UMass Amherst Family Weekend 2025
Hello UMass Families! We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for our upcoming Family Weekend at University of Massachusetts Amherst! This special event is designed to celebrate the unique bond between families and the university community while providing you with a deeper insight into your student's journey.
We are excited to welcome you to our campus and provide you with a firsthand glimpse into the world your student calls home. Family Weekend promises to be a memorable experience, filled with connections, insights, and shared moments. For any questions or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our New Student and Family Programs team or 413-577-4444.
We look forward to celebrating Family Weekend with you!
General Information
Click on the text below to get information about Family Weekend schedule, UMass Athletics events, accommodations, parking, and how you can help a student.
2025 Schedule
Friday, October 17, 2025
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.
| 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Check-In | Student Union South Lawn | Start your Family Weekend off right! Swing by to check in, pick up your official Family Weekend swag, and enjoy some complimentary desserts. It’s a great chance to mingle, snap some photos, and get excited for the weekend ahead! Onsite registration available. |
| 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Family Fest | East Pond Lawn | Get ready for an afternoon of fun at Family Fest! Join us on the field for friendly game competitions (hosted by RecWell), inflatables, delicious food, and live music from our DJ. It's the perfect way to connect, laugh, and make memories with your family and fellow students. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration. |
| 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Off-Campus Housing Fair | Campus Center Auditorium | Explore a variety of local rental options, connect with landlords, and get all the info you need for off-campus living. |
| 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Art Walk | Hampden Gallery University Museum of Contemporary Art Augusta Savage Gallery | Join the art extravaganza! Make your way to all three Fine Arts Center visual arts venues for exhibitions, craft activities, DJ music, snacks, and prizes. |
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Isenberg Induction | Student Union Ballroom | The Class of 2029 and new Transfer students are invited to attend either of the two Induction Ceremonies. The event is for first-year Isenberg students, transfer students - and their families - who began their academic career at UMass Amherst Fall 2025. RSVP on our website before October 13th https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/calendar/fall-2025-isenberg-induction-new-first-year-and-transfer-students-8.11.25 |
| 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | PondFire | Campus Pond | Join us at Pondfire for a cozy evening by the Campus Pond! Enjoy fire pits and Adirondack chairs set along both shores, a glowing wood fire, and complimentary skewers, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to make your perfect s’mores. Relax, socialize, and savor the warmth! |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception with UMass Dining | Old Chapel | Kick off Family Weekend with a warm welcome! Join us for the Family Weekend Welcome Reception, featuring refreshments and a chance to connect with fellow families. |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night: Bingo | Integrative Learning Center Room N151 | Bring your lucky charm and join us for Bingo Night! Play for a chance to win awesome prizes, enjoy the fun atmosphere, and make great memories with your family. Whether you're a bingo pro or a first-timer, everyone’s welcome to join the excitement! |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night: Superman (2025) | Metawampe Lawn | Join us on the lawn for a special sunset screening of Superman (2025)! We’ll have candy, popcorn, and blankets ready—just bring your friends and family and enjoy the movie under the stars. It’s the perfect way to unwind and wrap up a fun-filled day! |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night: Student Org Showcase and Karaoke | Goodell Lawn | Enjoy an some of dynamic performances from a variety of student organizations. Then it's your time to shine! Join us at Goodell Lawn for a night of karaoke fun. Whether you're belting out ballads or dropping your favorite throwbacks, this is your stage. Bring your friends, pick your song, and let the good vibes roll! |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Hockey vs. Northeastern* | Mullins Center | Cheer on UMass Hockey as they take on Northeastern in an exciting showdown on the ice! Join the crowd for fast-paced action and thrilling moments. Don't miss the game! |
| 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 51st Annual Multiband Pops Concert | Tillis Performance Hall | Don't miss our spectacular, fast-paced showcase concert featuring wind, jazz, orchestral, choral and percussion ensembles, plus the Minuteman Marching Band for the entire second half! |
Saturday, October 18, 2025
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Check-In | Student Union North Lawn | If you have not had the opportunity to check-in yet. Swing by to check in, pick up your official Family Weekend swag, and enjoy some complimentary continental breakfast. It’s a great chance to mingle, snap some photos, and get excited for the weekend ahead! |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Study Abroad at UMass | Cape Cod Lounge | Presented by the Global Education Office, this session outlines how study abroad works at UMass including general information on programs, eligibility, application process, and UMass support while abroad. It will also cover recommendations for families to support their student in all phases of study abroad. |
| 9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. | Be an Ambassador for Your Child’s Mental Health | Cape Cod Lounge | In this presentation, you will learn the mental health issues faced by college students, common symptoms of depression, important steps to a referral, and the services at CCPH. |
| 10:10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. | From Theory to Practice: Agricultural Education at the UMass Agricultural Learning Center | Cape Cod Lounge | The Agricultural Learning Center was established to provide a hands-on, living classroom for students to learn about farming, and the horticulture, arboriculture, plant nursery and landscape industries. Used primarily by students at The Stockbridge School of Agriculture, current programming at the center provides students with skills in organic farming, animal husbandry, cut flower production, permaculture, native pollinator habitat conservation, and more. |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Renting Your First Place | Cape Cod Lounge | Join UMass Off Campus Student Life and the Student Legal Services Office for this introduction on renting your first apartment. Learn about leasing, your rights as a renter, and get your questions answered! |
| 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Flu and Covid Clinic | UMass Recovery Center, Worcester, Room 155 | Stay healthy this season! Stop by our on-campus clinic during Family Weekend to get your flu or COVID-19 vaccine. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Yoga at the Pavilion with Campus Life and Wellbeing | Orchard Hill Pavilion | Vinyasa with a view! Take in the gorgeous views from the new Orchard Hill Pavilion, as you breath, move and flow during this gentle, all-levels yoga class! |
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Adventure into Amherst | UMass Downtown | Get to know the town of Amherst! Join fellow families on an adventure to downtown where you will get to meet the local shops, eateries, and vendors! |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Wagon Rides | Student Union South Lawn | Take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride around the scenic Pond ! Enjoy the crisp air, beautiful views, and a charming ride perfect for families and photo ops. Hop on and experience campus in a whole new way! |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Autumn Activities | Metawampe Lawn | Get into the fall spirit with a variety of fun seasonal crafts! Enjoy pumpkin painting, tie-dyeing, and more hands-on activities perfect for all ages. Stop by, get creative, and take home your own fall-themed masterpiece! |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Daffodil Planting | CHC Events Hall | Join Commonwealth Honors College for Daffodil Painting to celebrate our tradition of planting daffodils each fall. Help beautify the CHCRC quad and honor sustainability and community. |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Libraries Outreach Series Family Weekend A Capella Concert | Student Union Ballroom | Several a capella student groups will perform for students and families. |
| 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Football vs. Buffalo* | McGuirk Alumni Stadium | Catch the excitement as UMass Football faces off against the Buffalo Bulls! Join us for a thrilling game full of action and school spirit. |
| 2:40 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. | Family Ice Skating | Mullins Center Practice Rink | Enjoy an exclusive hour of ice skating. |
| 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Spooktacular at Hampshire Mall | Hampshire Mall | Get ready for a spooktacular time! Join us at Hampshire Mall for a Halloween party filled with music, games, and plenty of thrills. Don’t forget to dress in your scariest, funniest, or most creative costume for a chance to win awesome prizes in our costume contest. It’s going to be a frightfully fun night you won’t want to miss! |
| 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Family Trivia Night | Student Union Ballroom | Put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night! Grab your friends, form a team, and compete for bragging rights and awesome prizes. From pop culture to random facts, it’s anyone’s game—are you up for the challenge? |
| 7:30 p.m. | Hockey vs. Bentley* | Mullins Center | Cheer on UMass Hockey as they take on Bentley in an exciting showdown on the ice! Join the crowd for fast-paced action and thrilling moments. Don't miss the game! |
Sunday, October 19, 2025
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Jazz Brunch | All Campus Dining Commons | Join us for brunch and jazz! |
*Requires additional ticket.
And While You're Here!
Experience Award Winning UMass Dining! Family Weekend attendees can enjoy meals at the four residential dining commons, compliments of Dining Services, when accompanied by a UMass Amherst student who is on a meal plan. For those without a student on a meal plan, cash and credit card are accepted.
Get Fit! Attend a group fitness class with you student at the RecWell.
Visit the UMass Amherst Makerspace, an interdisciplinary makerspace open to students, staff, and faculty from all majors and disciplines. The makerspace provides access to tools and training and connects individuals to facilitate the sharing of knowledge. Equipment areas within the makerspace include: 3D printing, sewing, electronics, woodworking, metal working, machining, and laser cutting. The makerspace is located in Agricultural Engineering Building North, Rooms 120 and 122. During Fall and Spring semesters, open hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day including weekends.
Visit the Durfee Conservatory on campus.
Visit the UMass Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown, MA.
Shop at the UMass Store during the special Family Weekend Hours:
- Friday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2025 Athletics Information
Accommodation and Travel:
- Hotel UMass: Family Weekend reservations will open on August 7th at 10 a.m. via an online booking portal at hotelumass.com
- Off Campus: For information on additional area lodging at hotels, bed & breakfasts, and Airbnb visit Places to Stay.
Parking During Family Weekend: Parking at UMass will be affected during Family Weekend due to the football game. Some lots will have parking restrictions. For more information about parking availability during Family Weekend, please visit the Football Game Day Lot Closures page on the UMass Transportation Services website.
As part of our Family Weekend activities, we will be collecting gifts for the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund (SCERF). SCERF is a vital campus resource that helps students cover expenses associated with food and housing, medical and basic health needs, childcare, technology, and more. If you are interested in supporting our Family Weekend fundraising efforts with a gift to SCERF you can make your gift as part of the registration process or online anytime here.
UMass Amherst Foundation | Family Weekend SCERF Fundraising | Donate
Looking for Family Weekend events? Most event spaces are starred on this map for your convenience!
Still Have Questions? View Family Weekend FAQs Below
Please read the FAQs below, but if you still have questions, then please contact our New Student and Family Programs team or call our office at 413-577-4444.
When is Family Weekend?
The 2025 Family Weekend dates will take place October 17-19. Activities will be held on campus.
When is check-in and what if I won't be on campus in time?
Check-in takes place Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. If you are arriving after 12 noon on Saturday, please encourage your student to check-in on behalf of your family. We will happily give them enough materials for everyone in your group.
Will there be programming on Friday through Sunday of Family Weekend?
Yes, there will be events from Friday to Sunday.
When will the schedule of events be available online?
The 2025 Family Weekend schedule of events will be available in summer 2025.
When will we be able to register for the weekend?
Registration will open in summer 2025
What's the Family Weekend registration fee?
The Family Weekend Registration fee is $40/person. Children under 12 are $10/person.
Does my UMass Amherst student need to be registered?
No, students do not need to be registered with their families. Families will be asked to enter their students umass.edu email address during registration.
Is there a late registration fee?
Yes, a late registration fee is added starting September 30.
What is included in the Family Weekend fee?
The Family Weekend fee covers registration logistics, materials, refreshments, wagon rides, performances, and other activities. Tickets to UMass athletics events must be purchased separately.
If I registered for Family Weekend, but some unforeseen reasons I can't attend, will I get a refund?
No, the fee is non-refundable regardless of the reason(s).
Are there other things to do in town that weekend if I decide to visit the area?
Yes, town of Amherst and surrounding areas offer plenty sights to see and things to do from arts & culture to exploring outdoors!
Can we make hotel reservations now?
You can make reservations once a date has been selected and announced. To help you plan your visit, we've put together information on places to stay throughout Western Massachusetts. We coordinate with Hotel UMass and host a booking day in August.
Save the date for Family Weekend 2025, October 17-19! Register now!
What to Expect: Family Weekend offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that will allow you to immerse yourselves in the vibrant life of our campus. Here’s a glimpse of what's in store:
- Family Fest: Check-in for Family Weekend, pick up your merch, enjoy a snack, play games, and take a celebratory photo.
- Campus Tours: Explore our beautiful campus through guided tours and discover the various academic and recreational facilities available to your student.
- Informative Sessions: Attend informative sessions covering topics such as student resources, career development, and campus life.
- PondFire: Connect with other families, share experiences, and participate in a campus tradition.