When the river breeze turns noticeably cold, it's time for boats to line up on the Charles River. This year's Head of the Charles Regatta will take place from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18.

I remember the first year I went to watch. I stood on some bridge and saw the boats for just 3 seconds while watching people's backs for an hour. So this year, I want to talk about the best viewing spots properly.

First, knowing the course reveals the prime spots. The race starts near the DeWolfe Boathouse on the BU side and goes upstream for a 3-mile, 4,800-meter course. It passes under six bridges in order: BU, River Street, Western Ave, Weeks, Anderson, and Eliot.

This event does not start all at once. Boats launch one by one at staggered intervals, competing in a head race format. So no matter where you stand, you'll see boats continuously passing by, which is a plus.

The most famous viewing spot is the Weeks pedestrian bridge. Here, the river bends almost 90 degrees, and you often see boats colliding and oars getting tangled. Honestly, I think this is the highlight of the event.

However, it gets really crowded. It's hard to find a spot near the railings on the bridge unless you arrive early in the morning.

The Anderson Bridge is right next to the Harvard Weld Boathouse. It's easy to walk from Harvard Square, and there are food booths nearby at the Weld Exhibition. This spot is convenient for coming with friends.

If you're curious about the atmosphere near the finish line, head to the Eliot Bridge. As the last bridge, you can see the athletes making their final sprints. It's right next to the Cambridge Boat Club, where the event headquarters is located, and there's also the Eliot Bridge Enclosure operated by the organizing committee.

However, there's one important variable to keep in mind this year. The state government DCR is conducting a three-phase improvement project on Memorial Drive from the Eliot Bridge to JFK Street. The construction started last fall.

According to DCR's notice, the section from Gerrys Landing Road through Riverbend Park will be closed to park visitors throughout 2026. This is exactly the Cambridge riverbank between Anderson and Eliot. If you were planning to lay out a blanket on the grass there like in previous years, you might need to change your plans.

I haven't confirmed how this section will be managed during the event yet. Be sure to check the official HOCR website and DCR announcements before you go.

If you want a quieter spot, I recommend Magazine Beach near the start. Small boat races like singles and doubles start around here. It's a reasonable walk from Central Square, and there are far fewer people.

The BU Bridge is also surprisingly good. You can see the starting line and the wide river section all at once. You can also see the boats waiting to start from the bike path along the Boston side of the river.

The River Street and Western Ave bridges are relatively less crowded since they are in the middle of the course. If you want to see the race flow over a longer stretch, walking along the riverbank in between is also an option.

Public transportation is a must. The organizing committee has openly stated that parking is limited, and parts of Memorial Drive will be closed during the event.

If you get off at the Harvard Square station on the Red Line, Weeks and Anderson are nearby. Central Station is good for heading toward Magazine Beach. Shuttle schedules will be posted separately on the event site, so be sure to check that too.

Let's touch on the scale of the event. According to the event introduction, it's the largest three-day rowing event in the world, with 12,000 athletes and 325,000 spectators expected. I was genuinely surprised when I first saw those numbers.

Just thinking about how many people will crowd along the riverbank for several kilometers gives you an idea of how long the bathroom lines will be. The rule is to go to the restroom whenever you see one.

The essentials are simple. The river breeze can be stronger than expected, so a windbreaker is a must, and bringing gloves is a good idea.

And my personal essential is pocket candy. Standing outside in the cold for a long time can really drop your blood sugar. I usually bring a handful of butterscotch candies that last a while.

When the boats make a tight turn at the Weeks corner, popping a candy in my mouth feels oddly satisfying. The athletes are gasping for breath, while I'm sweetly cheering them on.

Also, consider the timing. The weekend afternoons are the busiest, so if you're a first-timer, aim for Friday or the morning. The detailed race schedule is available on the event site, so it's good to mark the events you want to see in advance.

And don't go too far down the riverbank toward the athletes' lanes. There are many areas for boat transport and staff access. I've seen quite a few people get stopped for trying to get a little too close for photos.

To summarize, here's the breakdown: excitement is at Weeks, convenience is at Anderson, the finish line atmosphere is at Eliot, and relaxation is at Magazine Beach. Just make sure to check the construction area at Riverbend Park beforehand.

If it were me, I'd start at Magazine Beach on Friday morning and walk up the river, aiming to settle near the riverbank around Weeks around lunchtime. That way, I can avoid the crowds and see the flow of the course. Honestly, I won't go back to the middle of the Weeks Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

It's a weekend when our local river becomes a stage for rowers from around the world, just once a year. As I listen to the sound of rowing while feeling the cold wind, I find myself wanting to recharge somehow. This year, let's meet by the river with plenty of candy in our pockets.