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- Fun
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- Canada
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- First Wednesday of August
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Regatta Day brings the historic city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, to a standstill every first Wednesday of August. This unique Canadian holiday, also known as the Royal St. John’s Regatta, centers around thrilling boat races on Quidi Vidi Lake, but only if the weather cooperates. Experience the local culture, cheer on the rowers, or simply enjoy a day off work.
Want to sponsor Regatta Day? Learn how
Expected Regatta Day Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still to be announced, Regatta Day in St. John’s typically sees local businesses and Canadian brands embracing the festive spirit. Expect special offers from pubs like YellowBelly Brewery, cafes such as Fixed Coffee and Baking, and local shops along Water Street. Sports retailers like Sport Chek or outdoor gear brands might offer deals on watersports equipment. Supermarkets such as Sobeys often run specials on picnic supplies. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August approaches.
Platform Guide for Regatta Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RegattaDay. Share vibrant photos and videos of the races, the crowds, and the unique St. John’s atmosphere, especially if the weather is perfect.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #RegattaDay. Film short, energetic clips of the rowing action, local festivities, or even the morning ‘weather watch’ decision that makes the holiday so special.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #RegattaDay. Follow live updates on the weather decision, race results, and local reactions throughout the day in St. John’s, sharing your own observations.
Regatta Day Hero
King George V
Regatta Day timeline
While rowing matches on St. John's Harbor date back to the 1700s, this marks the first time an organized race is documented in the region.
Prince Albert Edward attends the races. To this day, Regatta Day is among the races always attended by members of the British monarchy.
Regatta Day temporarily moves from August to July to accommodate the visit of Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth II.
Regatta Day is given the Royal designation in 1993 to respect the close relationship between Canada and the British monarchy.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Regatta Day
Local businesses in St. John’s can fully embrace Regatta Day by offering themed specials and promotions, especially if the weather is favorable for the races. Restaurants and pubs can host viewing parties with special menus featuring local fare and beverages. Retailers might offer ‘Regatta Day deals’ on summer apparel or picnic essentials. Service businesses could use the holiday as an opportunity for community engagement, supporting local rowing teams or organizing family-friendly activities.
Regatta Day FAQs
When is Regatta Day?
Regatta Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 5, a civic holiday for the city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, provided the weather permits the historic boat races.
How old is the Royal St. John's Regatta?
The Royal St. John’s Regatta, as observed in 2026, boasts a history stretching back to the early 1800s, making it North America’s oldest annual sporting event.
What happens if the weather is bad on Regatta Day?
If the weather in St. John’s is too blustery for safe rowing on Quidi Vidi Lake, city officials will call off Regatta Day 2026, meaning the civic holiday is postponed.
Why is it called the 'Royal' St. John's Regatta?
The ‘Royal’ designation for the St. John’s Regatta was granted by King George V in 1919, recognizing its historical significance and status within the British Commonwealth.
Regatta Day Activities
Go to the races
As many as 50,000 people throng the shores of Quidi Vidi Lake to watch the boat races. In 2017, almost 100 teams from around the world participated in the event.
Race your hamster
If you have a pet hamster, you could win a new cage on Regatta Day. Each year, Critters 'n Things in Mount Pearl, organizes a hamster race at their store. The race is only open to hamsters. Not rats, not frogs — just hamsters.
Invite your friends and family
A lot of people who can't make it to the lake watch the races on television. It's a good excuse to invite your fam, get some beers and even bet on your favorites to win.
5 Ways Newfoundland's Like No Other Place On Earth
Check the time
The province is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time and 90 minutes ahead of Eastern Time.
France still rules, sort of
Pierre and Miquelon, off the coast of Newfoundland, are self-governing entities that are remnants of the erstwhile New France — and thus, ruled by France.
Sorry, Williamsburg
St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland, can be seen on maps as far as back as the 1500s, making it much older than Williamsburg.
In a fog
In fact, given its geographical location, Argentia, a seaport in Newfoundland, has more than 200 foggy days, on average, every year.
The REAL home of the Vikings
According to historical discoveries of the 1960s, which unearthed a Vikings colony here, Vikings settled in Newfoundland around the year 1000.
Why We Love Regatta Day
Weather or not
Unlike almost all other holidays in Canada (and around the world), Regatta Day is weather-dependent. If the weather is good, the races are on and you get a day off. If the weather forecast looks bleak, you have to wriggle out of bed and go to work. That's life, right?
You get to play Regatta Roulette
Bars in Newfoundland and Labrador invite people to play Regatta Roulette on the night before. Basically, you get sloshed and pray to the weather gods to allow Regatta Day to happen.
Discount days
Plenty of stores around the city have ongoing discount sales during the Regatta week in order to fetch more customers. If you've been delaying that substantial purchase, Regatta Day is a good time to shop around.
Regatta Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 6 | Wednesday |
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