Dominion Energy Riverrock returns to Brown’s Island this May, and nonprofit organizers Sports Backers and Venture Richmond are excited to unveil new events, updated festival hours, and expanded activations designed to enhance the experience for both participants and attendees. For the second consecutive year, the festival is growing—reclaiming space at Kanawha Plaza and expanding further into the Historic Tredegar property.
Last year marked the festival’s first time in Kanawha Plaza for Boulder Bash and Speed Comp. The area also featured food and beverage vendors, and free demos within the Adventure Zones. This year, the festival footprint will expand even further to include 7th Street, which will be closed to traffic between the Brown’s Island pedestrian bridge and Kanawha Plaza. Additional activations are planned for the Historic Tredegar parking lots near the American Civil War Center. These lots will host the finish lines for all trail running races, the start line for the Bust the Banks Half Marathon, Hardywood Craft Beer, food trucks, vendors, and two brand-new events: the Dog Agility Competition and the Skimboarding Demo Pool. Slackline Highline is back this year and can be viewed over the canal.
Festival hours are also changing–Dominion Energy Riverrock will now open to the public at 10 a.m. on both Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18. Sponsors, vendors, and Adventure Zones will be ready to welcome early-bird outdoor enthusiasts.
“Each year, we look for new ways to elevate the festival experience, and this year is no exception,” said Meghan Keogh, Event Director of Dominion Energy Riverrock. “By expanding into new spaces and introducing fresh events, we’re creating more opportunities for people to engage with the outdoors and Richmond’s vibrant riverfront. Whether you’re racing, relaxing, or just exploring, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Dog Agility Competition is expected to be a crowd favorite, joining the already-popular Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs as a must-see attraction. The agility event, hosted by Zoom Room, invites participants to test their pups’ skills as they race through tunnels, leap over jumps, weave through poles, and scale the A-frame. Whether your dog is a seasoned competitor or just starting out, the event promises fun, teamwork, and plenty of tail wags.
Skimboarding returns for its third year in the shallow river area near the vehicle access bridge to Brown’s Island. For those interested in trying the sport without stepping into the river, the new Skimboarding Demo Pool in the Adventure Zone at the Tredegar lot offers a fun, more controlled environment to try the sport.
The James River Gauntlet will also make its event debut. Over the course of one action-packed weekend, participants will tackle three races across different disciplines. It all kicks off with the Mountain Bike Time Trial on Friday, May 16, followed by the James River Scramble on Saturday, May 17, and wrapping up with the Downriver Paddle on Sunday, May 18. With three races in three days, this stage race is designed to test endurance and push limits. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers at the conclusion of the Downriver Paddle.
With our trails busier than ever—a great sign of a thriving outdoor community—the Mountain Bike Time Trial will be moving to a new venue this year. Previously held on the North Bank Trail, the event will now take place at Ancarrow’s Landing, utilizing the “Poop Loop” course. This new location offers several advantages: the looped design allows the start and finish to be in the same area, making it more convenient for racers and spectators alike. Even better, the course can be temporarily closed to the public during the event, providing a safer, more focused, and more enjoyable racing experience for everyone.
Outdoor vendors and sponsor activations remain a core part of the Dominion Energy Riverrock weekend. Attendees can explore vendors and sponsors, including Subaru, Thule, and a Teva pop-up shop. Teva will also host free guided hikes, giving participants a chance to test out their footwear—hikes will start and finish at their booth. Returning sponsor Blue Ridge Cyclery will offer on-site bike demos, including E-Bikes, mountain bikes, and Strider Bikes for kids in the Tredegar lot.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is once again brewing a custom beer—Riverrock Pale Ale—for the third year in a row. The beer is at Hardywood’s Pizza Kitchen & Taproom and will be available throughout the festival, featuring a uniquely designed can that celebrates Richmond’s riverfront. Bold Rock returns as the official hard seltzer provider.
Dominion Energy Riverrock, organized by Venture Richmond and Sports Backers, began in 2009 and is now the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, bringing athletes, spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island for a three-day festival against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront.
The event serves to promote Richmond’s unique riverfront, downtown trails, and whitewater rapids to outdoor enthusiasts and introduce Richmond’s outdoor adventure opportunities to residents and visitors from around the country. As a result of the creation of Dominion Energy Riverrock, there is a stronger appreciation for the value of outdoor recreation throughout the entire Richmond region. More information on the festival, and the full music schedule, can be found at www.RiverrockRVA.com or on social media @RiverrockRVA.
Dominion Energy Riverrock is open to the public and is free to all spectators. For event registration and further information about Dominion Energy Riverrock 2025 please visit www.riverrockrva.com.
