Head of the Hooch Regatta

Head of the Hooch is one of the largest rowing regattas in the world, drawing thousands of athletes and roughly 2,000 boats to the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga each November. Over two days, crews of all ages race along the course while spectators line the riverfront and Tennessee Riverwalk to cheer, watch the launches, and take in the pageantry of the sport. For the community, it's a free, festive fall weekend with prime viewing from the pedestrian bridge and riverside parks. Watching costs nothing; bring a jacket for cool river mornings, arrive early for good vantage points, and expect crowds and some parking congestion downtown.