Head to the Royal Gorge Region during July when Cañon City hosts an exhilarating weekend of boats, bands, and beer at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. It’s Cañon City’s biggest summer party, now in its 17th year.
It’s the perfect place to experience Southern Colorado’s outdoors at its finest. This year’s annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival at Centennial Park has been cancelled due to the Aspen Acres fire.
During the weekend, the days are filled with whitewater competitions and family enjoyment, meanwhile, local and favorite bands from across the nation make Cañon City come alive each night. There are entry fees for each event and profits go directly to the Royal Gorge RIO, a non-profit that supports the city’s expansion of its Whitewater Park and other river and community causes.
Come around to live like a local and splash the weekend away.
Land Events
- Coming Home Realty 5K & 10K Mountain Bike Ride
- The Pizza Madness 5K & 10K Trail Run
- 3 Rocks Engineering Grinder
- Weenie Dog Race
- Great Escape Trail Events (Biking)
- Yoga in the Park
River Events
- Greater Fremont County Floatie Rodeo
- Royal Gorge Race – R4, R6, Kayak
- RMR Story Head 2 Head – R2
- Build Your Own Boat Race
- Kayak Head 2 Head Race
- SUP Head 2 Head Race
- Community Raft Race
- Rafting Sprints and Slalom
- Surfing Competition
- All Hands On Deck!
- Duckie Dash
- SUP Parade
- Raft Rodeo
Need a place to stay? Check out the best hotels in Cañon City.
Details
Address: Centennial Park, Cañon City, CO 81212
Date: Cancelled 2026 due to wildfire (previously scheduled for: Friday-Saturday, July 17-18, 2026)
Admission: Entry fees for each event
Website: royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com