Dominion Energy Riverrock

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The festival kicks off on Friday, May 16, with participatory sporting events, including trail runs, mountain biking, and more. Saturday and Sunday continue the excitement with activities showcasing the James River and the surrounding trail system. Highlights include the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs competition, held all three days, the Boulder Bash competition at Kanawha Plaza, kayaking and SUP events on the James River, and for the second year the Cup of the East Kayak Water Polo Tournament along the canal.

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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.

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The event serves to promote Downtown Richmond’s unique riverfront, trails, and whitewater rapids to outdoor enthusiasts and introduce Richmond’s outdoor adventure opportunities to residents and visitors from around the country.

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Dominion Energy Riverrock is open to the public and is free to all spectators. For event registration and further information about Dominion Energy Riverrock please visit riverrockrva.com or social media @RiverrockRVA.

The music portion of the festival begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, with Justin Golden. A Virginia native, Golden blends country blues, Americana, soul, and more into his unique sound. Following him, the headliner Mountain Grass Unit, a quartet from Birmingham, Alabama, will bring a fresh twist to bluegrass, incorporating influences from country, jazz, funk, rock, and metal.

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On Saturday, May 17, the lineup features several up-and-coming acts, starting with For What It’s Worth at 1:00 p.m. Richmond’s Sweet Potatoes take the stage at 2:00 p.m., offering modern jazz to get the crowd moving. Another local favorite, The Sugar Hollows, will deliver a mix of southern rock and Americana at 3:10 p.m., followed by Washington, D.C.’s Oh He Dead showcasing their indie soul sound at 4:30 p.m.

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Mikaela Davis will kick off Saturday’s performances at 6:15 p.m. Hailing from Rochester, New York, Davis has risen to fame with her alternative country/rock style, featuring string instruments, most notably the harp. She will be followed by Andy Frasco & The U.N. at 8:00 p.m. The LA-based band, currently touring for their album L’Optimist, blends American blues and rock into a high-energy performance. Sunday’s performances will feature Reggaelizit, Dan and the Fam, and Richmond favorite Suggesting Rhythm.

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All performances at Dominion Energy Riverrock are free and open to the public.

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Friday, May 16

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Garden Variety String Band

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Mountain Grass Unit

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Saturday, May 17

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. For What It’s Worth

2:05 – 2:55 p.m. Sweet Potatoes

3:10 – 4:10 p.m. The Sugar Hollows

4:30 – 5:45 p.m. Oh He Dead

6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Mikaela Davis

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Andy Frasco & The U.N.

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Sunday, May 18

1:00 – 1:50 p.m. Reggaelizit

2:10 – 3:10 p.m. Dan and the Fam

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Suggesting Rhythm

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Where can I park my car/bike?

Check out the Riverrock Directions page for more.

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What events are offered at Riverrock?

You'll find trail running, mountain biking, paddling races, fishing tournament, and a photo and video contest amongst the full list of events here.

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What items are NOT allowed on-site?

• Large backpacks, bags, coolers, etc.
• Outside food and beverage (*Food and drinks will be available for sale on-site)
• Alcohol (*Alcohol will be for sale on site)
• Bottles/glass containers (*sealed water bottles and empty re-usable bottles are permitted)
• Contraband (drugs and weapons)
• Laser pointers
• Skateboards, inline skates
• Flying objects (drones, kites, frisbees, footballs, etc.)

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, because they’ll be jealous if they miss out on the festival! Dominion Energy Riverrock is arguably the most dog-friendly event in RVA!

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How can I become a sponsor?

Please contact Lauren Millard at lauren@sportsbackers.org.

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How can I become a food vendor?

If you are interested in selling food at Dominion Energy Riverrock, please contact Mavis Wynn at mwynn@venturerichmond.com.

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How do I promote my business on-site?

To be considered as a promotional vendor you must be health & fitness or outdoor industry related. If you fit into one of these categories, check out the vendor page for more information.

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Is re-entry permitted?

Absolutely! In fact, we think you should visit the festival Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

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What happens if it rains?

We are a rain or shine event. If inclement weather occurs we will notify all participants of any schedule changes or alternate plans ASAP. We will do this via email and through our social media!

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Photography/Multimedia Disclaimer

Attendance at Dominion Energy Riverrock constitutes consent for use of any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of this event with you in it for any legitimate purpose, including by Virginia Tourism Authority doing business as Virginia Tourism Corporation.

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Why should I donate to Riverrock?

Your gift will help maintain, improve and enhance the James River Park System trails and riverfront and Dominion Energy Riverrock provides the opportunity to celebrate the Park System and Riverfront and all of the outdoor recreation opportunities RVA has to offer. Consider a donation to benefit the James River Park System and Richmond Riverfront. You can visit our Donate Page to learn more.