Madison Regatta Governor's Cup & Roostertail Music Festival

The Madison Regatta Governor's Cup & Roostertail Music Festival is a major annual hydroplane boat racing event featuring 200 mph Unlimited, Grand Prix, and Pro Lite hydroplanes, held on the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana. The 2025 edition will take place July 4–6 with high-speed racing, music, free community events, and fireworks.

The event centers on the fast-paced Unlimited hydroplane racing, notably the Indiana Governor's Cup final, with six top hydroplanes competing. A redesigned 2-mile oval race course deep downriver from the Milton–Madison Bridge keeps all the action visible to riverfront spectators for an intensified experience. Racing activities begin July 4 with testing and qualifying followed by a parade of race boats through Madison streets in the evening. The main races and finals run through July 6, culminating in the Indiana Governor's Cup final around 4 p.m.

Besides racing, the festival features the Roostertail Music Festival with live music concerts, a regatta parade on the Friday evening of July 4, and a free fireworks display on Saturday evening. In the week leading to the regatta, additional free events foster a festive vibe in Madison’s historic downtown along the scenic riverfront.

The atmosphere combines thrilling sports competition, family-friendly community events, and live music in a charming riverfront town setting. The crowd enjoys close waterfront viewing, street parades, and evening celebrations. Accessibility is provided, and there is an admission charge for the main events.

Key Activities and Schedule Highlights:

• July 4 (Friday):

  • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Unlimited hydroplane testing on the river
  • 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Unlimited hydroplane qualifying races
  • Evening: Annual Madison Regatta parade featuring race boats through town streets
  • Roostertail Music Festival opens with evening concerts

• July 5 (Saturday):

  • Hydroplane heat races throughout the day on river
  • Free fireworks display after dark
  • Continued Roostertail Music Festival concerts

• July 6 (Sunday):

  • Finals: Jersey Speed Skiff heats, Grand Prix, 2.5 Litre, Pro-Lite, and culminating with the Indiana Governor’s Cup final starting around 4:00 p.m.
  • Gates open early for full-day riverfront viewing

Additional pre-festival and festival week events include hot air balloon glows, pageants, waterball fights, movie night in the park, and various family contests adding to the lively community spirit.

History and Founding:

The Madison Regatta was established in 1951 and has become one of the largest and most historic hydroplane races in the United States. It is deeply embedded in the community and Independence Day celebrations, now a hallmark of Madison Indiana’s summer events. The 2025 event marks the 75th anniversary of hydroplane racing tradition in Madison.

This combination of adrenaline-fueled racing action, vibrant community activities, free entertainment, and music creates a welcoming, festive atmosphere for visitors and residents on the scenic Ohio Riverfront. The event is accessible and carefully designed for fan engagement with improved race course visibility and spectator experience.