Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston - 2018

With more than 55 exciting events involving almost 2,000 boats over the 2-day period, there's plenty to watch.  If you know someone who's racing, the regatta is super-exciting. 

Otherwise, it's simply a perfect excuse to be outside enjoying the October weather. The 3-mile race starts at Boston University's DeWolfe Boathouse near the BU bridge and finishes just past the Eliot Bridge by the Artesani Playground in Brighton. 

Three members of the Cambridge Boat Club started the Head of the Charles Regatta back in 1965, and the race has grown ever since.  Members of racing clubs, college crew teams, and even high school teams converge to compete to be the best in their class.

A "head," in England, is a type of regatta, or boat race, in which boats depart at 15-second intervals on a 3-mile race.  The winner of each race is called the "head" - or, in these races, the "Head of the Charles."  

Race events start at roughly 15 second intervals - so it's an action-packed day with record-breaking numbers of sculls filling the river.  At just about any time, you can see numerous boats on the water.

In addition to the races, the event features displays by boat builders, a rowing and fitness expo, other sponsors, and, of course, food. 

Reunion Village, an area on the Boston side of the river between the Weeks and Anderson Bridges and filled with tents set up by participants and sponsors, provides a lively social and networking scene.

Many of the university and private boat houses along the river host open houses, which can be a lot of fun to visit, especially since many of the sponsors offer free giveaways.

Seven bridges span the river along the 3-mile race course, and you'll find excellent views from all of them. 

Many fans like the Eliot Bridge because the bend in the river at this point means you'll see the rowers display their skills as they navigate a hairpin turn right before they pass under the bridge.  The Eliot Bridge Enclosure provides (for a fee) viewing near the river, along with breakfast, lunch, and drinks.

By contrast, the BU Bridge oversees a calm stretch of smooth rowing - but spectators get more elbow room.

Best views: 

• Courtyard Cambridge Marriott
• Doubletree Guest Suites

• Harvard Square Hotel
• Charles Hotel
• Hyatt Regency Cambridge

Easily accessible to T/Green Line (all in Boston) :

• Boston Buckminster Hotel
• Hotel Commonwealth
• Eliot Hotel

Keep in mind that October weather in Boston can be tricky.  During recent years, regattas have experienced everything from spectacular sunshine and blue skies to drenching downpours to heavy fog.  We even had a freak snowstorm a few years ago. 

When the weather is good, bring your camera because you'll see exciting action to photograph on the river, plus plenty of gorgeous fall foliage. 

When the weather is bad . . . well, you may want to find alternate indoor activities unless someone you know is racing, but committed fans will bring their umbrellas and windbreakers, and enjoy the races just the same.