2:00 PM
Levant St
A local band kicking off the afternoon and playing for the cause.
Opens the dayRoyal Gorge White Water Festival 2026 has been cancelled
2026 Royal Gorge Whitewater festival canceled
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the 2026 Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.
With multiple wildfires threatening communities throughout our region, many of our volunteers, board members, friends, and neighbors are facing tremendous uncertainty. Some have already been evacuated, others are under mandatory evacuation orders, and many are preparing for the possibility of losing their homes.
Under these circumstances, we cannot ask our volunteers to take on the additional responsibility and stress of organizing and staffing the festival. Their safety, their families, their homes, and their well-being must come first.
Our efforts and resources are now being redirected toward supporting our community and assisting those affected by the fires in every way we can. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one for our volunteers and for the community we are proud to serve.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, participants, vendors, volunteers, first responders, and everyone who supports the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival each year. We ask that you keep our firefighters, emergency personnel, displaced families, and all those in harm’s way in your thoughts.
This festival has always been about bringing our community together. This year, our community needs us in a different way.
Please stay safe, remain prepared, and look out for one another.
If you are a vendor or sponsor for this years event. Someone will be reaching out to you!
If you would like to reach out to one of our board members or would like more information please send an email to info@fcfco.org
Saturday, July 18 · Music Begins at 2 PM
Aspen Acres Fire Benefit
Four bands, auctions, axe throwing and one community coming together for animals and livestock displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire.
Raised for the Animals
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The Festival Was Canceled. The Music Wasn’t.
White Water Bar & Grill and the Fremont Community Foundation are bringing the community together for a full afternoon and evening of live music, fundraising and support for animals affected by the fire.
Location
White Water Bar & Grill · 45045 W. US Highway 50, Cañon City
Music Lineup
Lavant at 2 PM · Frady Catz at 4 PM · Binding Isaac at 6 PM ·
Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts at 8 PM
Tickets
$10 online presale · $15 at the door · All ages welcome
Auctions
Silent auction throughout the evening · Live auction around 7:30 PM
The live fundraising total refreshes automatically approximately every 15 seconds. Food and beverage purchases are not included in the fundraising pledge.
🔥 Saturday, July 18, 2026
Bring the Festival Home
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival was canceled by the Aspen Acres Fire, but its Saturday music is coming home to the White Water Bar & Grill. Four bands, auctions and a full day of community support will benefit the Humane Society of Fremont County and the animals and livestock displaced by the fire.
100%
Every ticket, VIP table, axe throw and auction dollar is donated
Proceeds go directly to the Humane Society of Fremont County for animals and livestock displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire. Food and drink are not part of the donation pledge.
The festival off. The relief on.
One Good Night After a Very Hard Week
The 2026 Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival was scheduled for July 17 and 18. When the Aspen Acres Fire forced its cancellation, several of the performers and community partners still wanted to turn Saturday into something meaningful.
White Water Bar & Grill is hosting a full afternoon and evening of live music on the patio. The Fremont Community Foundation is helping present the benefit, covering the headliner and organizing silent and live auctions for the cause.
The Humane Society of Fremont County has been caring for animals and livestock displaced by the fire. This benefit is a direct way for our community to help support the animals in its care.
How the 100% pledge works
Every dollar collected through admission tickets, reserved VIP tables, $10 axe throwing and the silent and live auctions goes to the Humane Society of Fremont County.
The local bands are playing for the cause. Fremont Community Foundation is covering the headliner, and White Water Bar & Grill is covering professional festival sound, its staffed crew and most event security separately.
Food and beverage purchases are regular menu purchases and are not included in the donation pledge.
Four bands · Music from 2 PM
The Lineup
Four bands share one stage for one cause. Set times may shift slightly on the day.
4:00 PM
Frady Catz
Cañon City's classic rock band takes the patio stage for the afternoon set.
Playing for the cause6:00 PM
Binding Isaac
Cañon City's own, originally booked for the festival Main Stage.
Playing for the cause8:00 PM
Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts
Denver modern outlaw country closes the benefit as the evening headliner.
HeadlinerTip buckets placed at the stage support the local bands directly and are separate from the fire-benefit donations.
More ways to help
Give Throughout the Night
Tickets are only one way to support the animals and livestock displaced by the fire.
Tickets & VIP Tables
Every admission and reserved-table dollar goes to the Humane Society.
$10 Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is open all day, and every dollar goes to the Humane Society.
Donation Jars & Tabs
FCF donation jars will be on-site, and donations can be added through a server or at the bar.
Relief donations, auction proceeds, ticket sales, VIP-table purchases and axe-throwing
proceeds support the Humane Society of Fremont County. Stage tip buckets support the
local bands. Food and beverage sales remain regular White Water Bar & Grill purchases.
Bid for the animals
Silent & Live Auctions
Donated items and services will help drive the benefit total higher throughout the evening.
Silent Auction
Browse community-donated items and services, place your bid and check back before the auction closes. The Fremont Community Foundation is organizing the auction.
Live Auction
A few standout items will be auctioned live during a short break between bands. Woolsey Auction Company has donated the auctioneer, and every auction dollar goes to the Humane Society of Fremont County.
Community partners
Helping Make the Night Possible
White Water Bar & Grill
Hosting the benefit and covering professional festival sound, its staffed crew and most event security.
Fremont Community Foundation
Covering the headliner, organizing the auctions and rallying community support.
SoCo Security
Providing on-site security and donating several hours to support the event.
Woolsey Auction Company
Donating the auctioneer for the live auction.
Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals
Donating lodging for the evening's headliner.
Gloria A Dios Productions
Donating photography and video coverage of the night.
Secure your spot
Tickets and Reserved Seating
General-admission seating is first come, first served. A VIP table is the only way to guarantee a reserved table for the night.
General Admission
$10 per person
- Access to all four bands
- Open seating while available
- Wristband issued at the door
- Ticket proceeds support the Humane Society
Reserved VIP Table
$400 per table
- One reserved table per booking
- Your table is held for your group all night
- The only guaranteed reserved seating option
- Every table dollar supports the Humane Society
Door Admission
$15 per person
- Available on the day of the event
- Open seating while available
- Standing room after seating fills
- Come early for the best seating options
Know before you go
Seating, Entry and Event Details
General-Admission Seating
Open seating is first come, first served. No general-admission seats are held or reserved.
Bringing a Chair
Personal chairs may be used only in the designated volleyball-court area.
Food and Drinks
The kitchen serves until 9 PM and the full bar runs all night. No outside food, drinks or coolers.
Age Requirements
Guests under 21 are welcome with a parent or guardian until 9 PM. The patio is 21+ after 9 PM.
Rain or Shine
This is an outdoor show and will take place rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
Refund Policy
Refundable until 48 hours before the show. Inside 48 hours, tickets are final but transferable with notice.
After the show
See the Afterparty
The Rooftop Afterparty
Keep the night going at Whitewater Rooftop Social in downtown Cañon City. A DJ plays from 9 PM to midnight, and there is no cover.
One Saturday. One Night. One Cause.
Help us pack the patio, enjoy four bands and support the Humane Society of Fremont County as it cares for animals and livestock displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire.
Presented by White Water Bar & Grill in partnership with the
Fremont Community Foundation and participating community sponsors.
Aspen Acres Fire Benefit
We Are Seeking Auction Donations
The Fremont Community Foundation and The World Famous White Water Bar & Grill are seeking donated items, services, gift cards, experiences and packages for the silent and live auctions at the Aspen Acres Fire Benefit.
Every donated item helps the benefit raise more
Auction proceeds will support the Humane Society of Fremont County
and its care of animals and livestock displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire.
Ways local businesses and community members can help
What We Are Looking For
Donations of all sizes are welcome. Items may come from businesses, organizations or individual community members.
Silent-Auction and Business Donations
Silent-auction donations may include individual items or thoughtfully assembled packages.
- Gift cards and gift certificates
- Products, merchandise and gift baskets
- Professional services
- Dining, entertainment or recreation packages
- Artwork, collectibles and handcrafted items
- Travel, lodging or local experience packages
Live-Auction Donations
Live-auction items should be distinctive, high-value donations that will generate strong bidding during the event.
- Premium travel or lodging packages
- Major equipment, products or services
- Exclusive experiences
- High-value artwork or collectibles
- Large business packages or sponsorship bundles
Live-auction donations should have an estimated value of $750 or more.
Help us recognize your generosity
Information to Include
Providing a few basic details helps us describe, display and promote your donation accurately.
Donor Name
Include the individual, business or organization name exactly as it should appear in event materials.
Item Description
Provide a clear description of the item, service, package or experience being donated.
Estimated Retail Value
Include the normal retail value so the item can be placed in the appropriate auction and promoted correctly.
Restrictions or Expiration
Note any expiration date, scheduling requirement, age restriction, blackout date or other condition.
Contact Information
Include the best name, phone number or email address to use if the event team has a question.
Business Materials
Businesses may include cards, brochures, logos or display materials to accompany the donated item.
Donate an Item. Make an Impact.
Your donation can help create an exciting auction, increase the amount raised and support the animals and livestock affected by the Aspen Acres Fire.
Auction donations are being collected for the
Aspen Acres Fire Benefit presented by the
Fremont Community Foundation and
The World Famous White Water Bar & Grill.
Save the dates
Save the dates
Whitewater Festival Has been cancelled!
Centennial Park, Canon City
October Fun Festival
7pm - 10pm
To Be Determined
Over $350,000 given away to local Non-Profits in the last few years!
Quick Navigation
Our Mission
Our Mission
Mission Statement
Providing support to non-profit organizations in Fremont County through the successful promotion of community events.
Statement
The Fremont Community Foundation is an all-volunteer group dedicated to improving the quality of life in Fremont County, Colorado. While our community has been without a local “United Way” chapter for several years, our Foundation has been working to provide that very important support role to the Fremont County community since 1999. Our Foundation puts on fundraisers each year, and all the money that we raise is given away at the end of the year to other non-profit agencies within Fremont County.
We have an all-volunteer board and a host of wonderful supporters, donors and sponsors for our annual events, and we owe our success to them.
A Brief History
Founded in 1999, Fremont Community Foundation is an all-volunteer board of community members dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need in Fremont County by financially supporting community non-profit organizations.
We do that by organizing and promoting fun, community events such as Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, Flash Back on Main Street and Cajun Crawl, that raise the funds we use to help area non-profits meet their budget shortfall, provide new programming or help support existing programs, all with the mission of improving the lives of those in need throughout our community.
Fremont Community Foundation also manages education scholarship funds on behalf of Fremont County. The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) is a state program that provides a 1-1 match for education grants awarded to underserved Colorado students to continue their education in Colorado.