Join WBUR, Rowers and Bonnie Garmus, author of 'Lessons in Chemistry,' at the Head of the Charles Regatta

Join WBUR and more than 11,000 athletic competitors from around the world along the banks of the Charles River this weekend for the annual Head of the Charles Regatta.

The largest three-day regatta in the world returns with 75 different racing events from Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 22 this year. From the start line at Boston University's DeWolfe Boathouse to the finish line at Herter Park, hundreds of thousands of regatta spectators can catch all the action while enjoying refreshments at spots along the course, such as Reunion Village and the FALS Bar—now free from cover charge.

Both rowers and fans can gather at the WBUR tent at the Weld Exhibition, an outdoor venue on Memorial Drive with eats and swag giveaways, on both Saturday and Sunday. Along with the staff, reporters and producers behind WBUR's Field Guide to Boston — a new, choose-your-own adventure for our city — regatta visitors will also meet Bonnie Garmus, author of her debut novel and The New York Times bestseller "Lessons in Chemistry" (now also an Apple TV+ series). Garmus joins WBUR and Chestnut Hill's Hummingbird Books at the WBUR tent from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees will find WBUR, plus free goodies, at the main entrance of the Exhibition, beside the Vineyard Vines tent.

If you're looking for quick tips and more fun throughout regatta weekend, check out WBUR's Head of the Charles Regatta explainer. From getting there (public transportation is recommended) to mapping your own route for cheering on competitors, you'll find everything you need to experience this iconic Boston sporting event. And if you're game to explore more of the city after the races end, our Field Guide to Boston is the place to start. Are you a local who wants to get to know neighborhoods beyond your everyday bubble? We've got guides for that. Are you a visitor who needs Transportation 101 or a guide to foodie fuel? Check—we've got those, too.

Go on, get out there. And take WBUR with you.