Join Us at the Heart of Texas Regatta

Head of the Colorado

Lovingly referred to as Pumpkin Head, ARC has been hosting this regatta since the mid-1980s. This head race on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas offers events for the following: Adaptive, Collegiate, Junior and Masters rowers.  Since this regatta is often held close to Halloween, many crews opt to get into the spooky spirit and will dress up in costumes!

Dates

October 25th, 2025

Standard Registration:

  • Opens 9:00 am September 10th, 2025
  • Closes 11:59 pm October 14th, 2025

Late Registration:

  • Opens 12:00 am October 15th, 2025
  • Closes 10:00 pm October 20, 2025

For more information please contact our Regatta Director at megan.getman@austinrowing.org

Location

The Heart of Texas Regatta is located at Festival Beach Park on Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas. Venue map showing team tent locations and boat lay down locations.

By Bike – Bike racks are provided in the park and storage is available at the venue tent; bring your lock. Austin Bike Map

By Trail – Everyone is encouraged to walk or bike the trails to reach the event. Lady Bird Lake Trail Map

By Public Transport – Capital Metro routes 21 and 22 serve the venue. Capital Metro System Map – Capital Metro Trip Planner 

Trailer Parking – Please see the overview and detail maps of trailer parking. Trailers shall be parked in an eastbound orientation on Chicon Street. 

Venue Parking – Limited parking is available within one block of 1600 Nash Hernandez Senior Road, along the south side of Nash Hernandez Sr. and where available on Chicon and Comal. All visitors must honor traffic cones, barriers and No Parking signs or risk ticketing or towing.

Accommodation

Austin Rowing Club recommends competitors and fans stay at the Holiday Inn Lady Bird Lake. This Holiday Inn is a short walk to the race course. Please contact hotel staff at 1-512-634-1274 for team sales.

Volunteer Information

This is an Austin Rowing Club event that is primarily volunteer run. Information will be posted a few weeks prior to the race.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at regattavolunteer@austinrowing.org.

Contact Information

General Inquiries
Volunteer Coordinator

Regatta Central

Volunteer Opportunities

Race Day Support

Join our team to assist with timing, registration, and athlete coordination during the Head of the Colorado Regatta.

Refs/Safety Launches

Help ensure the safety of rowers by monitoring the course and providing assistance as needed.

Start and Finish Line

Help keep track of the start and finish times for the regatta.

Logistics Support

Assist with the setup and teardown of event infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Media and Photography

Capture the excitement of the regatta and help share our story through photos and social media updates.

Environmental Stewardship

Participate in lake cleanups and promote sustainability initiatives during the event.

Contact Us

Reach out to regattavolunteer@austinrowing.org for information on how to get involved.