Year-Round Fun in Amherst, MA: Seasonal Events and Festivals

One of the best parts about taking any vacation is participating in the local happenings. It gives you a real sense of community, connecting you to an area you otherwise wouldn’t be in. A trip to Amherst is no exception, with plenty of lively events and festivals taking place, no matter the season. Whether it’s celebrating local traditions or the creative spirit of Western Massachusetts, coming out to experience these events will be something you’ll remember for years to come.

We’ve gathered a list of each season in Amherst, MA, and what they have to offer. Here’s an insider’s look at our year-round fun.

Fall: Amherst at its Finest

In our opinion, you won’t find a better season than fall here in Amherst. Believe us when we say the crisp air, beautiful foliage, and fun happenings make this a popular season for travelers from all over. Some popular ones include:

• Fall Festival at Amherst College / UMass: October brings fun college festivals each year, complete with live music, food, crafts, and other activities that highlight the local schools.
• Halloween Spooktacular: When the spooky season is underway, so is Amherst’s love for all things Halloween. On the last Sunday of October, downtown transforms into a trick-or-treat spectacular, complete with a costume parade, carnival games, and children’s crafts.
• Mill District Fall Events: The Mill District often organizes seasonal festivals that include wine and spirits festivals, art spaces, taste testing, live music, and so much more.

If you head out early to mid-October, you’ll see some beautiful fall foliage and experience the best of our festivals.

Winter: Lanterns, Lights, and Fire

Amherst turns cozy and festive during the winter months. The city tends to slow down, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of things to do, such as:

• WinterFest: Late January or February often brings WinterFest, a community-wide celebration with skating, crafts, wagon rides, and tons of family fun. 
• Fire & Ice Festival + Luminaria: February brings dazzling ice sculptures, amazing performances, and a light display to the Town Common that is sure to delight. The best part? The hot cocoa stations!
• Lighting of the Merry Maple: One of the most beloved Christmas traditions you’ll find is the lighting of the maple trees on the North Common. The holiday music and carriage rides that accompany it will surely set you into the holiday spirit…if you weren’t in it already!
• Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show: It’s not technically held in Amherst, but it is still of Amherst tradition. Come and see one of the largest railroad shows in all of the US, and learn more about their history.

You can’t go wrong when you visit Amherst in the wintertime, but December is especially nice for all the holiday lights.

Spring: Blooming Season

As the snow begins to melt, and the town thaws, Amherst bursts with various events and seasonal charms, including:

• Global Village Festival: During April, Amherst celebrates its cultural diversity with food, music, performances, and vendors from all backgrounds at Amherst Regional Middle School. 
• Salamander Migration: Although it’s not a dedicated event, one of the highlights of our area is watching spotted salamanders cross Henry Street to breeding pools. If you’re looking for unusual, but memorable, experiences, this one’s for you.
• College Arts Programming: Local schools, such as Amherst College and UMass Amherst, host concerts, lectures, theater, and gallery exhibits throughout March, April, and May.

April brings spring festivals and blooming flowers, making it one of the best times to visit Hampshire County.

Summer: Music and Community

Things heat up in the summer, including fun-filled evenings with open-air concerts and celebrations like:

• Summer Music Concert Series: Free concerts are often held at the Amherst Town Common every Friday evening throughout June, July, and into early August. 
• Independence Day Celebration: July 4th is a big hit in our neck of the woods, bringing tons of fireworks, food, and an overall good time. 
• Amherst Block Party: A common summer tradition is the Amherst Block Party, filled with stilt walkers, aerialists, and incredible sights.
• Mill District Summer Fest: The summer calendar is rounded out with some more outdoor music, BBQ, and an artisan market.

Coming here in late June through early July will get you a first-class seat to all the music, food, and fireworks you could hope for.

Building Your Travel Itinerary

If your goal during your visit to Amherst is to try to catch multiple events, here’s how to plan:

• October: See the Fall Festival, Halloween Spooktacular, and the New England foliage.
• February: Combine WinterFest and the Fire & Ice Festival for a lively winter escape.
• April: Experience the Global Village Festival and salamander migration, with plenty of arts in between.
• June/July: Enjoy Summer Concert Series, Block Party, and 4th of July fireworks.

Each season presents new opportunities for you and your family to escape from reality for a bit. Regardless of when you visit, Amherst will be ready to welcome you with open arms.

Stay at The Black Walnut Inn

Amherst, MA shines in every season. From lantern-lit winters to summer concerts on the Town Common, each of our events reflects the town’s community spirit. Planning your trip around these seasonal festivals ensures that you’ll experience the best Amherst has to offer. What better way to experience it than with a stay at The Black Walnut Inn? Our enchanting Federal-style brick home will make you feel right at home, close to all the excitement, while far enough away to settle in for the evening.

Wake up each morning with breakfast at the inn before venturing into the town to make the most of your stay. As the season changes, so does the story Amherst tells. We can’t wait for you to see it for yourself.