Madison Regatta

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Sports & AdventureMadison
DatesDates TBA · Usually JulyCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceMadison's hydroplane racing history predates
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Madison Regatta in Madison

The Madison Regatta is an annual unlimited hydroplane boat race held on the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana, part of the H1 Unlimited racing series since 1950. The race has hosted the APBA Gold Cup multiple times and inspired the 2005 film Madison, and Madison Regatta Inc holds the longest continuously active committee in unlimited hydroplane racing.

Madison, Indiana sits on a wide bend of the Ohio River, and long before hydroplane racing became a national sport, local boaters were testing speed on that stretch of water.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Madison's hydroplane racing history predates most of the modern circuit, with informal racing on the Ohio River dating back to 1911 and a major race for the 725 Cubic Inch Class held there as early as 1929

02

The mystery stays covered

The current unbroken run of high-points Unlimited racing began in 1954 and has continued essentially every year since, aside from river-condition cancellations, making the Madison committee the longest continuously active organizing body in unlimited hydroplane racing, older even than Seattle's

03

The city starts moving

The town's own story was dramatized in the 2005 film Madison, starring Jim Caviezel, which brought a wider audience to a race that had for decades been primarily a regional institution along the Ohio River

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race carries forward the Indiana Governor's Cup as its home trophy

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a tradition dating to the first organized Madison race in 1951

The sacred route

Living ritual

and has periodically hosted the national APBA Gold Cup and the UIM World's Championship when the circuit selects Madison as host

The local code

Living ritual

The Madison committee's unbroken organizing tenure

Tradition 5

Living ritual

extending back to 1950 with only river-condition cancellations breaking the streak

Tradition 6

Living ritual

is treated locally as a point of civic pride distinguishing Madison from every other stop on the unlimited hydroplane circuit

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually July

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Madison; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Casual outdoor summer clothing suited to riverside heat and sun; sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking along the riverfront are practical, and water-resistant footwear helps...

Safety

Madison Regatta is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Madison.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map43.07 N, 89.40 WOpen in Google Maps

Madison, IN

Nearest airportMKE — General Mitchell
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Madison; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Madison.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Madison via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Madison, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor summer clothing suited to riverside heat and sun; sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking along the riverfront are practical, and water-resistant footwear helps for anyone near splash zones.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Madison Regatta?

Madison Regatta is listed for Past edition: 3–5 July 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Madison Regatta take place?

The festival is listed in Madison, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Madison, IN

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmadisonregatta.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually July
Source statusOfficial source linked
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