Head of The Charles Regatta
Since its inception in 1965, the Head of The Charles Regatta attracts over 11,000 rowers from around the world and features over 60 races across various categories, including youth, collegiate, masters, and para rowing. Spectator attractions include a three-mile course, Reunion Village, and the Rowing & Fitness Expo.
Friday 16, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18, October 2026
Location: Boston University DeWolfe Boathouse, Charles River, Boston and Cambridge MA
Directions
FALS – Mass Pike to exit 131, follow signs to Cambridge. Stay straight through several traffic lights and across the River Street Bridge. Once across the bridge, take a left onto Memorial Drive (there will be a Shell station and a Mobile station at the corners.) Stay on Memorial Drive for 1.6 miles at which point it will fork (near the Cambridge Boat Club.) Staying to the left, follow signs for Watertown/Newton. Proceed through the traffic light, and as you approach Eliot Bridge, follow signs for Boston/Newton. As you are crossing Eliot bridge stay to the right and an HOCR volunteer will meet your trailer and direct you to a parking space. It would be helpful to consult a parking map or course map to assist with directions.
SADL (Magazine Beach) – Same as above, expect go RIGHT onto Memorial Drive once you cross the River Street Bridge. Magazine Beach is located about 1/4 mile downstream of Riverside Boat Club, across from the large Shell sign.
Spectators Parking
For spectators, athletes, and volunteers parking is extremely limited. We advise anyone driving to carpool whenever possible.
HARVARD STADIUM, GATE 14
Accessible off of Soldiers Field Road heading East. Parking will be available for approx. 500 cars. Location is across from the FALS/Rowing and Fitness Expo area
Available: Friday and Saturday (6AM – 7PM), and Sunday (6AM – 6PM both days).
Cost: $40/day. **cashless payment only**
ALEWIFE T STATION
Accessible from Route 2 off of I-95. Garage with parking for 2,733 cars and Red Line T service to Harvard Square, a short walk to the river and the Weld Exhibition/Reunion Village area.
Available: 7 days a week, 24 hours
Cost: $9/day
Notable Dates
Thursday, October 15th - We are asking ALL RBCC teammates to join a long standing Radnor Crew tradition and dress their best (dress pants, buttoned-down shirt, jacket, formal sweater and/or tie) for school to celebrate and send off our teammates competing at the Head of the Charles.
Captains will organize a team photo after school before heading to practice. Rowers should bring a change of clothes for practice.
For rowers not attending the regatta:
Friday, October 16th - regular practice at RHS
Saturday, October 17th - Novice will have regular practice at the river. JV & Varsity will erg only - either on their own at home, at the gym, or at the river. No water practice.
Where To Watch
In Person HERE or broadcast live HERE
Race Map
Watch Live
Hospitality
RBCC will not be able to offer hospitality, please see The Head of Charles Regatta Hospitality