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Head of the Charles Regatta 2024

About 225,000 people will attend Head of the Charles Regatta 2024 in Boston.

Oct 18, 2024 → Oct 20, 2024

Group of rowers in a boat competing at the Head of the Charles Regatta, showcasing teamwork and athleticism
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Head of the Charles Regatta 2024

If you're into sports, join the crowd in Boston at this year's regatta for an exciting weekend of rowing! The Head of the Charles Regatta promises fun and excitement!

The Head of the Charles Regatta, also known as HOCR, is the largest regatta in the world. First organized in 1965, it features 11,000 athletes, 2,500 boats, and 73 events on the Charles River! This three-day event draws over 225,000 spectators to watch the races along the riverbank.

The course starts at Boston University's DeWolfe Boathouse near the Charles River Basin and ends just after the Eliot Bridge and before Northeastern University's Henderson Boathouse. It's not an easy course since there are many challenging parts with tricky turns, particularly around the Weeks, Anderson, and Eliot Bridges, which can lead to exciting moments of tight competition.

Start planning your trip to Boston! The event will last three days: Friday, October 18, Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20.

What to Expect When Attending Head of the Charles Regatta 2024

Expect an exciting competition and a festive atmosphere!

Locals and sports lovers from across the globe will gather to enjoy this spectacle.

You'll watch elite international rowers, collegiate teams, high school teams, and even masters and recreational rowers competing on the water. The boats will race not only against each other but also against the clock!

The Head of the Charles Regatta weekend offers much to see. On the first day, you'll observe men's and women's senior-veteran and grand veteran singles and doubles races, along with other events. The second day is reserved for men's and women's club singles, survivor row exhibitions, and much more! On the last day of Head of the Charles Regatta, you'll catch youth singles and many other thrilling challenges.

Food vendors will offer local Boston specialties, like clam chowder and lobster rolls. You'll also get the chance to refresh yourself with a warm cup of coffee. Visit La Crema, a tasting room pop-up, and try a glass of good wine! At the HOCR tents, there will be souvenirs you can buy as a gift, and live music and family-friendly activities will boost the atmosphere.

The forecast predicts cool autumn weather typical for late October in Boston. Temperatures are expected to be between 50°F and 65°F (10°C and 18°C) during race hours, with the potential for breezy conditions near the river. It will be chilly, so dress warmly and bring a scarf to protect you from the wind.

The show is free for spectators!

Security Protocols

  • Police officers are stationed at key locations along the river and bridges.
  • Security personnel are there to maintain order and keep everyone safe.
  • Bag inspections are implemented at high-traffic entry points along the riverbank and other key locations.
  • The Coast Guard will help secure the river.
  • Medical staff are stationed along the course and near boathouses to respond to medical emergencies.
  • Prohibited items include large bags, alcohol, drones, and dangerous objects.

How to Get To or From the Event

Boston’s public transportation system, the MBTA, is one of the most convenient ways to get to the regatta, especially since parking in the area is limited.

  • Subway (The T): Red, Green, and Blue Lines will take you to stations close to the venue. Check the MBTA website for schedules and the best route. The nearest stations are Central & Harvard and BU Central.
  • Bus: Routes 1 and 47 will help you reach the event. Check the MBTA website for the best route based on your location.
  • Car: If driving, be aware of limited traffic and arrive early to secure your spot. You can park at public garages in Harvard Square, Central Square, or Kenmore Square.

Head of the Charles Regatta 2024 Bag Policy

Remember that you can't enter with large bags or backpacks, and the event doesn't provide an area to store luggage.

Don't let that worry you because you have Bounce.

Our online platform offers help for travelers who want to find a secure spot to store their belongings. We partner with local businesses worldwide, with 13,000 locations for storing your luggage in more than 2000 cities, including Boston.

You can reach us through our website or mobile app.

Head of the Charles Regatta 2024 Bag Storage

Store Your Bag With Bounce and Enjoy the Boat Races

The process is easy because you only need to contact a Bounce partner.

They will help you find a secure and convenient spot in Boston, Massachusetts, according to your preferences. The price is only $4.10 per day, there's no cancelation fee, and we offer 24/7 support if you have any questions!

How to Stow Your Bag at Head of the Charles Regatta 2024 With Bounce

  • Book: The first step is to choose the location, contact a Bounce partner, and pay online.
  • Go to the location: The second step is to arrive at the location and drop off your bags.
  • Enjoy the regatta: The last step is to focus on enjoying this experience!

How to Make the Most Out of Head of the Charles Regatta 2024

  • Choose a good viewing spot: Arrive early to find a prime spot for cheering on athletes. The bridges are a great choice among others!
  • Watch different races: Check the schedule and decide which races you want to observe. There are a variety of them so you can watch different types of rowing races to keep things interesting.
  • Eat well: Try the food from vendors or have a picnic at a spot by the river. Pack tasty snacks and drinks to make the experience even more fun!
  • Bring binoculars: Many spectators will bring their binoculars to get a better view of the races.

Visit Boston and store your luggage with Bounce! The Head of the Charles Regatta weekend is an inspiring event you can't miss!

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All you need to know

  • Is Head of the Charles a big deal?

    The Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) is indeed a big deal. It's the world's largest three-day rowing event, attracting over 12,000 athletes from around the globe and tens of thousands of spectators each year. The regatta, first held in 1965, has grown into a major tradition, making it one of the most prestigious rowing events​.

  • Who runs the Head of the Charles Regatta?

    The regatta is organized by the Cambridge Boat Club, with a dedicated board of directors, a professional staff, and thousands of volunteers managing the event​.

  • Is Head of the Charles the biggest regatta?

    Regarding its size, the HOCR is considered the largest head race (a time-trial rowing event) in the world, surpassing other regattas in scale and participation​.

  • How long does Charles's head go?

    The course itself is approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, with boats racing against both the clock and each other along the winding Charles River​.

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