RICHMOND, VA – The 17th annual Dominion Energy Riverrock wrapped up Sunday evening, leaving behind a weekend of sunshine, excitement, and unforgettable moments. After days of rain leading up to the event, blue skies and 80-degree temperatures welcomed locals and visitors to Brown’s Island and the surrounding riverfront areas. Over 100,000 people flocked to the event organized by Venture Richmond and Sports Backers. Dominion Energy Riverrock is one of the largest outdoor sports and music festival in the United States, celebrating Richmond’s urban riverfront like no other event.
The festival’s electric energy was matched by a powerhouse music lineup. Friday night saw Mountain Grass Unit delighting fans with their signature bluegrass sound. On Saturday, Andy Frasco & the U.N. turned Brown’s Island into a dance party, unleashing their trademark fusion of funk, soul, and rock before a packed crowd. Closing out the weekend was Suggesting Rhythm, whose Grateful Dead tribute delivered a wave of nostalgia and joy to fans of all ages.
With the James River at flood stage, the mighty waterway was both a spectacle and a challenge. Crowds packed the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge to watch daring athletes tackle the roaring rapids during Kayak Boatercross, held Saturday at the VEPCO levee rapids. On Sunday, the action shifted to the Downriver Paddle, a whitewater race from Reedy Creek to the 14th Street takeout. Results for each water event can be found here – Kayak Boatercross (https://www.riverrockrva.com/events/kayak-boatercross-2/), Downriver Paddle (https://www.riverrockrva.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Downriver-Paddle-Results.pdf).
Bouldering competitions brought elite climbers to a massive custom-built cage at Kanawha Plaza, where packed crowds watched athletes push their limits. For the second year in this location, the experience was hailed as one of the most thrilling spectacles of the weekend. Aami Agato and Maya Ene were the top male and female finishers in Saturday night’s Boulder Bash. In Sunday’s Boulder Blitz, Yealiya Southern claimed the women’s championship for the second year in a row while Aaron Chan took first on the men’s side. Full climbing results can be found here – Boulder Bash (https://www.riverrockrva.com/events/bouldering/), Boulder Blitz (https://www.riverrockrva.com/events/speed-competition/).
Dominion Energy Riverrock isn't just for watching—it's for doing. The expanded Adventure Zones offered festivalgoers the chance to try their hand at kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, climbing, skimboarding, slacklining, biking, and hiking, all for free. Over 3,606 participants joined in the fun, proving that adventure is for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
A standout addition this year was the Dog Agility Competition, hosted by the local training facility Zoom Room. Held in the scenic Tredegar green space, the event attracted over 30 enthusiastic canine competitors. Between official runs, dog lovers had the chance to test the course with their own pups, adding another way for everyone to get in on the outdoor action. Other returning crowd favorites included the Subaru Ultimate Air Dog Competition, where high-flying pups captured hearts, the thrilling Cup of the East Kayak Polo tournament, and the awe-inspiring Slackline Highline stretched dramatically across the canal.
Trail runners, mountain bikers, and hardcore competitors showed up in force:
- Belle Isle Blitz (Friday): 487 finishers
- James River Scramble (Saturday 10kish trail run): 404 finishers
- Bust the Banks Half Marathon (Sunday): 239 finishers
- MTB Time Trial (Friday night): 43 finishers
Many pushed themselves to the limit by taking on the Trail Takedown challenge, completing two of the three trail races. And the newest multi-sport challenge, the James River Gauntlet—combined the MTB Time Trial, James River Scramble, and Downriver Paddle for the ultimate test of endurance and versatility. (Final finisher count TBD)
Mark your calendars! Dominion Energy Riverrock will return to Brown’s Island May 15–17, 2026. For full results, photos, and more information, visit www.riverrockrva.com.
About Dominion Energy Riverrock
Dominion Energy Riverrock, organized by Venture Richmond and Sports Backers, began in 2009 and is now the nation's premier outdoor sports and lifestyle 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 festival features a variety of outdoor sports including trail running, kayaking, biking, bouldering, slacklining, stand up paddle boarding, and dog jumping. The event was designed to promote Richmond’s unique urban environment and setting to outdoor enthusiasts. 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. Learn more at www.riverrockrva.com.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
