RVA's Special Events: Riverrock in Richmond
- The West End Mom
- May 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22, 2025
Did you know the biggest outdoor adventure & music festival in the country happens every May in Richmond?!
That's right - Riverrock is a 3 day outdoor adventure & music festival around Brown's Island, and it's is the biggest one of its kind in the county. And it’s all along the James River this weekend - May 16 to May 18, 2025!
Riverrock 2025 is free to attend & there are so many free activities to enjoy! The highlights for us are kayaking on the canal, watching the Ultimate Air Dogs competition, bouldering & watching the slacken. River Rock also has the best RVA food & drink vendors like Gelati Celesti, Boka Tako, Timberwood Pizza, Hardywood and more!
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Everything YOU need to know about attending Riverrock with kids:
Riverrock is an active festival with over 30 events you can participate in over the course of three days. These events are totally free, too. Most of the time you will need to sign a waiver, like if you want to kayak in the canal or try skim-boarding in Tredegar Iron Work's parking lot.
The whole focus is being active and enjoying the outdoors, rain or shine! Make sure to dress accordingly and with comfortable shoes -- there's a lot of walking!
Where is Riverrock?
It’s on Brown’s Island in the City of Richmond.
You can use street parking or paid parking. Parking is limited, so I highly recommend taking an Uber or parking with the expectation of walking to Brown's Island.
We usually park in Federal Reserve's parking deck for ~$10 cash. There are other parking options around 7th Street & the Federal Reserve, and you could also try parking in Oregon Hill.
When is Riverrock?
Riverrock is on May 16-May 18, 2025. You will find varying schedules every day, but here's an overview of the times with activities going on:
Friday, May 16, 2025 -- 5pm to 9:30pm
Saturday, May 17, 2025 -- noon to 9:30 pm
Sunday, May 18, 2025 -- noon to 5pm
More Tips and Tricks for Attending Riverrock with Kids:
It’s stroller friendly except the iron pedestrian bridge to Brown’s Island. Use the entrance by Tredegar Iron Works with a stroller. I like to bring a stroller to hold our gear and act as a home base. If you don't need a lot of gear, use a baby-carrier.
Dress for the weather & walking. Brings hats & wear sunscreen.
This event brings a crowd, so dress your children in easily identifiable clothes (bright colors).
Free water bottle filling stations around the venue & there are misting tents.
There are portapotties on Brown’s Island and in Tredegar Iron Work's parking lot. Bring sanitizing wipes!
Outside food & drink are not allowed. You can pack food & water for children.
Kayaking is on the canal, and the water is pretty shallow. We tried it when my kids were 2, and it's a great place to learn how to kayak! Volunteers are in the water with you, so it's perfect for beginners. They have single and tandem kayaks available.
Skim-boarding is in the Tredegar Iron Works parking lot. This is a free event, and it's kid-friendly. You will get wet if you try this! Make sure to bring a towel and/or clothes you can get wet.
The Ultimate Air Dog Competition is on Brown's Island, and it's a must watch for all ages. You get to cheer on pups as they leap into the water -- awards are given for the farthest jumps!
Bring chairs & blankets to eat & listen to music.
The concerts can get loud, so if you have babies or noise-sensitive children, make sure to bring noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs.
The Adventure Zone is in Tredegar Iron Work's Parking lot.
Bouldering is at Kanawah Plaza. You will see custom-built 20 foot bouldering cave plus a Demo Wall for all ages to climb on.
For more things to do with kids in Richmond, Virginia, follow me on @thewestendmom on Instagram!
