Every year before the Head of the Charles Regatta, local outlets publish articles revealing the best locations to watch the slate of river races. Today, Vanyaland adds our own suggestion to that growing list: Skip the sports and head to Brighton’s Left of the Charles Festival instead.
The new fest launches this Sunday (October 20) between noon and 6 p.m., welcoming six area performers and 90-plus vendors to Notch Brewing’s Brighton taproom and the Charles River Speedway. As a collaboration with Brighton Bazaar and Get To The Gig Boston, the free, all-ages event offers reprieve to locals caught amidst the frenzy of the regatta, conveyed through a playful nod to the speedway’s location of the “left bank” of the Charles River.
The artists scheduled to perform skew towards subgenres of rock and folk, with Tiberius, TIFFY (pictured above), Jesus the Dinosaur, Axel & Lolo, Zion Rodman, and Doss comprising the lineup. In between sets, guests can browse a selection of art, music, and vintage goods from indie vendors located throughout the speedway. Lunch options range from Super Bien’s Latin American cuisine to snacks and sake from The Koji Club, but keep an eye out for the “artisanal deli pop-up” Buzz Bodega, located within Pizza Project.
Free parking is available behind 495 Western Ave. and at 500 Western Ave.; grab all of the details below.
LEFT OF THE CHARLES FESTIVAL :: Sunday, October 20 at Notch Brewing (within the Charles River Speedway), 525 Western Ave. in Brighton, MA :: 12-6 p.m., all ages, free :: event listing
