Cañon City, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles are eligible to register?
Pre-65 Traditional Kustoms Only is the standard show rule. A limited number of 1965-or-newer vehicles may be considered by prior special approval when they are traditionally styled Kustoms that strongly fit the character of Kustoms by the Gorge. Exceptions are rare, submission does not guarantee acceptance, and final approval is at the discretion of the event organizers.
How much is vehicle registration?
Registration is $50 through February 28, 2027. Beginning March 1, 2027, registration is $70.
Do I need to submit a photo of my vehicle?
Yes. One clear, current exterior photo is required as part of vehicle registration.
Are registration fees refundable?
No. Registration fees are non-refundable for cancellations and no-shows.
Can I buy an event T-shirt when I register?
Yes. Vehicle registrants can add up to 2 event T-shirts at a $5-per-shirt discount while completing registration. Shirts purchased later through the online store or at the event are regular retail price.
Where should I stay?
Starlite Vintage Resort is where the action is. We also have a separate list of additional nearby hotels, motels, RV resorts and camping options on the lodging page.
Will there be activities for kids?
Yes. The Junior Kustomizers program includes the Model Car Build-Off, Junior Kustomizers Choice Award, Car Show Scavenger Hunt, Guess the Car Part, and more activities being planned.
Where can I see the event schedule?
The current schedule is posted on the homepage. Two highlights are already confirmed: a Friday morning cruise to the Royal Gorge and the show awards on Sunday. Additional activities, entertainment and special features will be added as dates and times are confirmed.
When are the cruise and awards?
The Royal Gorge cruise is planned for Friday morning, and the show awards will be presented on Sunday.
Can our car club park together?
Yes. A club representative should submit one Club Registration / Club Parking Request. Each vehicle must still be individually registered and paid for. Once the request is reviewed, the club representative can be given a club code for members to enter during individual registration. We will make every reasonable effort to park registered club members together, but club parking cannot be guaranteed.
How do I become a vendor or sponsor?
Use the Vendor or Sponsor Information buttons on the homepage for details and organizer contact information.
Kustoms by the Gorge — Show Rules
Help us keep Kustoms by the Gorge safe, relaxed, family-friendly and enjoyable for everyone. Please respect the cars, the resort property, other guests and event staff.
- Vehicle Eligibility — Pre-65 Traditional Kustoms Only: Pre-65 Traditional Kustoms Only is the standard show rule. Vehicles model year 1965 or newer require prior special approval before registration. Special exceptions are limited, submission does not guarantee acceptance, and final approval is at the discretion of Kustoms by the Gorge organizers.
- Registered Vehicle: The vehicle brought to the event must be the same vehicle that was approved and registered. Registration is not transferable without prior approval from Kustoms by the Gorge organizers.
- Vehicle Insurance: Any vehicle that is driven or moved under its own power anywhere within the show or event grounds must carry current automobile liability insurance.
- Friday Royal Gorge Cruise: Participation in the Friday cruise is optional. Vehicles participating in the cruise must have current registration/tags and current automobile liability insurance. The driver must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Drivers must obey all traffic laws and are responsible for their vehicle, passengers, fuel, breakdowns, towing, citations, accidents, and other costs associated with participating in the cruise.
- Uninsured / Non-Operational Vehicles: Any vehicle displayed without current automobile liability insurance must remain stationary and may not be driven or moved under its own power anywhere on the event grounds. The vehicle's battery or batteries must remain disconnected while on display. Uninsured vehicles must be transported through the designated trailer/loading area and displayed only in a location approved by event staff. Event staff may verify that the battery has been disconnected.
- Safe Vehicle Condition: Any vehicle operated on the event grounds must be in a condition that allows it to be moved safely. Event staff may refuse entry, stop movement, or remove a vehicle that appears unsafe or creates a hazard.
- Trailered Vehicles & Unloading: For safety, trailered show vehicles must be unloaded only in the designated trailer/unloading area and driven into the show field under their own power. No loading, unloading, ramp setup, trailer maneuvering, or trailer parking is permitted within the main show area unless specifically authorized by event staff.
- Non-Running Vehicles on Trailers: A non-running show vehicle may be displayed on its trailer only in a designated trailer-display area approved by event staff. Trailer-displayed vehicles must be safely secured and chocked. Trailers are not permitted in the main show field unless specifically authorized.
- Trailer Parking: Trailer parking is limited and available only in designated areas on a space-available basis. Entrants should plan accordingly and may be required to park tow vehicles and trailers off-site or in an alternate area if designated trailer parking is full. Trailers may not be parked in the main show field, fire lanes, emergency access routes, or other unauthorized areas.
- Club Parking: We will make every reasonable effort to park registered members of the same car club or group together when requested in advance. Club parking is subject to space availability, arrival timing, and event layout and cannot be guaranteed. All vehicles requesting club parking must be individually registered. Clubs should submit one Club Registration / Club Parking Request and use the club code provided by the organizers on each individual vehicle registration. Club members should arrive together whenever possible. Event staff will make final parking assignments, and spaces may not be saved or held without prior approval.
- Show Parking Assignments: Event staff determine final vehicle parking locations. Requests to park with friends, clubs, or groups will be considered when possible, but adjacent spaces cannot be guaranteed. Spaces may not be saved or held without prior approval from event staff.
- Vehicle Movement: Show vehicles must move at a walking speed whenever entering, leaving, or moving within the event area. Once spectators are present, vehicles should be moved only when necessary and with extra caution.
- No Burnouts or Reckless Driving: No burnouts, racing, tire spinning, excessive revving, reckless driving, or unsafe vehicle operation is permitted anywhere on the event grounds.
- Air Ride & Hydraulics: Air suspension and hydraulic systems may be operated only when entering or leaving the show area, and only as necessary to safely raise or lower the vehicle for parking or departure. No demonstrations, hopping, dancing, repeated cycling, or other show-style operation is permitted within the event grounds. Vehicles must remain stationary while being raised or lowered unless directed otherwise by event staff.
- Pedestrian Traffic Only in the Show Area: Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, minibikes, golf carts, ATVs, and other motorized or non-motorized personal transportation devices are not permitted in the show area. Mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities and authorized event vehicles are exempt.
- Family-Friendly Event / Children: Kustoms by the Gorge is a family-friendly event. Please keep children with you and under adult supervision at all times while on the event grounds.
- Respect the Show Cars: Please do not touch, sit on, lean against, or enter any show vehicle without the owner's permission.
- Early Departure: Registered vehicles should remain in the show area during published show hours. If an early departure is necessary, please contact event staff so the vehicle can be moved safely through the show area.
- Overnight Show Vehicles: Registered show vehicles may remain parked in the designated show area overnight during the event. Vehicles left overnight are left at the owner's sole risk. Kustoms by the Gorge and Starlite Vintage Resort are not responsible for theft, vandalism, weather damage, or other loss or damage to vehicles or personal property left overnight.
- Camping & Overnight Stays: No camping or overnight sleeping is permitted in the show area. Camping is allowed only for guests staying in designated Starlite Vintage Resort camping sites and must follow all Starlite camping and resort rules.
- Pets & Animals: Pets are permitted only in areas where they are allowed by Starlite Vintage Resort. Pets must be kept on a leash and under the control of a responsible adult at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Any animal that is aggressive, disruptive, or creates a safety concern may be required to leave the event area. Service animals are permitted as required by law. Animals may not be left unattended in vehicles during the event.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may be possessed or consumed only where permitted by Starlite Vintage Resort and applicable law. No open alcohol containers are permitted in vehicles being driven or moved anywhere on the event grounds. Intoxication, disorderly conduct, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone who appears impaired may be prohibited from operating a vehicle and may be removed from the event.
- Smoking & Vaping: Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated or venue-approved areas. No smoking or vaping is permitted around fueling areas, trailers containing fuel, vendor tents, or other areas where flammable materials may be present. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and properly disposed of.
- Fire Safety: No open flames, burn barrels, fireworks, unauthorized grills, torches, welding, cutting, or other flame-producing equipment are permitted in the show area. Cooking equipment may be used only in areas specifically authorized by the venue or event staff. Fuel containers must be approved, closed, and safely stored. Event staff may require removal of anything considered a fire or safety hazard.
- Fueling: No fueling, draining, siphoning, or transfer of gasoline or other flammable fuel is permitted within the main show area. Fueling must take place only in an approved location away from spectators and show vehicles.
- Vehicle Repairs: Major repairs, jacking vehicles, welding, grinding, fuel-system work, or similar mechanical work may not be performed in the public show area unless specifically authorized by event staff. Minor emergency repairs may be permitted when they can be performed safely.
- Generators: Personal generators are not permitted within the main show field unless specifically approved by event staff. Approved generators must be safely located and operated away from spectators and combustible materials.
- Canopies, Chairs & Displays: Participant canopies, signs, chairs, coolers, and other display items must be safely secured and positioned so they do not block aisles, vehicle movement, pedestrian areas, entrances, exits, or emergency access.
- Parking & Fire Lanes: Vehicles must park only in areas designated by event staff or Starlite Vintage Resort. Fire lanes, emergency access routes, entrances, exits, driveways, pedestrian walkways, and loading areas must remain clear at all times. Event staff directions regarding parking and vehicle movement must be followed even if they temporarily differ from the published parking plan.
- Vehicle Leaks: Vehicles leaking fuel, oil, coolant, or other fluids may be required to use a drip pan or may be removed from the show area if necessary for safety or protection of the property.
- Drones: No drones may be operated on the event grounds without prior approval from Kustoms by the Gorge organizers and Starlite Vintage Resort.
- Music & Stereos: Please keep stereos and other amplified music at a reasonable level so everyone can enjoy the event.
- Cleanliness: Please keep the grounds clean, use designated trash and recycling areas, and leave your space as you found it.
- Respectful Conduct: Participants and spectators are expected to treat other guests, vehicles, vendors, staff, and resort property with respect. Disruptive, threatening, abusive, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
- Judging & Awards: Judging and award decisions made by the judges and event organizers are final.
- Photography & Video: By attending or participating in Kustoms by the Gorge, participants understand that they, their guests, and their vehicles may be photographed or recorded and that event images or video may be used for event promotion, advertising, social media, and future Kustoms by the Gorge materials.
- Weather & Event Changes: Event schedules, activities, parking, cruise routes, show locations, and other details may be changed when necessary because of weather, safety, venue requirements, or other circumstances beyond the organizers' control. Such changes do not create a right to a refund.
- Registration Fees / No Refunds: Registration fees are non-refundable, including cancellations and no-shows.
- Assumption of Risk: Participants attend and participate at their own risk and are responsible for themselves, their guests, and their vehicles. Participants are responsible for exercising reasonable care and following all event, venue, and traffic rules.
- Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Property: Kustoms by the Gorge is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
- Emergency Instructions: In an emergency, participants and spectators must immediately follow the instructions of event staff, Starlite Vintage Resort personnel, law enforcement, fire personnel, or emergency medical personnel.
- Event Staff Authority: Event staff reserve the right to address any unsafe or disruptive situation not specifically covered by these rules when necessary to protect participants, spectators, vehicles, and property.
- Removal from Event: Failure to follow Kustoms by the Gorge rules, Starlite Vintage Resort rules, or reasonable directions from event staff may result in removal from the event without a refund.
Information such as spectator admission, detailed parking maps, food options and other weekend logistics will be added here as they are confirmed.
Still Have a Question?
Contact Ryan or Paul and we’ll be glad to help.