Dominion Energy Riverrock Opens Registration, Announces Music Lineup and Event Improvements for 2025 festival

RICHMOND, VA – Dominion Energy Riverrock, the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, is gearing up to celebrate its 17th year on Brown’s Island from May 16–18. Sports Backers and Venture Richmond have announced the 2025 festival lineup, with headlining bands and a complete schedule of events now available at www.riverrockrva.com. Registration for all participatory events is also open.

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, creating a dynamic atmosphere for both participants and spectators. 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. Festivalgoers can also explore Adventure Zones throughout the event, where adults and children can try Dominion Energy Riverrock sports for free.

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.

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.

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

“This year’s performances will showcase an electrifying blend of styles and sounds, celebrating both acclaimed artists and rising stars,” said Stephen Lecky, Director of Events with Venture Richmond.  “The energy, creativity, and diversity these bands bring will set the perfect tone for an unforgettable weekend on Brown’s Island. We’re ready to bring an eclectic array of music to Dominion Energy Riverrock and can’t wait to share it with the community!”

The energy, creativity, and diversity these bands bring will set the perfect tone for an unforgettable weekend on Brown’s Island. We’re ready to bring an eclectic array of music to Dominion Energy Riverrock and can’t wait to share it with the community!

Stephen Lecky, Director of Events with Venture Richmond

Dominion Energy Riverrock is highlighting the region’s trail running experience with an exciting new challenge. In partnership with Ragnar, the nation’s premier host of team-based relay running events, Sports Backers is introducing Trail Mix, a unique test of endurance and adventure. Runners who take on a trail race at Dominion Energy Riverrock and conquer Ragnar Trail Richmond—a multi-day trail running adventure at Pocahontas State Park on April 25–26—will earn an exclusive medal to celebrate their achievement. Finishers will also receive individual medals for each event. Ready to take on the trails? Register for Ragnar Trail Richmond at https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/wasatchback#overview.

The popular Video Contest returns this year with a fresh format to embrace user-generated content on Instagram Reels. Participants can showcase their Dominion Energy Riverrock experience—from epic outdoor adventures and breathtaking stunts to incredible live music and vibrant festival vibes. Registered contestants will edit their footage into 30- or 60-second masterpieces. Prizes include $450 for first place, $300 for second place, $150 for third place, and up to three $100 prizes for honorable mention. For more information, contest rules, and registration, visit www.riverrockrva.com.

This year, Dominion Energy Riverrock received a $20,000 grant from Virginia Tourism Corporation Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program to help leverage marketing and event production. The goal of the grant is to increase overnight visitation, improve the visitor experience, and increase traveler spending at Virginia special events and festivals. Sports Backers will supply $20,000 in matching funds to take the impact of the event on the Richmond community and tourism further.

“Special events and festivals are at the heart of what makes Virginia such a unique and vibrant destination,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We are excited to support these events through the Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program, helping to create unforgettable experiences while increasing overnight visitation and traveler spending in Virginia.”

Dominion Energy Riverrock, organized by Sports Backers and Venture Richmond, 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.

Dominion Energy Riverrock showcases Richmond as a premier outdoor adventure destination, highlighting its unique riverfront, world-class downtown trail system, and exhilarating Class III & IV whitewater rapids. This nationally recognized festival attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the country, drawing attention to Richmond’s vibrant recreation scene and positioning the city among top outdoor adventure hubs in the U.S. Since its inception, Dominion Energy Riverrock has fostered a deeper appreciation for outdoor recreation throughout the Richmond region and beyond. For more information, visit www.riverrockrva.com or follow @RiverrockRVA on social media.

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 Dominion Energy Riverrock Music Lineup – Friday, May 16

Time	Band
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	Justin Golden
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.	Mountain Grass Unit

Saturday, May 17

Time	Band
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.

Sunday, May 18

Time	Band
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

Dominion Energy Riverrock is open to the public and is free to all spectators. For event registration and further information about Dominion Energy Riverrock 2025 please visit www.riverrockrva.com.