Event · Sports & play

Head of the Charles Regatta 2026 (spectating)

When

Fri, Oct 16Friday-Sunday, October 16-18, 2026; daily race hours not published on the spectator pages

Where

Charles River course, Boston and Cambridge (Weld Exhibition at Riverbend Park, Cambridge)Charles River course, Boston and Cambridge, MAOpen in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Check age guidance

Cost

General riverbank viewing cost not stated; Riverbender $25 per day; Eliot Bridge Enclosure ticketed (21+)Memorial Drive partially closed; limited parking; MBTA and shuttles recommended.

Organizer

Head of the Charles Regatta

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 16 · Sat, Oct 17 · Sun, Oct 18

The Head of the Charles Regatta runs October 16-18, 2026 on the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. The organizer's spectator pages list viewing spots including the start line at the DeWolfe Boathouse (watch from the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path or the BU Bridge), the Weeks Footbridge for the sharp turn, the River Street Bridge for the Powerhouse Stretch, Magazine Beach as a quieter option, and the finish line at Herter Park. The Weld Exhibition at Riverbend Park (between the Weeks Footbridge and Anderson Bridge, about a 7-minute walk from Harvard Square station) has food and beverage vendors and picnic space; a Rowing and Fitness Expo at the finish line lets visitors try a rowing machine. Paid options include the Riverbender ($25 per day, open to all with 21+ alcohol sales) and the ticketed Eliot Bridge Enclosure (21+, guests may bring accompanying children). Parts of Memorial Drive close during race weekend; public transportation is encouraged.