Right Around the River Blog
2013 Memorial Day at Rocketts Red Glare
Post Date: 05-15-2013
Summer is almost here, friends -- and so is our annual Memorial Day celebration along the James River! Rocketts Red Glare, sponsored by BrownGreer to benefit Connor's Heroes, is Richmond's only Memorial Day celebration with fireworks, and based on last year's stellar inaugural celebration, we're certain a lively celebration awaits you at Rocketts Landing.
Rocketts Red Glare is a free event -- thanks to major sponsors like The Boathouse restaurant -- and features a variety of live music and tasty food that the whole family can enjoy. Everyone is encouraged to bring comfy chairs and blankets, picnicking along the Rocketts Landing riverfront is always welcomed (just no outside alcohol, please)! And your leashed canine family members can even join the fun.
Rocketts Red Glare Schedule — Sunday, May 26
We have some great music planned to get you dancing and grooving along the James River. And with the downtown Richmond skyline and sunset over the river as your backdrop, you’ll party your way through a fantastic riverfront celebration!
- 5:30 p.m.: Music by Mike Banks and Chris Norred
- 6:30 p.m.: Music by Kings of Swing
- 9:00 p.m.: Fireworks begin over the James River
Event Vendors
Rocketts Red Glare features a slew of food vendors lined up to satiate your Memorial Day appetite! From Cajun food to hot dogs to shaved ice and beyond, there’s something for everyone to dig into. Plus, proceeds from wine and beer sales will benefit Connor’s Heroes, a local nonprofit providing help to children and their families being treated for cancer in Richmond at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
- Habaneros
- The Dog Wagon
- Curbside Creations Food Truck
- Slideways Mobile Bistro
- The Meatball Company
- Chupacabra
- Soul Ice
- King of Pops
You can also dine at one of our community’s restaurants or order take-out to enjoy with your picnic. Just remember to make reservations if you’re dining in-house!
- The Boathouse (804.622.2628)
- Conch Republic Rocketts (804.226.6242)
- M Bistro & Wine Bar (804.652.2300)
Alternative Rocketts Red Glare Viewing Locations
Can’t make it to Rocketts Landing but don’t want to miss seeing fireworks over the James River? Then you’re in luck! The awesome fireworks display is visible from the following viewing locations:
- Libby Hill: 28th and E. Franklin Streets
- Chimborazo Park: 3200 E. Broad Street
- Gillies Creek Park: 4425 Williamsburg Avenue
- Great Shiplock Park: Pear & Dock Streets
Event Sponsors
And a huge Rocketts Red Glare shout out goes to our dedicated sponsors who help make this unique Memorial Day event possible for RVA:
- BrownGreer
- Rocketts Landing
- The Boathouse
- M Bistro
- Richmond.com
- Richmond Family Magazine
- Liberty Radio
We can’t wait for Rocketts Red Glare to paint the town red, blue, green, yellow, orange and purple — and look forward to seeing you there!
