Town of Amherst Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

The Town of Amherst will hold its annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks on Thursday, July 3 at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium South Lawn. This free event features dazzling fireworks, live entertainment, tasty food vendors, and a range of family-friendly activities. View all the details at www.amherstma.gov/fireworks. 

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., offering ample time for food, fun, and socializing before the fireworks display lights up the night sky at dark. Food, beverages, and novelty items will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Restrooms will be conveniently available on site. 

“For almost 175 years, our community has gathered in recognition of the 4th of July, not just to engage in festivities and enjoy fireworks, but to stand together celebrating the spirit of unity and the core values of the Declaration of Independence,” said Becky Demling, Amherst Recreation Outreach Director and primary event organizer.   

Event Highlights

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy a diverse lineup of live entertainment, including the Amherst Community Band and DJ Benny Black. 
• Food Trucks: Satisfy your cravings with delicious food from a variety of food vendors:
  • Baby Berk 
  • Batch Ice Cream 
  • Caravan Kitchen 
  • CremeBruLa 
  • Crooked Stick Pops 
  • Nutmeg Concessions 
  • Only Kebab 
  • Pete’s Push Carts 
• Beer Garden: Hosted by White Lion Brewing Company, adults ages 21+ can relax and enjoy an enhanced beer garden experience with local craft beverage options. This year’s services will include more local options like Artifact Cider Project (Amherst, MA), Abandoned Building Brewery (Easthampton, MA), Fieldcrest Brewery (Wilbraham, MA), Skyline Brewery (Westfield, MA), and Leadfoot Brewery (Chicopee, MA). In addition, the beer garden will expand its space and will include engaging and fun games like giant Jenga and cornhole.   
• Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in a new assortment of giant lawn and pickup game favorites, perfect for all ages. Plus – new this year – inflatable fun at the Dallas Mall brought to you by Funtown Entertainment. They’ve got a fantastic selection of pay-to-play activities (Cash Only) where you can slide, climb, and have a blast. It’s the perfect way for kids of all ages to enjoy some active fun and create lasting memories. 
• Novelty Vendors: Browse unique items and offerings from Hillio’s Novelties and Magic Tree Henna. 

Parking & Public Transportation
General parking is available for free in several designated UMass lots, including lots 11, 21, 22, and 33 as well as on Stadium Drive along Sortino Field and adjacent to the University Child Care and Education Center on Stadium Drive. 

ADA accessible parking is conveniently located in Lot 11. Vehicles should enter at Lot 11A and turn left into the designated spaces at the immediate east end of the lot. Designated spaces are marked by ADA signs on sandwich boards to clearly delineate the ADA accessible parking from general parking. An ADA van service is available from the parking lot, ensuring easy and comfortable access to the event site. 

Public transportation options include the PVTA bus routes B43, 31, and 32, providing convenient transit options to and from the event location. 

Road Closures
Several road closures will be in effect during the event to ensure everyone’s safety. Starting at 5:30 pm, Rocky Hill Road will be closed from the Amity Street/University Drive intersection in Amherst to Plainville Road in Hadley. University Drive will remain open to allow access to event parking. Additionally, shortly before the fireworks display at dark, access to Route 116 will be closed from Route 9 in Hadley to Meadow Street in North Amherst. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for your travel. 

Volunteers & Sponsors
Volunteers and sponsors play a vital role in ensuring the success of this event. Volunteers are needed for various roles, including supporting setup, parking, kid’s carnival, and cleanup. To learn more and sign up for volunteer opportunities, please contact the Amherst Recreation Office at rec@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3065. 

This event is made possible through the generous support of community partners and local businesses. Title Sponsors include the Amherst Business Improvement District and UMass Amherst. Additional sponsors include bankESB, Summerlin Floors, Amherst Innovative Living, Cowls Building Supply, EV Realty, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Greenfield Savings Bank, Soundscape Merchandise, Soundscape Designs, Atkins Farms, Encharter Insurance, and Lao Hu Tang Restaurant. 

In the case of inclement weather, a rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 6 at the same time and location.

Donations
While this beloved community event is completely free to attend, it relies on community contributions to help the celebration shine even brighter. The Friends of Amherst Recreation graciously accept donations, with a suggested contribution of $1 per person, to help cover the cost of fireworks and other entertainment. Donations can be made online through PayPal, mailed as a check to Amherst Recreation (170 Chestnut Street, Suite 1, Amherst, MA 01002), or given in cash at the event. 

For more information about the Amherst Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks, please visit www.amherstma.gov/fireworks or contact Amherst Recreation by emailing rec@amherstma.gov or calling 413-259-3065.