Save the date for Family Weekend 2026, October 2-4!
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.
UMass Amherst Family Weekend 2026
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!
Looking for Family Weekend events? Most event spaces are starred on this map for your convenience!
Family Weekend Schedule
- Friday, October 2nd
‣ Check-in on the South Lawn (3 - 7 p.m.)
‣ Family Fest on the South Lawn (3 - 7 p.m.)
‣ Off-Campus Housing Fair in the Student Union Ballroom (3-5 p.m.)
‣ Artwalk in the University Musuem of Contemporary Art, Augusta Savage Gallery, Hampden Gallery (3-6 p.m.)
‣ Isenberg Induction in the Bromery Center for the Arts (5-6:30 p.m.)
‣ PondFire on the Campus Pond (4-8 p.m.)
‣ Acapella Concert in the Campus Center Auditorium (7-8 p.m.)
‣ Family Bingo (7-10 p.m.) - Student Union Ballroom
‣ Family Movie Night: Back to the Future (7-10 p.m.) - Black Box Theatre, Student Union
‣ Welcome Reception (7-9 p.m.) - Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union - Saturday, October 3rd
‣ Educational Sessions in the Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union (9 - 12 p.m.)
‣ Check-in on the South Lawn (9 - 12 p.m.)
‣ Wagon Rides on the South Lawn (1 - 4 p.m.)
‣ Family Weekend Tailgate (TBD - Based on Football Game)
‣ Daffodil Planting in the CHCRC Concourse (1 - 3 p.m.)
‣ Autumn Activities on the Metawampe Lawn (1 - 4 p.m.)
‣ Family Trivia Night in the Student Union Ballroom (6 - 9 p.m.)
‣ Out-of-State Mixer in the Old Chapel (6 - 9 p.m.) - Sunday, October 4th
‣ Jazz Brunch in all Dining Commons (11 - 2 p.m.)
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 2026 Family Weekend will take place October 2-4. 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 3–7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon. If you are arriving after 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 2026 Family Weekend schedule of events will be available in late summer 2026.
When will we be able to register for the weekend?
Registration is open now!
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 15.
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.