Party Down By The Banks of The River Charles
The banners are up! Boston and Cambridge are getting ready for the 44th annual Head of the Charles Regatta on Saturday October 18 and Sunday October 19th.
This is an international rowing event and the world's largest two-day regatta. We are talking 55 race events, more than 7,000 athletes and as many as 300,000 raucous spectators crowds lining the banks of the Charles River to party and cheer on the crews!
The crews consist of both individual and team competitors from colleges, high schools, and club teams from across the country and around the world.
The races start from the Boston University boathouse and end more than 3 miles upstream near the Northeastern University boathouse. There is lots of room to mingle!
Throughout both days there will be a rower's expo, lots of food vendors, and sponsors giving out free product samples.
Many spectators will view the races from the seven bridges that cross the Charles River along the race course. Another option? The white dining tents of Reunion Village that line the Boston side of the river at the halfway point near the Weeks and Lars Anderson bridges. Various alumni organizations rent spaces (with hardwood floors and chairs!) for their members and their member's "friends". Entrance is only $1 (the money goes to local charities) and food and drinks are available to purchase. Special Note: Reunion Village is the only legal site along the race course that allows consumption of beer and wine!
And as with all big Boston events, there will be plenty of street closures ,so use the T and walk.