Welcome to 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:
- Check-In and Family Fest: Check-in at the South Lawn tent 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!
Friday, October 2nd
Family Weekend Check-in & Family Fest
South Lawn (between the Student Union and Campus Pond) from 3-7 p.m.
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!
Off-Campus Housing Fair
Student Union Ballroom from 3-5 p.m.
Explore a variety of local rental options, connect with landlords, and get all the info you need for off-campus living.
Artwalk
University Musuem of Contemporary Art, Augusta Savage Gallery, Hampden Gallery from 3-6 p.m.
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.
Isenberg Induction
Bromery Center for the Arts from 5-6:30 p.m.
Isenberg School of Management invites all new Isenberg students and their families to the Isenberg Induction. This special event welcomes students beginning their academic journey at UMass Amherst in Fall 2026, including both first-year and transfer students.
PondFire
South Lawn (near Campus Pond) from 4-8 p.m.
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!
NEST Challenge Course Skypark
The NEST (on Orchard Hill) from 6-7:15 p.m.
SkyPark at the NEST is part of UMass’s premier challenge course! Pre-registration is required through the RecWell portal.
Ground orientation begins at 6 p.m. and participants more than 5 minutes late cannot participate. After orientation, you’ll have 1 hour to climb. Solo registrations are welcome and may be grouped with up to nine other participants.
What to wear: Comfortable climbing clothes, closed-toe shoes, tied-back long hair, and no dangling jewelry. Participants must be 14+.
Parking: Use UMass Lot 49 or Orchard Hill parking near Grayson Hall. Parking is available through ParkMobile.
Questions? Email @email.
Acapella Concert
Campus Center Auditorium from 7-8 p.m.
Join the Libraries in collaboration with UMass Acapella groups for a Family Weekend Concert! Featuring Doo Wop Shop, S#arp Attitude, and Vocal Suspects.
Family Fun Night: Bingo
Student Union Ballroom from 7-10 p.m.
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!
Family Fun Night: Movie Night (Back to the Future)
Black Box Theatre (bottom floor of Student Union) from 7-10 p.m.
Join us in the Black Box Theater for a special screening of Back to the Future ! We’ll have candy and popcorn ready—just bring your friends and family and enjoy. It’s the perfect way to unwind and wrap up a fun-filled day!
Welcome Reception
Cape Cod Lounge (Student Union third floor) from 7-9 p.m.
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.
Saturday, October 3rd
Family Weekend Fun Run
Student Union Plaza from 8-10 a.m.
Family Weekend Check-in
South Lawn (between the Student Union and Campus Pond) from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Start your Family Weekend off right! Swing by to check in, pick up your official Family Weekend swag, and enjoy some complimentary breakfast. It’s a great chance to mingle, snap some photos, and get excited for the weekend ahead!
Educational Sessions: The Science of Student Wellbeing
Cape Cod Lounge (Student Union third floor) from 9-9:30 a.m.
What does a healthy life actually look like? UMass experts in student wellbeing will explore the interconnected roles of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress, social connection, and mental health. Families will leave with a better understanding of the habits and environments that support student success.
Educational Sessions: From Classroom to Discovery: How Undergraduates Become Researchers
Cape Cod Lounge (Student Union third floor) from 9:45-10:15 a.m.
Research isn’t just for graduate students or science majors. Discover how UMass undergraduates can work alongside faculty, contribute to groundbreaking research, and explore questions that matter to them. Hear directly from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) and current student researchers about how they got involved, what they’ve discovered, and how research can shape a student’s academic and professional journey.
Educational Sessions: UMass in the World
Cape Cod Lounge (Student Union third floor) from 10:30-11 a.m.
A UMass education doesn’t have to stay on campus. Explore the many ways students can incorporate global learning into their college experience, from study abroad and international internships to faculty-led programs and global research. Hear how students have turned their UMass education into opportunities around the world, and how families can help make those experiences possible.
Yoga at the Pavilion
Orchard Hill Pavilion from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Educational Sessions: Living Off Campus: A Guide
Cape Cod Lounge (Student Union third floor) from 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Is your student planning to live off campus, or already calling an off-campus apartment home? Join the UMass Amherst Off Campus Student Life and the Student Legal Services Office for an informative session designed to help students and families navigate the off-campus living experience. We’ll cover important topics including finding housing, understanding leases and rental responsibilities, tenant’s rights, budgeting for off-campus living, transportation, communicating with landlords and roommates, and resources available to support students living off campus. Families will also learn how they can help their students prepare for a successful and independent living experience.
Legacy Pinning Ceremony
Old Chapel from 10-11 a.m.
The Family Weekend Legacy Pinning Ceremony celebrates the traditions, connections, and family stories that make the UMass Amherst community special. The ceremony will recognize current students whose parents, grandparents, siblings, or other family members have a meaningful connection to UMass Amherst. Through the presentation of a Legacy Pin, students and their families will have an opportunity to celebrate their shared UMass connection and the continuation of their family’s Minuteman legacy.
Family Weekend Tailgate - Sponsored by UMass Amherst Alumni Association
Bernie Dallas Mall, McGuirk Alumni Stadium from 12-3:30 p.m.
Experience the excitement and school spirit of Minuteman football at our signature tailgate celebration! This gathering brings together students, families, and supporters in a festive atmosphere filled with great food, camaraderie, and pride in our university. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the UMass community, the tailgate offers the perfect opportunity to connect and celebrate what it means to be a Minuteman.
Daffodil Planting
Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community Concourse from 1-3 p.m.
Join the Commonwealth Honors College to celebrate our tradition of planting daffodils each fall.
Wagon Rides
South Lawn (between the Student Union and Campus Pond) from 1-4 p.m.
Take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride around the scenic East Pond Lawn! 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
Autumn Activities
Student Union Ballroom from 1-4 p.m.
Get into the fall spirit with a variety of fun seasonal crafts! Enjoy pumpkin painting, crafts, and more hands-on activities perfect for all ages. Stop by, get creative, and take home your own fall-themed masterpiece!
Football vs Eastern Michigan
McGuirk Stadium from 3:30-7 p.m.
Catch the excitement as UMass Football faces off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles! Join us for a thrilling game full of action and school spirit.
Out-of-State Family Mixer
Old Chapel from 6-8 p.m.
Mix and mingle with other families joining us from out-of-state!
Trivia Night
Student Union Ballroom from 6-9 p.m.
Put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night! Grab your family, 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?
Ice Skating
Mullins Center Practice Rink from 7-8 p.m.
Enjoy an exclusive hour of ice skating.
Sunday, October 4
First Generation Family Breakfast
Old Chapel from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join us during Family Weekend for a special breakfast celebrating our first-generation students and their families! Enjoy a welcoming morning with good food, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with other first-generation members of the UMass Amherst community. Whether you are a first-generation student, family member, or supporter, all are welcome to celebrate the experiences, accomplishments, and community of first-generation Minutemen.
Fall in Amherst: Downtown Stroll
UMass Downtown from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fall in Amherst: Downtown Stroll is a casual, self-guided Family Weekend experience designed to encourage families to explore downtown Amherst together before heading home. Families will begin outside the UMass Downtown storefront, where they can pick up an Amherst map, event passport, local recommendations, and information about businesses and events. From there, families can disperse throughout downtown and explore at their own pace. The experience is intentionally designed to be low-pressure and flexible. Families do not need to complete every passport activity or stay for the entire 10am-12pm window.
Jazz Brunch
All Dining Commons from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join us for brunch and jazz!
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.