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!
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.
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 - More Details Coming Soon!
Friday, October 17, 2025
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.
| 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Check-In & Family Fest | Student Union North Lawn Metawampe Lawn |
| 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Off-Campus Housing Fair | Campus Center Auditorium |
| 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Art Walk | Hampden Gallery University Museum of Contemporary Art Augusta Savage Gallery |
| 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Windows on UMass: Campus Walking Tour | Olver Design Building |
| 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | PondFire | Campus Pond |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception with UMass Dining | Old Chapel |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night | Student Union Ballroom |
| TBD | Family Fest at Massachusetts Hockey | Mullins Center |
| TBD | Hockey vs. Northeastern* | Mullins Center |
Saturday, October 18, 2025
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Check-In | Student Union North Lawn |
| TBD | Supporting Your Students Mental Health | Campus Center, Marriott Center 10th Floor |
| TBD | Navigating Off Campus Life | Student Union Ballroom Cape Cod Lounge |
| TBD | Hockey vs. Bentley | Mullins Center |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Wagon Rides | Student Union North Lawn |
| TBD | A Capella Concert | Campus Center Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Football vs. Buffalo* | McGuirk Alumni Stadium |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Game Night | Student Union Ballroom Cape Cod Lounge |
Sunday, October 19, 2025
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Jazz Brunch | All Campus Dining Commons |
*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
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.