Frequently asked questions

The festival will be held on August 15, 2026. It is held on the Third Saturday every August.

The Water Festival is a free, family event. We rely on the generous donations from sponsors and individuals who donate throughout the year or during the festival. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please click on the DONATE button at the top of the homepage. It will redirect you to our fiscal sponsor's donation page for the Water Festival. Thank you!

The festival is attended by approximately 20K visitors. We highly suggest carpooling and using public transportation. Parking for the festival is located across from DCR Lowell Heritage State Park at the Regatta Festival Field: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LNdkwojHjeic845b9 (first come first serve).  (Address to enter for GPS: 381 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854) Please do not park along the Pawtucket Blvd. That area is reserved for Vendors and others with Festival parking permits. You will be towed or ticketed.

The Festival takes place on the grounds of the DCR Lowell Heritage State Park. The festival ground is about a half-mile long from UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse at 500 Pawtucket Blvd to our main stage, Sampas Pavilion at 160 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854 The Boat Races is along the Merrimack River.

DCR Lowell Heritage State Park is handicap-accessible. Reserved handicap parking are mainly by the Bathhouse near Sampas Pavilion. A few reserved spots are by the Boathouse. Bathhouse restrooms have handicap facilities and every set of port-o-johns along the boulevard will have a handicap accessible one.