The 48th annual Head of The Charles Regatta begins this weekend (October 20 and 21) in Boston, bringing more than 9,000 rowers — including over 100 London 2012 Olympians — from across the world to compete in the largest two-day regatta down Massachusetts’ Charles River. For almost half a century, this fall festival has taken place on the river that runs through the cities of Boston and Cambridge (though most of the non-rowing diversions, such as live bands and fair-style food stands are clustered closer to Harvard University on the Cambridge side).
Even if you’re not rowing, the regatta offers onlookers great places to enjoy the festivities. The Weld Exhibition stakes out a stretch along the river with excellent views of the races and plenty of food supplied by local restaurants to try. There’s also a rowing and fitness expo with nearly 50 vendors and Reunion Village, a place for spectators and groups to set up camp and eat, drink, unwind and watch all the action at the venue’s mid-point.
One highlight you won’t want to miss this year is the Women’s Championship Eights on Sunday. In a rematch of the London Olympics, the 2012 U.S. gold-medal-winning team will battle it out against the silver-taking Canadian group.
