One of Lasell's most enduring traditions, the annual River Day canoe races on the Charles River have featured a compelling mix of camaraderie, competition, and capsizing for more than 140 years. Inaugurated in 1882, River Day was held for many years on the first Monday in June before moving to late May. When Lasell shortened the length of the spring term in 1972, the races switched to the fall. River Day is now held as part of Family, Friends, and Alumni Weekend in mid-October.