The Head of the Charles Regatta—the world’s biggest two-day rowing competition that enters its 52nd year when it takes over the banks of the Charles River October 22 & 23—has managed to grow even more. This fall, it adds a new youth event, an expansion of para rowing and the return of mixed eights after a 35-year hiatus. These join the dozens of other races, which feature nearly 11,000 of the finest rowers in the world, all cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators. Fitness enthusiasts can also check out the Rowing & Fitness Expo, which sets up in Allston’s Christian Herter Park on the Boston shore of the river near the finish line of the three-mile course. A great spot to take in the race is the halfway point, which boasts the Weld Exhibition on the Cambridge side, featuring food and beverage vendors as well as official Head of the Charles merchandise, and the admission-only Reunion Village on the Boston side.
