2025 Regatta: The ultimate celebration guide to IU Indy's homecoming event

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.