UMass Invites Local Community to Celebrate Homecoming, October 3-4

Source: UMass News & Media

The University of Massachusetts Amherst and the UMass Amherst Foundation invite the local community to join in Flagship Fall: Homecoming 2025, a two-day celebration of connection, tradition and pride taking place Oct. 3-4.

This year’s Homecoming honors the bond between the campus and its surrounding community. From nostalgic fall traditions like candy apples and carnival games to athletic matchups and downtown festivities, the weekend offers something for all ages.

“UMass Amherst is at its best when the campus and community come together,” says Chancellor Javier Reyes. “This year starts a new tradition that celebrates and honors our community with events that can appeal to everyone—from students to residents of all ages—and foster connectedness and a welcoming environment.”

On Friday, Oct. 3, Community Spirit Central at Kendrick Park will feature, from 5-7 p.m., performances by the UMass cheer and dance teams, student groups and the Minuteman Marching Band. Families can enjoy glow-in-the-dark swings, lawn games, face painting and T-shirt decorating, while local businesses will join the celebration with offerings such as wine tastings by Aster + Pine Market and a bracelet-making demo by Julie Nolan Jewelry. UMass Downtown, the university’s welcome center and retail store located at 108 N. Pleasant St., will also host meet-and-greets with members of the UMass men’s basketball team.

“Thriving communities are built through intention, effort and collective support,” says John Page ’19, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District. “The university brings energy and talent to Amherst, while local businesses and residents create a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere that we’re proud to call home. Homecoming at UMass gives us the chance to celebrate that valued partnership and look ahead to all we can continue to build together.”

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., community members can explore campus with a UMass Pass, a self-guided adventure to six campus landmarks. Along the way, they’ll enjoy candy apple decorating, treats from award-winning UMass Dining, face painting, and exclusive giveaways like UMass playing cards, hats and crossbody bags.

UMass Athletics fans can gather at the Cheer Garden at McGuirk Stadium from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., for games, a la carte food and drink offerings, music provided by WMUA, inflatables, giveaways and more. At noon, men’s soccer hosts Denver at Rudd Field, followed by the Homecoming football game at McGuirk at 2:30 p.m. against Western Michigan—UMass’s first home Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup of the season. The day wraps up with UMass hockey at 7:30 p.m., as the Minutemen take on Northern Michigan at the Mullins Center.

“Homecoming at the flagship is always special, but this year marks a milestone as our football team plays its first MAC game since returning to the league as a full member,” says Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford. “From home games in field hockey, men’s soccer, football and hockey to the new ‘Cheer Garden’ outside McGuirk Alumni Stadium, Homecoming offers an incredible moment to celebrate our program, and we’re thrilled to share that with fans across the commonwealth.”

A full schedule of community events for Flagship Fall: Homecoming 2025 can be found at umassalumni.com/flagshipfall. All community members, friends, and neighbors are invited, and registration is not required. Tickets for UMass football and hockey can be purchased at UMassAthletics.com or by calling 866-UMASS-TIX.