The 13th annual Regatta returns to the downtown canal

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You gotta Regatta. Back on the canal for the first time since 2019, the free festival and highly-anticipated canoe race will debut Sept. 25 for IUPUI students, faculty and staff. 

Leading up to race day is Regatta Week, which features a variety of events hosted by student organizations that are meant to hype campus up for the big day. 

Regatta Week begins Sept. 19. Here are some events you won’t want to miss.

Sunday, Sept. 19

IUPUI Women’s Soccer vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, Carroll Stadium, 1 p.m.

Kick off Regatta week in full Jaguar spirit by supporting the women’s soccer team. 

Monday, Sept. 20

Stuff-a-Plush and Tie-Dye, Campus Center TV Lounge, 2-5 p.m.

Make your own jaguar stuffed animal, courtesy of SAPB. There is a limited quantity, so we recommend arriving early. Your new furry friend will also receive a commemorative T-shirt.

S'mores n’ Oars, The CROF, 5-7 p.m.

Fuel up for the rest of the week with fluffy marshmallows and chocolate. Decorate your own paddle and enjoy s'mores with Housing and Residence Life.

VIDAlympics Kickball, The CROF, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 21

IUPUI Men’s Soccer vs. Bellarmine University, Carroll Stadium, 7 p.m.

Practice getting loud for race day as you cheer on the Jags to victory over the Norse in this Horizon League matchup.

Battleships and Water Games, IU Natatorium, 8 p.m.

Who wouldn’t want to watch a contest to sink other teams’ canoes? Battleships will have you covered. If you're not a fan of water games, there will be plenty of other activities to participate in. Sponsored by Jagathon and VIDA.

Wednesday, Sept. 22

Flick 'n Float, IU Natatorium, 8 p.m.

Sit back, float and relax in the Nat while you watch movies. SAPB will provide the floats -- please don't bring your own. You can also watch from the bleachers or sit on the side of the pool if swimming isn't your thing.

Thursday, Sept. 23

IUPUI Women’s Soccer vs. Northern Kentucky, Carroll Stadium, 1 p.m.

IUPUI Women’s Volleyball vs. UIC, The Jungle, 6 p.m. 

Spend your afternoon cheering on the women’s soccer team with a great view of Indianapolis at Carroll Stadium. Then follow it up with a perfect night at The Jungle for the women’s volleyball match. #jagsROAR

Friday, Sept. 24

SAPB Presents: Late Night: Under the Sea, Campus Center, 6-10 p.m.

There’s not a more fun or affordable way to spend your night. SAPB will be in the Campus Center all night with free food and tons of entertainment. 

Saturday, Sept. 25

It's Regatta day! Regatta, the canoe race and festival, is one of the top five things you must experience as an IUPUI student. Here's how it works.

Location

The Regatta race takes place in downtown Indianapolis on the canal, between the Indiana State Museum and Military Park, with the start of the race at Blackford Street and the exchange point in the Ohio Street Basin. The best part? It's on campus and an easy walk from various student parking garages and residence halls.

Regatta Schedule 

The Regatta Festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will host various entertainment and activities, including mechanical rides, art classes, a dog costume contest and more. You can find the festival in Military Park, adjacent to the canal where the canoe races will occur. 

The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m., with Wave 1 of the race beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Regatta Royalty will be crowned at 2 p.m. on the Regatta stage, which is located in Military Park, along the sidewalk parallel to the canal.

Winners of the dog costume contest will be unveiled from 1:15 to 2 p.m. on the stage. Bring your dressed-up pup to the festival to enter them in the contest. Registration is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Continue the fun with the Jags Music Festival, consisting of a variety of live performances, starting at 2:15 p.m. until closing ceremony at 4 p.m.

What happens if it rains?

Bring your ponchos and umbrellas. Regatta will go on rain or shine.

For important day-of information and updates, be sure to follow @IUPUIRegatta on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Photos by Liz Kaye, Indiana University