Axios Richmond
May 15, 2026
1 big thing: 🧗♀️ Riverrock without Brown's Island
Riverrock weekend starts today.
Why it matters: With Brown's Island still under construction, the outdoor sports festival will look a little different this year, with a new location and other additions on tap.
Catch up quick: Since 2009, Dominion Energy Riverrock has taken over Brown's Island and the riverfront for three jam-packed days of outdoor sporting events.
- There's climbing, dog jumping, 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, just sans Brown's Island — but the location change is more of a scooch than a full move.
Zoom in: Most of the festival has shifted to the north side of Tredegar Street.
- Ultimate Air Dogs and its precious flying pups — plus guided hikes, skimboarding and yoga — will take place in front of the American Civil War Museum and its parking lot, along with a new DJ-driven workout event, Fit-X.
- 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 there's a bag check and you can bring in your beer).
- 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 or 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 today at 5pm and runs through Sunday.
- Check out the full schedule here.
2. 🐻 Meanwhile, in Oregon Hill
A black bear spent yesterday morning roaming the streets and backyards of Oregon Hill before being tranquilized and put in a truck by lunchtime.
Why it matters: Few things unite Richmonders like tracking an animal on the loose.
State of play: Residents began following the bear's escapades Wednesday afternoon, when he was spotted running across the Downtown Expressway.
- Then Fan resident Romain Lheritier found the 100-pound furry tourist yesterday in Oregon Hill while on a run.
- "I tried to hug him but he wouldn't get off the tree," Lheritier joked to Axios.
Zoom in: The Department of Wildlife Resources and other authorities captured the roughly 100-pound bear before noon.
- He was released before 5pm yesterday into one of DWR's wildlife management areas, agency spokesperson Shelby Crouch told Axios.
Fun fact: It's the city's first bear sighting of the season, Richmond Animal Care and Control director Christie Chipps Peters told Axios — and it likely won't be the last.
- Spring is a busy time for black bears as they emerge from hibernation.
🗣️ What's next: Hit reply and share your best caption for the photo of the snoozing bear, who might be having a harder week than us.
3. 🌊 The Current: City cashes in on Airbnbs
5. 🪵 Belle Isle gets more kid-friendly
Richmond just opened a play area on Belle Isle underneath the Belvidere Bridge.
Why it matters: It's a haven for kids and the first completed piece of a broader vision to reshape the island.
The big picture: City leaders unveiled the Nature Exploration Area yesterday, while children ran around, giggled and bounced off the logs and tree trunks that define the space.
- The play area — which visitors can reach by crossing the Belle Isle suspension bridge — was created with the goal of expanding access to the James River Park System to visitors under 10.
- It's one of multiple proposals for Belle Isle, which include a skatepark inside the old Nail Shed and boardwalk access to Quarry Pond.
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