2025 Head of the Trent Weekend Brings Sport, Family Fun, Community Spirit to Peterborough

The 54th annual Head of the Trent (HOTT) Weekend – one of Canada’s most unique university traditions and a must-attend event for all – returns October 3-5 with world-class rowing, spirited varsity competition, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities.

“Head of the Trent is a time-honoured tradition where generations of Trent pride and spirit converge,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “It brings together our alumni, students, and community along the river and across campus to celebrate what makes Trent University so special. It’s an experience unlike any other, and we invite everyone to be part of it.”

The annual event draws thousands of alumni, students, family, and friends to Trent’s Symons Campus in Peterborough. With spectacular fall scenery, competitive rowing, Excalibur varsity games, and events for all ages, HOTT has become a cultural and sporting highlight in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, delivering an economic boost to the region.

Premier rowing on the Otonabee
The Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Since its start in 1971 with just 13 boats, the regatta has grown into one of the largest head races in North America, with more than 800 boats and 1,400 athletes competing along the 5-kilometre course along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

This year, regatta spectators can enjoy premium riverside viewing from the revitalized Founders Walk along the Otonabee River and a licensed area inside and outside of the Ceilie Pub in Trent’s Champlain College. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also providing livestream coverage and commentary available throughout the weekend.

Head of the Trent 2025 also pays tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70, who is considered a “founding father” of the rowing community in Peterborough. He led the charge to establish the inaugural Head of the Trent Regatta in 1971 and was a founder of the Trent Rowing Club and Peterborough Rowing Club. The Trent University Rowing Club will sell a commemorative mug featuring one of Leach’s quintessential quotes as part of their annual merchandise sales at Head of the Trent in support of Trent’s renowned rowing program.

Something for everyone at HOTT 2025
With premium rowing, varsity games, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities, the Symons Campus has activities for everyone all weekend. Featured activities include:

• Rowing Recognition: Join the Trent Alumni Rowing Social on Friday, October 3, featuring the christening of a new single rowing shell and a tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70.
• Alumni Gatherings: Visit the Alumni Welcome Tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the upper Bata Podium to activate your Trent Alumni Perks and enjoy giveaways, family games, and exclusive perks.
• Family Fun: Bring the kids to the expanded Kid’s Zone Children’s Area (Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.) at the Lady Eaton College lawn for play zones, giant games, Bluey & Bingo appearance with The Play Spot Peterborough and animal encounters with Zoo to You. This event is free to attend and brought to you by Trent University Alumni Engagement & Services.
• Food and Refreshment: Enjoy a range of cuisine in the food truck area in the parking lot near Bata Library, or enjoy eats with prime riverfront views at the Ceilie, the only licensed location on campus (no cover, and all ages are welcome).
• Varsity Competition: Cheer on the Trent Excalibur with a full schedule of varsity games throughout the weekend, including men’s and women’s rugby, volleyball and soccer. Don’t miss Saturday’s pep rally at 11 a.m., led by the Trent Pom Team, designed especially to get Trent fans fired up.

For the full weekend schedule, visit the Head of the Trent website.

Celebrate safely
Trent University is organizing a fun weekend for all ages on campus. The University encourages all participants to celebrate safely and responsibly on campus and throughout the city. Trent works closely with the City of Peterborough, student unions, and local emergency services to ensure the weekend is safe and enjoyable for all.