Whose excited for some spills and thrills on the downtown canal? On Saturday, Sept. 27, IU Indianapolis will host its 17th annual Regatta — our university’s signature canoe race and staple campus tradition.
Students, families, alumni and the Indianapolis community are all invited to Military Park for races, performances, food and fun.
This guide breaks everything down so you can experience Regatta and all of its festivities to the fullest.
Race Day schedule
Opening ceremony
10 a.m. | Blackford St. Bridge
Canoe race begins
10:30 a.m. | Downtown canal
The Moving Company performance
10:45 a.m. | Regatta stage
On-stage games
11:15 a.m. | Regatta stage
Xiphos performance
11:50 a.m. | Regatta stage
On-stage game
12:20 p.m. | Regatta stage
Entertainment from On A Side Note
12:45 p.m. | Regatta stage
Dog Costume Contest
1:15 p.m. | Regatta stage
On-stage game
1:50 p.m. | Regatta stage
Entertainment from Terrence
2:10 p.m. | Regatta stage
Regatta Royalty crowning
3:45 p.m. | Regatta stage
Closing ceremonies
4 p.m. | Regatta stage
Regatta Week
What started as a single-day race is now a weeklong celebration of school spirit. Put together by our Regatta Steering Committee, Regatta Week offers events and activities that set the stage for the main event:
Battleships
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 8–10 p.m. | Natatorium
Flick N’ Float
Thursday, Sept. 25 | 6–9 p.m. | Natatorium
S’mores and Oars
Friday, Sept. 26 | 7–9 p.m. | Campus Recreation Outdoor Facility (CROF)
Calling all furry friends
All Regatta attendees are invited to sign up their pups and participate in this year’s Dog Costume Contest. This fierce competition is a fan favorite where your canine companion will get to strut across the Regatta stage and then our Regatta Royalty Court will judge and vote on the winners. Register in advance or sign up on the day of the event.
Meet the 2025 Regatta Royalty Court
Congratulations to our seven students —Nicole Gordon, Molly McCord, Ariana Garcia, Kena Baker, Eliza Surdzdial, Karla Bohnenkamp and Rohini Vemparala — who were selected to be part of the 2025 Regatta Royalty Court.
These students will serve as IU Indianapolis ambassadors, participate in Fall Regatta Week events and judge the Dog Costume Contest. Don’t miss the Regatta Royalty crowning at the closing ceremony!
FAQ
Q: Where will the stage and restrooms be?
A: We’ve got you covered! See below for a map of where everything is located on race day.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Free parking is available in Lot 85 and Lot 86, as well as any other surface lot at IU Indianapolis. See other options on where to park around campus.
Q: What type of food will be at the festival?
A: This year’s food trucks are: Bearded Burger, Pi Indy, Coke Slushie Truck, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, So Cheesy, Ohanalulu and Pili’s Party Taco.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes! Attending is free, and the event is open to everyone at IU Indianapolis and the Indy community. Food is available for purchase.
A note from Executive Director, Vibha Kamath
Serving as executive director has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and creativity of the students who make this day possible, and it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.
Beyond the race itself, Regatta is about pride, resilience and the energy that unites our campus. It reflects who we are at IU Indianapolis and the values we carry forward. I hope everyone will join us this year, not just to watch the excitement on the canal, but to be part of a tradition that connects us all!
Have any other questions before the big event? Reach out to the Regatta student team ( regatta@iu.edu ) or follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on all things Regatta.
