Venture Richmond and Sports Backers invite us to step outside for an activity-packed weekend of games, races and good vibrations. Pull out your sneakers and barrel down on your bike to the eighth annual Dominion Riverrock event from Friday to Sunday on and around Brown’s Island.
Each year, about 100,000 people (and dogs) attend the nation’s largest sports and music festival; and this year’s energetic extravaganza holds even more opportunities for fitness and fun.
“Having a lifestyle event like this in our downtown’s heart showcases the James River as an opportunity, as a valuable asset that sets living Richmond apart,” says Megan Schultz, event director at Sports Backers.
Take on the Saturday morning 10K Scramble Race or participate in the new Sunday morning Bust the Banks trail half-marathon. Runners who compete in both races will receive a special medal.
In addition, “dART” around Richmond in this year’s new speedy scavenger hunt, looking for clues at 16 different murals. Participants can navigate by bike or foot and collect points for pictures in front of the murals.
“Showcasing murals downtown and adding an art component to the outdoor lifestyle is something important to us as a way to add another of cool ‘Richmond thing’ to the festival,” Schultz says.
Musical performances include Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass on Friday at 8 p.m., featuring bluegrass versions of Grateful Dead songs, and G. Love & Special Sauce, which in late 2015 put out its first album in almost a decade, playing hip-hop blues on Saturday night (8 to 9:30 p.m.). Also featured are Futurebirds on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. and Rayland Baxter on Saturday at 6:15 p.m., plus Richmond-based groups including Big Mama Shakes, Dance Candy, Jackass Flats, The Slank, Mikrowaves, Future Prospect and the DJ Williams Projekt.
For those who want to get into the spirit of the event early, The Byrd Theatre will host the free 5Point Adventure Film Festival on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission to events is free, but registration is necessary for participation in races. Food and drink vendors will be available for purchase throughout the entire festival.
Here are a few scenes from last year's event.
