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Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
The picturesque Head of the Schuylkill Regatta — one of the largest rowing competitions in the world — comes to Philadelphia each fall in Fairmount Park.
The two-day event features a festival-like atmosphere, bringing together more than 8,000 athletes and up to 30,000 spectators from around the world for a weekend of competition and camaraderie.
A large part of the event’s charm is its inclusivity: Rowers from all levels, including collegiate, highschool, master, elite and adaptive rowers take to the water to compete — a rare chance for both highly experienced and brand-new rowers to participate side-by-side in a single inclusive event.
For spectators, the event is a chance to catch non-stop rowing action at one of the most beautiful locations in Philadelphia during peak fall foliage.
Visit Philadelphia is a proud sponsor of this year’s regatta, which takes place October 28 and 29, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The 2.5-mile race runs along scenic Kelly Drive and allows for many great vantage points. The course starts near Twin Bridges and runs downriver, ending between the Girard Bridge and the iconic Boathouse Row.
Head of the Schuylkill Regatta organizers recommend watching the races near the Playing Angels statue, located about a mile from the finish line at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Fountain Green Drive.
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
On race days, the spot transforms into the Three Angels Festival Area, featuring a variety of vendors and exhibitors, some of Philly’s favorite food trucks, selfie stations, and live race streaming, as well as meet-and-greets and autograph-signing sessions with Olympic athletes. The Clay Studio also offers hands-on activities along the course.
And new for 2023: Spectators have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of Boathouse Row.
What began as a single-day, 180-competitor race in the 1970s has grown into a two-day festive celebration that is often referred to as “America’s favorite regatta.”
Now in its 53rd year, the regatta typically attracts 8,000 rowers and up to 30,000 friends, family and spectators each year, making the annual event a Philly fall staple.
Parking nearby is limited, and Kelly Drive closes to traffic for the duration of the event, so the best bet for those attending is to walk, bike or use public transportation. Offsite parking is available for a cash-only fee, and free shuttles (yellow buses marked “HOSR Regatta Shuttle”) run continuously, taking people from parking areas to the regatta site.
There is no cost for admission to watch the rowing action. Just arrive, find a great vantage point and take in the exciting Philadelphia tradition with fellow fans.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package to make the most of this two-day affair. The perks-packed getaway package serves as the perfect base itinerary for a weekend in Philadelphia. Or make it a three-for with the brand-new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay.
For more information about the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, click the button below.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.