleboard, raft and river board competitions along with land-based events to promote the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
The RGWF celebrates the Arkansas River and highlights the many recreational opportunities it presents. The Arkansas River — a renowned setting for whitewater rafting — roars through the Royal Gorge and immediately enters Cañon City. The Royal Gorge RIO (formerly the Whitewater Kayak and Recreation Park) is in the western portion of Cañon City, just a little over a mile from the end of the Royal Gorge.
Dates, Schedule, Location & Parking
Event Dates
July 18 - 19, 2025
Schedule
Friday, July 18, 2025
4:00 pm - River Play Wave Demos
5:00 pm - SUP Parade
5:15 pm - All Hands on Deck - River Float
6:00 pm / 6:30 pm - Community Raft Race Auction & Time Trial
6:00 pm - Royal Gorge Kayak Race
6:05 pm - Royal Gorge Raft Race
7:30 pm - Hairmageddon on the Main Stage
9:00 pm - Mighty Mystic on the Main Stage
Saturday, July 19, 2025
8:00 am - Rafting Springs
7:30 am - Yoga with Cañon Yoga
7:45 am - 5K / 10K Trail Run
9:45 am - 10K MTB Ride Start
9:45 am - 5K Family / Beginner MTB Ride Start
10:00 am - Rafting Slalom
2:00 pm - Rafting Head 2 Head Race
2:00 pm - SUP Head 2 Head Race
2:00 pm - Kayak Head 2 Head Race
2:00 pm - Duckie Dash Head 2 Head
3:00 pm - Weenie Dog Race
5:00 pm - Surfing Competition
5:30 pm - Build Your Own Boat Race
6:15 pm - Raft Rodeo
7:00 pm - Cody Cozz Band on the Main Stage
9:00 pm - Mr. Majestic (MM8TR) on the Main Stage
There will be live music throughout both days on two different stages! View the full Live Music Schedule.
Event Location
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival takes place in Centennial Park in Cañon City, Colorado, and in the Arkansas River on the park's northern end.
Parking
Event parking is available on the northern side of the Arkansas River at Veterans Park, as well as in nearby Cañon City.
Spectator Admission
- $10 per adult - CASH ONLY AT THE GATE
- FREE for children 4 years of age or younger.
Featured Experiences
Not only will you enjoy the many events and competitions that take place throughout the festival, but there will be plenty of food, beer, vendors and entertainment for the entire family. All of the money raised goes towards continued expansion of the Royal Gorge RIO, river restoration and charitable causes. It is the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed. It's all about "Boats, Bands and Beer!" What is a summer festival without all three?
Whitewater Events
Prepare to watch a multitude of whitewater events! The festival features a series of different paddling competitions, including kayaking, rafting, surfing and build-your-own-boat events.
Land Activities
From the Mountain Bike Race and and Pizza Madness 5K Trail Run to the Yoga in the Park event and Hot Diggity Weenie Dog Races, outdoor fun awaits off the water, too!
Live Music
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival features two stages that showcase a plethora of talented performers. Dance and sing along as different bands grace the stages. Don't miss crowding near the Main Stage as it reveals electrifying music amid the lively atmosphere at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Cañon City's Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival?
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival runs from Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 19, 2025.
What is the history behind the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival?
Established in 2009, the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival has always been a community fundraiser event that honors the whitewater culture and activities of the Arkansas River in Cañon City.
Can you bring pets to the Whitewater Festival?
Pets are not permitted on festival grounds, unless they are part of the Weenie Dog Race or certified as trained service animals.
Is there camping near the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival?
Yes, there are many camping opportunities near the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. Make Colorado Springs your home base for campgrounds and RV parks before heading to the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.
