Right Around the River Blog

Celebrate Memorial Day at Rocketts Red Glare 2012

Post Date: 05-20-2012

Grab your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets, Richmond -- Rocketts Red Glare lights up Rocketts Landing this Memorial Day weekend, and we can't wait for the festivities to begin! You might remember Rocketts Red Glare from our event lineup last fall. Due to inclement weather, however, we had to postpone the celebration. With the wait finally over, our anticipation and excitement are high as we officially kick off summertime by bringing Richmond's only Memorial Day event with fireworks to our community along the James River!

We've planned a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy (that means your leashed canine companions, too!). Featuring everything from live music, food and beverage vendors, fireworks and more, Rocketts Red Glare is one event you won't want to miss.

Live Music

We believe a great celebration demands some rockin’ live music. And we’ve lined up local talent to keep you on your feet. Our first scheduled act features Colin Healy, who’s also the son of The Boathouse owner Kevin Healy. A native Richmonder, Colin is an acoustic-driven singer-songwriter who writes catchy pop ballads he describes as “music that’s good for a car trip.” Virginia dance band Kings of Swing follows up Healy’s act with a 12-piece ensemble playing everything from swing and beach music to Motown and rock and roll.

Opening musical act Colin Healy

Pinta and Nina Ships

History lovers will get to enjoy a taste of the Old World aboard the visiting replicas of Christopher Columbus’ famous ships, the Pinta and Nina. The ships dock at Rocketts Landing from May 25 through June 3, and guided tours will be available throughout Rocketts Red Glare. Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors and $6.00 for youth aged 5 to 16 years old. Children 4 years old and under are free.

Food and Beverage Vendors

Because you can’t have a celebration without some good treats on hand, we’ve lined up a variety of vendors to please the palate. Craft beer and wine vendors will quench your thirst, with a portion of the beverage proceeds benefiting the Neighborhood Resource Center, a nonprofit supporting the Greater Fulton Community. Dessert vendors will also be on site to satiate your sweet tooth with ice cream and shaved ice. If more formal dining is your style, Rocketts Landing restaurants will also feature their own specials — with incredible patio views along the James River to boot!

Fireworks

Rocketts Red Glare on Memorial Day Weekend, Rocketts Landing, Richmond Virginia

When celebratory spirits are high, nothing’s better than watching great riverfront fireworks overlooking Richmond’s downtown skyline. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure an awesome Rocketts Red Glare fireworks display lights up the sky and leaves you ooohing and ahhhing with every colorful burst.

Open House

Want to get a sneak peak of our Rocketts Landing residences? Rocketts Red Glare attendees will be able to stop into our Sky Line building and visit our two-story street front model, featuring one bedroom and two bathrooms. Open house visitors can also register to win a gift certificate to all three of our Rocketts Landing restaurants. So be sure to swing on by!

Rocketts Red Glare Details

  • When: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: Event begins at 5:30 p.m. with live music by Colin Healy. Kings of Swing take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.
  • Cost: Free and open to the public (and if you're bringing a picnic, please don't include outside alcohol)