Riverrock 2025

Get ready for a weekend to rock the outdoors!

​The Dominion Energy Riverrock is the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, which returns to Richmond, Virginia, from May 16–18, 2025. Situated against the picturesque landscape of the James River at Brown’s Island, this free, family-friendly event offers a dynamic blend of adventure sports, live music, and community fun.

​Launched in 2009 as a collaboration between Sports Backers and Venture Richmond, Dominion Energy Riverrock was created to present Richmond’s lively riverfront and outdoor lifestyle. Over the years, it has grown into a major festival that attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.

The setting is downtown Richmond's urban riverfront. The event promotes the beautiful Richmond riverfront, downtown trails, and whitewater rapids to all lovers of outdoor adventures. Because of the James River, the surrounding trail network, and numerous parks, the festival has much to offer everyone who decides to visit the Riverrock.

What to Expect When Attending Riverrock 2025

You'll celebrate the James River Park System and Riverfront and all of the outdoor recreation opportunities RVA offers:

• Trail running: Some of the races you can join are Belle Isle Blitz (5K) (a scenic trail run, perfect for runners of all levels) and Bust the Banks Half Marathon (an adventurous half marathon that navigates Richmond's urban single-track system).
• Mountain biking: Love biking? Test your speed and skills on a tough course at MTB Time Trial. MTB Enduro is a multi-stage race combining timed downhill sections with untimed uphill transitions. ​
• Paddling events: These are thrilling! James River Gauntlet is a triathlon combining mountain biking, paddling, and trail running.​ Kayak Boatercross offers head-to-head kayak races through challenging rapids.​ Cup of the East Kayak Polo is a dynamic water polo tournament played in kayaks.
• Climbing and bouldering: Attendees can experience bouldering under supervision in open sessions (Try Bouldering). Those familiar with climbing can enter Boulder Bash, a competitive bouldering event featuring qualifying rounds and finals.​
• Dog-friendly events: Dog lovers can enjoy competitions in which our four-legged friends show their speed and agility, such as the Dog Agility Competition.
• Fishing: Don't miss the Monsters of the James Fishing Tournament, an angling competition targeting the largest catches in the James River. ​

Besides exciting activities (and these above are just one part), you'll enjoy great music, food, and drinks!

The festival offers a rich musical experience with genres from bluegrass to indie soul. From classic festival fare to vegan options, you can enjoy delicious foods that complement the spirit of the festival. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery returns with its special Riverrock Pale Ale, featuring a unique label celebrating Richmond’s riverfront. ​Also, Virginia boasts award-winning restaurants, with hundreds of downtown eateries that appeared on numerous ‘Best of’ lists, you won't want to miss.

Tickets

The festival is free to attend, but if you wish to participate in activities, some require paying for the entry. Check the full schedule and you'll see the prices.

The organizers send a message: Help us maintain our world-class trail system! If you'd like to donate, do so through this link.

Security Protocols

While the festival maintains a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, security personnel will be present throughout the event grounds to ensure everything runs smoothly. Bag checks will be conducted at entry points, and you're encouraged to keep personal belongings secure. As always, if you see something that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to speak up. Team members and volunteers are there to help!

How to Get To or From the Event

Here's how to reach the venue:

• Car: Richmond is accessible via major highways like I-95 and I-64. Free street parking is available, but limited spaces fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure a spot.
• Bus: The GRTC Route 87 bus provides service across the Lee Bridge with stops near Brown’s Island at 2nd Street and Brown's Island Way, as well as 2nd and Spring Street. This route operates every 60 minutes. For schedules and real-time tracking, visit GRTC Maps and Schedules.​
• Train: Amtrak serves Richmond with three nearby stations: Main Street, Staples Mill, and Ashland. These stations offer convenient access to downtown Richmond and the festival site.​
• Air: Fly into Richmond International Airport (RIC), which offers numerous domestic flights. From the airport, you can reach the festival via rental car, taxi, or rideshare services.

Riverrock 2025 Bag Policy

Small bags are allowed. Sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles are welcome, so you can stay hydrated throughout the event.

Prohibited items include large backpacks, coolers, outside food and beverages, alcohol, glass containers, contraband (such as drugs and weapons), laser pointers, and flying objects like drones, kites, or frisbees.

Riverrock 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Enjoy the Weekend by the River

Wondering where to drop off your heavy luggage? Bounce is always there to help!

We offer many spots throughout Richmond, including near Richmond International Airport. Just choose an area in the city and find the closest Bounce spot.

The price is affordable; only $6.90 per day, you'll get up to $10,000 in bag protection and 24/7 support, and there's no charge if you cancel before you store your stuff.

How to Stow Your Bag at Riverrock 2025 With Bounce

1. Book a spot and pay online.
2. Show your payment confirmation to the store employee and drop off your luggage.
3. Make this entire weekend one cherished memory!

How to Make the Most Out of Riverrock 2025

• Dress wisely: The weather’s looking warm and mostly sunny for Riverrock weekend, so wear breathable clothes, comfy shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen and shades.
• Stretch into the vibes: Start your day grounded by joining a free outdoor yoga session. Flow to the sound of the James River and set the tone for a chill, energized day.
• Snap and win: Got an eye for the perfect shot? Enter the Photo Contest! Capture the spirit of the festival, and you might just walk away with bragging rights and a prize.
• Try something new: Slacklining, bouldering, or paddleboarding—there’s no better place to test your adventurous side. Beginners are totally welcome!
• Fuel up like a local: Taste your way through the vendor village with food trucks, craft brews (hello, Riverrock Pale Ale!), and non-alcoholic sips. Richmond knows how to feed a crowd.
• Store your bags with Bounce: Why worry about your belongings? Store them securely and easily with us, and have fun!

Curious, creative, and full of energy? If that sounds like you, then you’re exactly the kind of person who’ll fall in love with Riverrock! Plan your trip and meet us there.