Head of The Charles Regatta & Kayak Races 2024 in Boston

Twice a year, Boston's Charles River sees the two greatest boating competitions in New England. The Run of the Charles is held in late April and features around 1,500 kayakers and canoeists. The Head of the Charles Regatta is even more massive ​and features nearly 8,000 rowers, competing in 55 races. The event takes place over two days in late October. The overall excitement is enjoyed by crowds of spectators who gather along river banks and bridges to witness fervent paddlers and cheer them on.

The Run of the Charles (April 27, 2024)

Kayak races, known as the Run of the Charles, begin in Brighton and Newton, with the finish line at Herter Park. The entire event spans from 8 am and lasts until 5 pm. Live music and numerous vendors will be entertaining the crowds of spectators at Herter Park.

Head of the Charles Regatta (October 18-20, 2024)

Held since 1965, the race begins at the DeWolfe boathouse and continues three miles upstream, passing by several bridges, including River Street Bridge and Weeks Footbridge. The race ends at the Herter Park. The entire course is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long. The first participants set off at 7:45 pm on each day of the event, with the race continuing until almost 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.