Head of the Charles 2026: Rowing, Fall Foliage, Festival Fun & Harvard Square

The 2026 Head of the Charles Regatta brought world-class rowing, lively riverfront festivities, and thousands of visitors to Boston and Cambridge October 16–18. GoBoston explored the action along the Charles River on Saturday, October 17, from racing shells and the famous L.L.Bean Bootmobile to historic Weld Boathouse and the bustling streets of Harvard Square. Enjoy our original photographs, festival highlights, and tips for planning your own Head of the Charles weekend.