Photo: Igor Meijer

One of the biggest happenings of the fall, the 53rd annual Head of the Charles Regatta returns October 21 & 22 to the delight of rowing fans near and far. An international field of athletes competes in dozens of events over the course of the weekend while thousands of fans cheer on from the banks and bridges of the Charles River. Fan favorites like the free Rowing & Fitness Expo, Weld Exhibition and the ticketed Reunion Village remain in place, while the inclusion of the Regatta in the inaugural Lotman Challenge—a three-race series that awards extra prizes to American single scull champions—adds an extra twist to an already exciting tradition.