Riverrock Outdoor Festival
Jammin' on the James canoe/kayak boatercross will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.
Rusted Root plays Friday, May 15 for free on Brown's Island.
Runners climb the Belle Isle ladder as part of the race.
It’s the first-ever Riverrock this weekend on Brown’s Island.
Tagged as “Richmond’s River Life Celebration,” the event aims to be just that: two days of celebrating life on the river with live bands and outdoorsy events like the Filthy 5K Mud Run.
Think of it as a recreation-friendly festival where you can listen to six bands over the course of two days, plus people watch or even participate in a whole slew of active events such as rowing, kayaking, fly fishing and running. You can even get your dog into the action by entering Fido into the Big Air Dogs competition.
There’s a whole bunch of events at Riverrock starting this Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. and running through Saturday, May 17.
Here are five things we think you should check out:
1. Rusted Root:
Rusted Root kicks off Riverrock on Friday with a free concert on Brown’s Island, in tandem with Friday Cheers. Expect bluegrass rock, tribal grooves and a touch of jam band (although don’t let them hear you say that). You may remember their big hit “Send Me On My Way” from the ‘90s or their tunes on “Party of Five” and “Homicide.” Rusted Root has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Santana and the Grateful Dead. Friday at 7 p.m. Free.
2. Filthy 5K Mud Run
Watch the runners or join in the muddy fun yourself. Registration closed last night. But you can still register for the James River Scramble on the SportsBackers website. Cost is $20 to participate, but people-watching is completely free (and less exhausting). Friday at 6 p.m.
3. Ultimate Air Dogs
Dogs compete for top dog bragging rights, with running distances and diving into a 25 foot pool on Brown’s Island. You can even enter your own dog, or bring your pooch to watch. Pre-registration is recommended, but organizers say you may be able to enter your dog at the event as well if there’s room. $15 to $20. Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
4. Rafting with Riverside Outfitters
Always wanted to try river rafting but never have? Here’s your chance. The river is at a great level after our dousing of rain. Hop on and take a tour for $15 per person. Friday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Freestyle Bikes
Truly a spectator sport, check out Jeff Lenosky’s freestyle cyclists as they tackle his challenging Brown’s Island course. Expect to see tailwhips, backflips and more. Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A few things to know:
-If you want to enter any of the competitions, most need to be entered in advance on the the SportsBackers website.
-The event doesn’t replace XTERRA, the national biking and triathlon event. XTERRA is still planned for June 13-14. Although it does replace the James River Adventure Games. The goal was to make the event more of a festival – hence the bands and the active participation. Riverrock is locally organized and hosted by SportsBackers and Venture Richmond.
-You can bring your dogs and hang out.
-There will be food from vendors such as Strawberry St. Café, Thai Cabin and typical festival fare, as well as vendors selling outdoor equipment.
For a full schedule of events, check out our Events Calendar or the SportsBackers website.
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