In Short:
The Oklahoma Regatta Festival on the Oklahoma River is a metro favorite for the entire family. Begun in 2004, the Oklahoma Regatta Festival includes Oklahoma City University's "Head of the Oklahoma" rowing sprint races. But the event is also much more than racing, appealing to so many with a festival atmosphere of food, live entertainment, art show, children's activities and more.
2009 Oklahoma Regatta Festival Details:
The 6th Oklahoma Regatta Festival takes place from October 3-4. The event is completely free, and parking is available free of charge as well. Festival hours are Friday (Oct. 3) from 5-10 p.m., Saturday (Oct. 4) 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday (Oct. 5) from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Get a full festival schedule online.
The annual blu VIP Party gets things started from 6-9 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $100, with proceeds benefiting youth rowing, and they can be purchased online.
The annual blu VIP Party gets things started from 6-9 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $100, with proceeds benefiting youth rowing, and they can be purchased online.
Location:
Due to construction, the 2009 event is being called the "Boot of the Oklahoma" as the races move west to Exchange Boathouse, 1391 Exchange Ave. on the Western Basin of the Oklahoma River. The blu VIP Party will be held at the nearby Chesapeake Boathouse.
Get a detailed map with driving directions to Regatta Park.
Get a detailed map with driving directions to Regatta Park.
Competitive Events:
Head of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City University's annual collegiate event has athletes competing 2.5 mile head races and 500 meter super sprints.
Corporate Rowing Challenge - Corporate teams from Oklahoma City businesses take part in this "fierce but friendly competition."
Dragon Boat Challenge - From 8-10 p.m. on Friday night, corporate teams compete under the lights in this exciting water sport.
Corporate Rowing Challenge - Corporate teams from Oklahoma City businesses take part in this "fierce but friendly competition."
Dragon Boat Challenge - From 8-10 p.m. on Friday night, corporate teams compete under the lights in this exciting water sport.
OG&E NightSprints:
The OG&E NightSprints became a part of the Oklahoma Regatta Festival in 2006, the first sanctioned night races in North America. The river is illuminated once the sun sets, and the 500-meter sprint races take center stage.
Festival Attractions:
Live Entertainment - Throughout the festival, enjoy live music and dance productions.
Children's Area - With face painting, education exhibits and more, the children's area is free fun for the little ones.
Rock Climbing - The 24-foot wall along the river makes for quite a challenge.
Art Show - The work of many Oklahoma artists is on display and available for purchase.
Food & Wine Garden - Sample the offerings from many Oklahoma wineries, or go to the food plaza for several of your favorite OKC restaurants.
Children's Area - With face painting, education exhibits and more, the children's area is free fun for the little ones.
Rock Climbing - The 24-foot wall along the river makes for quite a challenge.
Art Show - The work of many Oklahoma artists is on display and available for purchase.
Food & Wine Garden - Sample the offerings from many Oklahoma wineries, or go to the food plaza for several of your favorite OKC restaurants.
Nearby Hotels & Lodging:
Coming in from out of town for the Oklahoma Regatta Festival? Here are some hotel options nearby:
- Residence Inn
400 East Reno Avenue
Less than 1 mile from the Chesapeake Boathouse
Check Rates
- The Skirvin Hotel
One Park Avenue
Less than 1 mile from the Chesapeake Boathouse
Check Rates
- Sheraton Hotel
One North Broadway
Less than 1 mile from the Chesapeake Boathouse
Check Rates
- Renaissance Hotel
Ten North Broadway
Less than 1 mile from the Chesapeake Boathouse
Check Rates
- Courtyard Downtown
2 West Reno
Less than 1 mile from the Chesapeake Boathouse
Check Rates
