Local News

Racing begins at 7:45 a.m. Friday and continues throughout the weekend.

By Emma Healy, The Boston Globe

October 16, 2024

Under new leadership, the head of the Charles Regatta is sticking to tradition.

Tori Stevens is in her first year as executive director after Fred Schoch retired last October, but from a spectator perspective, the venerable event will look largely unchanged.

Racing begins at 7:45 a.m. on the Charles River this Friday and runs until just before 11 a.m. The regatta continues Saturday and Sunday with racing from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for the full schedule.

Whether you’re a sportsman, a long-time fan, or just want to soak up the atmosphere at one of New England’s favorite fall traditions, here’s everything you need to know about the 59th Head of the Charles Regatta.

Head of Charles Map

As they race across the 3-mile course, rowers pass six bridges that provide great viewing points for spectators but often become crowded as the day progresses.

Here’s a closer look at the 3-mile upstream course.

The best places to observe Charles’ head

Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or prefer a quieter viewing experience, the choice is yours.

• The starting line is located directly in front of Boston University’s DeWolfe Boathouse, which is open to spectators. After launching, the river makes a quick turn, so views from the boathouse are limited. To see the starting line and more of the course itself, go to BU Bridge.
• Magazine Beach, near the start line, offers spectators a quieter experience. The singles and doubles competitions also start here, so you can get a close look at some of the athletes.
• Next are the River Street Bridge and the Western Avenue Bridgethe ideal places to view the Powerhouse Stretch, a straight stretch of the river.
• Things start to get crazy as boats approach it Week pedestrian bridgean iconic point of the regatta where the river makes a challenging 90 degree turn. The Weeks Pedestrian Bridge is arguably the most difficult part of the route for the teams, but due to the heavy crowds it is also one of the most difficult viewing points for spectators.
• The Anderson Bridge and the Eliot Bridge are great places to watch the end of the races. You can also set up camp in Herter Park, but watch your step as athletes with expensive and sensitive equipment pass by.

What to do if you don’t watch the races?

Not a rowing fan? Experienced visitors recommend wearing hiking boots and strolling up and down the route to take in all the sights and sounds rather than parking in one spot. But remember: the further you get along the route, the more crowded it becomes.

The pros say it’s worth fighting the crowds to explore some of the many dining areas.

The Weld Exhibition is the most popular destination for food and drinks. Vendors line Riverbend Park, which also provides a good viewing area for the races between the Weeks Footbridge and Anderson Bridge.

Across the river is the less crowded Reunion Village, where admission is $15 per day. It is marketed as a family-friendly place; Visitors aged 21 and over can purchase alcohol.

Tickets for the Eliot Bridge Enclosure, the regatta’s VIP experience, are sold out. Once you’ve managed to reach a point, you’ll be treated to first-class food and drink, as well as a view of the final section of the route.

If you’re not on the VIP list, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do and see at the finish line. In Herter Park, the Expo will feature more than 40 vendors selling regatta items and other products on Attager Row (“Regatta” spelled backwards). Nearby is FALS Bar, an outdoor beer garden-like viewing area that serves beer, wine, and cocktails.

It’s also worth hanging around Attager Row to catch an awards ceremony or two. The head of the Charles Medal was designed by sculptor Joe Brown for the first regatta in 1965 and the design has remained unchanged.

Parking and transportation

The biggest piece of advice from longtime Head of the Charles viewers? Leave your car at home. Due to road closures, traffic congestion and limited parking, it is best to use public transportation or rideshare to get to the course.

Three MBTA stations are within walking distance: Central and Harvard on the Red Line and BU Central on the B Branch of the Green Line. Bus routes 1, 47, 64, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 and 86 serve the area.

If you must drive, experts recommend reserving a spot in advance, which can be done through apps like SpotHero and ParkBoston. About 500 seats will be available at Harvard Stadium for $30 a day, but seats are filling up quickly.

Memorial Drive from Cambridge Boat Club to Western Avenue is closed Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m

Weather forecast

Rain put a damper on last year’s Head of the Charles weekend, but it looks like this year’s regatta will benefit from clear skies and warm temperatures.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be sunny in Boston, with temperatures starting around 40 degrees in the morning and reaching the 70s by midday.