Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
The 17th 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 17 - 18, 2026
Schedule
Friday, July 17, 2026
1:00 pm - Festival and vendors open
4:00 pm - River Play Wave Demos
4:00 pm - Poudre Valley Playboys (River Stage)
5:00 pm - SUP Parade
5:30 pm - Cañon City Mattress Races
6:00 pm / 6:30 pm - Community Raft Race Auction & Time Trial
6:00 pm - Royal Gorge Kayak Race
6:00 pm - Tiny Pockets (River Stage)
6:05 pm - Royal Gorge Raft Race
7:30 pm - Binding Isaac (Main Stage)
9:00 pm - The Martini Shot (Main Stage)
Saturday, July 18, 2026
7:30 am - Yoga with Cañon Yoga
7:45 am - 5K / 10K Trail Run
8:00 am - Rafting Sprints
9:45 am - 10K Mountain Bike Ride Start
9:45 am - 5K Family / Beginner Mountain Bike Ride Start
10:00 am - Rafting Slalom
11:00 am - The Frady Catz (River Stage)
1:00 pm - Poudre Valley Playboys (River Stage)
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 Race
2:00 pm - Cañon City Cardboard Cup Build Starts
3:00 pm - Beloved Invaders (River Stage)
3:00 pm - Weenie Dog Race
4:00 pm - Six Bucks & A Flight (Main Stage)
5:00 pm - Surfing Competition
5:25 pm - Cañon City Cardboard Cup Race
5:30 pm - Build Your Own Boat Race
6:15 pm - Raft Rodeo
7:00 pm - Ryan Crys & The Rough Cuts (Main Stage)
9:00 pm - Those Crazy Nights (Main Stage)
* Whitewater event times are subject to change.
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.
Admission
General Admission | $10General Admission
- Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate
- Children under 5 years old are FREE
ExpressPass | $15
- Save on 2-day admission for the whole weekend with the ExpressPass option
Whitewater Extreme V.I.P. | Starting at $75
Includes event perks such as:
- Express Lane Entrance into the event (Using the Express Pass lanes)
- V.I.P. Parking Area
- Exclusive V.I.P. Tent adjacent to the Main Stage
- Dedicated Restrooms adjacent to V.I.P. Tent.
- Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Beverages at V.I.P. Tent.
- Exclusive Bar with 2 Drink Tickets Per Person (21+ Only)
- Gourmet Morning/Afternoon/Evening Snacks at VIP tent
- Swag Bag
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 the 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 17 to Saturday, July 18, 2026.
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.
