BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE — A fall tradition returns to the banks of the river Charles this weekend. The Head of the Charles Regatta runs for three days from Friday through Sunday, attracting thousands of rowers, and spectators to Boston and Cambridge.
The Head of the Charles dates back to 1965, and it’s one the premier regattas in the world.
Thousands of fans can watch rowers navigate the winding river, and under its narrow bridges in hopes of victory.
Some 11 thousand athletes are expected to compete over the weekend.
The weather for the weekend looks pretty great to start on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s racing weather may be a bit more challenging.
You can keep up to date on the latest local weather conditions here from the Boston 25 weather team.
WHERE TO WATCH:
THE START: The race begins at the DeWolfe boathouse at 619 Memorial Drive and spectators can watch crews queueing for the race start from the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
For a view of the basin and the start line head to the Boston University Bridge.
Organizers say the BU Bridge is a unique vantage point on the course because it has a companion, the older Grand Junction Railroad Bridge, which cuts diagonally underneath the BU Bridge.
The singles and doubles races get their start next to the Riverside Boat Club and Magazine beach at 668 Memorial Drive in Cambridge. Organizers say you should head here to watch the races and experience a “quieter Regatta experience.”
Other great viewing spots along the course include the Western Avenue Bridge and the Weeks Footbridge. The Weeks Footbridge is the 5th bridge along the race course and “known to all rowers for its sharp 90-degree turn making it extremely difficult for crews to navigate especially if multiple crews are attempting passage,” according to organizers.
If you’re looking to mingle with some other race fans, you may want to head to the Weld Exhibition at Riverbend Park. Organizers say this is the most popular destination for food and beverage sampling and vending at the Regatta. You can watch the racing between the Weeks Footbridge and Anderson Bridge. The Weld Exhibition is about a 7-minute walk from the Harvard Square MBTA station.
The Anderson Bridge is another great spot to take in the race. It’s the 6th bridge over the course and right next to Harvard’s Weld Boathouse.
The final bridge over the course is the Eliot Bridge which is next to the HOCR headquarters at the Cambridge Boat House.
FINISH LINE: If you’re looking to mingle with some of the rowers, you may want to head to Herter Park along Soldier’s Field Road. This is where the finish line is located and it’s also the main athlete staging area. There is a fitness expo at that location and it’s also next to the retail center where you can pick your regatta swag.
If you find yourself in search of a cold drink, organizers say head to the FALS Bar which features beer, wine, and cocktail garden, and a viewing area located next to the registration & awards tent. FALS Bar will open on Friday and be open through Sunday. The venue is open to all spectators but a wristband is required to purchase alcohol. You can buy those tickets here.
If you plan to go, driving is not your best option, according to organizers. If you do plan to drive, here are some options when it comes to parking.
Remember: Memorial Drive from Cambridge Boat Club to Western Avenue will be closed from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m on Saturday and Sunday.
The MBTA may be your best bet to get to the Charles. The course is within easy walking distance of several MBTA stations:
- Central & Harvard on the MBTA Red Line
- BU Central on the “B” Branch of the MBTA Green Line
- Multiple MBTA bus routes travel near the course including 1, 47, 64, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 86.
- Check out www.mbta.com for detailed route and schedule information.
You can find the race schedules for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday here.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW