Join the Fun!

Registration & Participation Information

Learn about our whitewater and land events below. All participants must pre-register for events prior to the festival. All skill levels are welcome to participate in events!

Other park activities outside regular whitewater and land events include bounce houses for kids and a mechanical bull.

Rules & Regulations

How will you enjoy the weekend?

Water Events

Land Events

Live Music

Vendors

Sponsorships

Volunteers

Whitewater Events

Located near the headwaters of the Arkansas River, Cañon City enjoys an average seasonal flow of about 1,200 cfs in July. The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival events are designed to utilize the natural flow / features of the Arkansas River and also the newly created Whitewater Kayak and Recreation Park to create a series of competitions that will to appeal to both novice and advanced competitors.

Online registration for the events is now closed. Whitewater event participants will check in / register at the main check-in tent not later than 30 minutes before their event. Participants in Royal Gorge races may check in at Pura Vita beach (15 miles west of Cañon City, just before Parkdale public boat ramp.) Please note that all registered participants receive FREE ENTRY into the festival on the day of their event. Print out your registration confirmation as proof of entry. This is a $10 savings! Register online to save: all registration prices increase on the day of the events! Please note that with the exception of Weenie Dog Race participants, no dogs are allowed at the festival. Also, outside food and drink (with the exception of empty water bottles to refill at the water refill station) is NOT allowed. Thank you for your help in keeping the festival safe and enjoyable for all!

Register for Whitewater Events

Land Events

Online registration for the event is now CLOSED. For Trail Events, please attend packet pickup on Friday from 5:30-7:30 or on Saturday morning starting at 7:00 am. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your event to sign up for an event.

Using the Arkansas River as a backdrop, the Whitewater Festival offers a number of land-based events to help participants enjoy all the Royal Gorge Region has to offer. Check back soon for a list of 2024 events!

5K / 10K Trail Runs
27K Gravel Mountain Bike Ride
5K / 10K Mountain Bike Rides
Hot Diggity Dog Weenie Race

Register for Land Events

Live Music

The music at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is as diverse as the crowd it draws. Across two stages set right in the heart of the festival grounds, live performances run all weekend long — from afternoon sets on the River Stage to high-energy headliners on the Main Stage after the sun goes down.

Past lineups have brought an eclectic mix of regional favorites and national acts to Cañon City, spanning classic country, blues, funk, reggae, and rock. Past Lineups included Tejon Street Corner Thieves, Martini Shot, Cody Cozz, The Frady Catz, Mighty Mystic, Hairmageddon, Poudre Valley Playboys, and more.

Best of all, every performance is included with the price of admission.

See the 2026 Lineup

Vendors

The music at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is as diverse as the crowd it draws. Across two stages set right in the heart of the festival grounds, live performances run all weekend long. Enjoy afternoon sets on the River Stage or high-energy headliners on the Main Stage after the sun goes down.

Past lineups have brought an eclectic mix of regional favorites and national acts to Cañon City, spanning classic country, blues, funk, reggae, and rock. Past Lineups included Tejon Street Corner Thieves, Martini Shot, Cody Cozz, The Frady Catz, Mighty Mystic, Hairmageddon, Poudre Valley Playboys, and more.

Best of all, every performance is included with the price of admission.

Become a Vendor

Volunteers

The music at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is as diverse as the crowd it draws. Across two stages set right in the heart of the festival grounds, live performances run all weekend long — from afternoon sets on the River Stage to high-energy headliners on the Main Stage after the sun goes down.

Past lineups have brought an eclectic mix of regional favorites and national acts to Cañon City, spanning classic country, blues, funk, reggae, and rock. Past Lineups included Tejon Street Corner Thieves, Martini Shot, Cody Cozz, The Frady Catz, Mighty Mystic, Hairmageddon, Poudre Valley Playboys, and more.

Best of all, every performance is included with the price of admission.

Become a Volunteer

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.