2026 Tickets Coming Soon!
Coming July 17 – 18, 2026!
Water Festival Fun in the Heart of Colorado
The 17th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season on the Arkansas River. Enjoy summer flows in a fantastic whitewater setting in historic Cañon City, Colorado.
Held in the refurbished and family-friendly Centennial Park, the Cañon City Whitewater Festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled (and whitewater-fueled) events. It’s the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed! Proceeds of this event benefit the Cañon City community. All are welcome to register for events or to watch the fun unfold!
Online registration for events is now CLOSED.
For Trail Events, please attend packet pickup on Friday from 5:30-7:30 or on the day of the event 30 minutes prior to your event to sign up for an event. For whitewater events, please sign up at the white registration tent at least 30 minutes prior to your event. (Races through the Royal Gorge can check in at Garcia Beach – 15 miles west of Cañon City.)
What’s Happening
Water Events
Kayak races and raft rodeos to SUP cross, river boarding, and the crowd-favorite Build Your Own Boat challenge, there’s no shortage of action on the Arkansas River at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.
Land Events
From trail runs and mountain biking to the legendary Weenie Dog Race, there’s plenty of adventure to be had on solid ground at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. No paddle required.
Live Music
Live bands rock two stages all weekend long. So grab a cold craft beer, soak up the Colorado summer nights, and dance your way through one of Cañon City’s biggest celebrations of the year.
Who This Event is For
I Want to Watch Events!
No gear required. Just show up and enjoy the ride. Find the perfect spot along the banks of the Arkansas River and watch world-class paddlers, rafters, and competitors take on one of Colorado’s most iconic stretches of whitewater.
I Want to Compete
No gear required. Just show up and enjoy the ride. Find the perfect spot along the banks of the Arkansas River and watch world-class paddlers, rafters, and competitors take on one of Colorado’s most iconic stretches of whitewater.
I Want to Enjoy The Weekend
Good music, cold beer, great food, and Colorado sunshine. The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival has everything you need for an unforgettable summer weekend in Cañon City. Bring the family, bring your friends, and come ready to have fun.
Plan Your Visit to Cañon City, Colorado
Lodging
Cañon City has cozy local inns and campgrounds along the Arkansas River to hotels just minutes from Centennial Park; there’s an option for every budget and travel style.
Dining
From local favorites in historic downtown Cañon City to food vendors right on the festival grounds, you’ll have plenty of fuel to keep the adventure going all weekend long.
Schedule & Map
The park sits right on the Arkansas River near historic downtown and is easy to find. Discover festival maps, parking info, bike storage, event locations, and dates all in one place.
Snag Your Festival Tickets!
Buy your ticket and book your weekend this July in Cañon City, Colorado!
Our Partners
Profits from the festival benefit Royal Gorge RIO (formerly the Whitewater Kayak Recreation Park or WKRP). This non-profit organization supports the continued expansion of the Whitewater Park, river restoration, and community causes.
