What's changing at Riverrock in Richmond this year
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Dominion Riverrock will be a little different this year, but still awesome. Image: Courtesy of Sports Backers / DERR Media
It's Riverrock weekend in RVA, and changes are afoot this year.
Why it matters: With Brown's Island still under construction, the outdoor sports festival has a new footprint for 2026, plus a few other additions on tap.
The big picture: Since 2009, Dominion Energy Riverrock has taken over Brown's Island and the riverfront for three jam-packed days of river-focused and adjacent outdoor sporting events.
- There's climbing, dog jumping, mountain bike riding, fishing, kayaking, skimboarding and skateboarding — plus art, food, live music and so much more.
- Newbies can try most of the activities for free, and watching is always free.
- And all of it will be happening again this year, per usual, just sans Brown's Island — but really, the footprint is more of a scooch than a full move.
Zoom in: This year, most of the festival has shifted to the north side of Tredegar Street.
- Ultimate Air Dogs and those precious flying pups, plus guided hikes, skimboard and yoga will take place in front of the American Civil War Museum and its parking lot, along with new event Fit-X — a high-energy, DJ-driven workout.
- The climbing and bouldering will happen on Tredegar Green behind the Belle Isle parking lot.
- K9 Superwall, another new event this year, is a "thrilling high-jump competition" for pups, which can be found on the opposite end of Tredegar Street.
Meanwhile, the free concerts — 13 acts this year — will move to Allianz Amphitheater.
- Attendees will have to adhere to the amphitheater's security screening and clear bag policy (but you can bring in your beer and there will be a bag check).
- On the schedule: Clay Street Unit on Friday, Circles Around The Sun on Saturday and Deau Eyes on Sunday.
Context: If you're new to Richmond and the festival, know that Riverrock is more than a spectator event.
- Locals can sign up to compete in most of the events and win cash prizes. Fees vary to enter.
If you go: The fun kicks off Friday at 5pm and runs through Sunday.
- Check out the full schedule here.