At this point, we’re not sure this counts as news — more like a foregone conclusion. But, man, Riverrock is one of our favorite weekends of the year. This is brutal. Canceled. Not postponed.

Below see the release from Sports Backers:

In conjunction with Governor Northam’s recently-issued statewide stay-at-home order, Sports Backers and Venture Richmond are very disappointed to announce that the 2020 Dominion Energy Riverrock festival planned for May 15-17 at Brown’s Island and Historic Tredegar will be canceled. This is a very difficult decision for the event organizers and our dedicated community of athletes, musicians, adventurers, sponsors, and volunteers that support the festival and make Richmond such a vibrant and active place to live and visit.

“We know that Dominion Energy Riverrock is one of the most anticipated weekends in Richmond, so it’s incredibly disappointing that we and Sports Backers must cancel this year’s event, but there was really no other option for us. The health and safety of our guests, participants, and community are our top priorities,” said Lisa Sims, CEO of Venture Richmond. “We want to thank our sponsors and partners for their support and understanding, and we’re already planning another great event for 2021.”

Registered participants in Dominion Energy Riverrock sporting events will have the option to donate their registration fee to projects and organizations that help maintain, enhance, and support the Richmond riverfront and its world-class trail system. Past Dominion Energy Riverrock donations have supported various projects in and around the James River Park System, including the rehabbing of the Maymont ramp on the North Bank Trail by the James River Park System staff (completed in November 2019) and a universal access ramp at Huguenot Flatwater through the James River Outdoor Coalition’s efforts.

Participants may also defer their entry into the corresponding sporting event during the 2021 festival, credit their entry fee to another Sports Backers event, or receive a refund of their event entry fee. Information will be sent directly to registered participants letting them know how to manage their registrations.