Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
The 14th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features kayak, stand up paddle board, raft and river board competitions along with other 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.
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?
Event Dates, Location & Visitor Info
Event Dates
July 21-22, 2023
Event Times
- Friday, July 21: 3-9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 22: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FESTIVAL MAP
Admission
- $5 per adult - CASH ONLY
- FREE for children 12 years of age or younger.
Parking
Event parking is available on the northern side of the Arkansas River at Veterans Park, as well as in nearby Cañon City.
Signature Events
Enjoy live music performances, family entertainment and land activities in Centennial Park throughout each day, while thrilling — and occasionally silly — races take place nearby in the rapids of the Arkansas River and along the trails surrounding the park. Interested in participating in the festivities? Many events are free to enter, with nominal registration fees that vary for specific races. Learn more and register here.
Here are a few can't miss events at this year's Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival:
Friday, July 21
- 4:00 p.m. - River/Play Wave Demos
Show off your skills in this free-to-enter showcase of SUP, kayak, raft and duckie talents on the Centennial Park play wave. - 5:00 p.m. - SUP Parade
Watch as standup paddle boarders of all ages and skill levels show off their skills as they navigate between two points (often in quite elaborate costumes). - 5:15 p.m. - All Hands on Deck
If it floats, it'll be on the river. Watch — or join in — as locals float along the river on an assortment of vessels, from the traditional rafts and canoes to more obscure household items. - 6:00 p.m. - Community Raft Race Auction & Time Trial
Bid on your expert rafting guide of choice, then join them in a race along the Arkansas River against the clock (and your fellow bidders). - 6:00 p.m. - Royal Gorge Race Kayaks
Watch as expert kayakers take on over 12 miles of Royal Gorge rapids in this thrilling competition. - 6:10 p.m. - Royal Gorge Race Rafts
Cheer on teams of six as they tackle the rapids with rafts in this race intended for experience rafters. - 7:15 p.m. - Greater Canon City Floatie Rodeo
Select the floatation device of choice and attempt to complete the race as you outlast your opponents and avoid "dragons" that aim to tag rafters out of the competition.
Saturday, July 22
- 7:30 a.m. - Yoga at Veteran's Park
Center yourself on the second day of the festival with an invigorating yoga session at nearby Veteran's Park. - 7:30 a.m. - 27k MTB Grinder
Experienced mountain bike riders will tackle a tough course in this race through the Cañon City countryside. - 7:45 a.m. - 5K/10K Trail Run
Navigate the beautiful South Cañon Trails in these all ages races. - 8:00 a.m. - USRA Regional Rafting Sprints
This straightforward race tasks rafters with getting from Point A to Point B as fast as they can. - 9:30/45 a.m. - 10K/5K MTB Rides
Mountain bikers take to the surrounding trails for these more approachable - 10:00 a.m. - Rafting Slalom
Competitors must navigate the river while passing through gates in order to emerge victorious in this race. - 2:00 p.m. - Head 2 Head Races - Rafting, SUP, Kayak, Duckie & RMR Storm
Straightforward racing commences for an array of vessels, with tournament-style rounds depending upon the total number of participants. - 3:00 p.m. - Weenie Dog Race
Easily one of the most adorable events of the entire weekend, watch as Dachsunds dash along a course while dressed in creative costumes. - 5:00 p.m. - Surf Competition
Bring your boogie board or surf board and give it a go in the Arkansas River. - 5:30 p.m. - Build Your Own Boat
Cheer on as would-be engineers take to the river in their — often hilarious — homemade contraptions. Winners of this fan favorite event will score a pure gold coin (a $,1000 value), with cash prizes going to 2nd and 3rd place finishes. - 6:15 p.m. - Raft Rodeo
It's raft versus wave in this storied RGWF event that tasks rafters with "taming" the rapids of the Arkansas River. - 8:00 p.m. - Awards & Auction
Congratulate this year's winners as they are presented with their awards and prizes in this special ceremony.
