Amherst, Massachusetts, is one of those towns that feels like it was made for fall. As a college senior, I am amazed by the breathtaking foliage, vibrant campus life, and farmers’ markets that bring everyone together.
There are unlimited ways to make the most out of this season. Whether you are tailgating at UMass, exploring local food stands, or getting lost in a corn maze, fall in Amherst and the towns surrounding it has everything you need to create the perfect autumn experience.
UMass Campus Life & Traditions
Tailgates and Football
Experience school spirit first-hand with the UMass tailgates located in Student Lot 11. Football Saturdays come alive with music, food, and friends, followed by electric game-day energy at McGuirk Stadium, which is complete with the Minute Man March and barbecue (that accepts meal swipes)!
I vividly remember going with a group of lifelong friends I made within my first week of freshman year, and the community and enthusiasm solidified the fact that I had chosen the right school to build meaningful relationships and experiences for the following four years.
Fall Concerts
Kick off autumn with the University Programming Council’s Fall Concert, where a big-name artist rallies the campus for a night of live music and unforgettable memories. It is a way to start a new semester with a bang, and a perfect opportunity to make lasting memories (with the optional crowd-surfing).
Ross Lynch (The Driver Era) and Lotto were the two showstopping concerts I have attended, and I have no complaints. The lines moved quickly, and everyone was so welcoming, from the students to the workers and even the EMTs. My voice was lost, but many connections were found.
UMass Student Farmers Market
Every Friday in the fall, Goodell Lawn transforms into a student-run marketplace. This isn’t your average farmers’ market; student vendors set up stands overflowing with fresh-picked vegetables, handmade soaps, and handmade charms that are straight out of a UMass dorm room. It is a sustainability crowd, the creative scene, and where plenty of people are looking for a new favorite snack or afternoon company.
I personally enjoyed making my own apple juice from an old press, holding a 5-inch beetle, and seeing so many cool artworks from crocheted flowers to paintings of landscapes, and handmade resin earrings.
Fall Traditions
Amherst Farmers Market
Every Saturday on the Town Common, the Amherst Farmers Market brings students and locals alike into the presence of crisp apples, fresh veggies, homemade pastries, and unique crafts. Immerse yourself in one of the town’s most beloved gatherings with live music and a friendly atmosphere.
Belchertown and South Hadley Markets
Just outside of Amherst, head to the Belchertown Farmers and Artisans Market for a Sunday stroll, talented musicians, Polish food, and handcrafted gifts. The South Hadley Wednesday market is packed with food trucks, produce, bread, and a sustainable space for casual meetups and chill midweek hangouts.
Pick your own fruit
One of the best parts of fall in Amherst is the simple joy of pick-your-own fruit. Orchards and farms around town invite visitors to fill baskets with crisp apples, late-season raspberries, and even strawberries if the weather holds.
The experience is part satisfy-your-curiosity-about-farm-life and part social outing; you’ll see families, groups of friends, and college students all making a day of it.
Pumpkin spice everything
And of course, no fall is complete without the wave of pumpkin spice that shows up everywhere.
From coffee to donuts, hard cider to baked goods, local cafés and markets put their own spin on the flavor.
Whether you’re sipping a pumpkin latte, biting into a pumpkin cider donut, or sampling seasonal brews at a festival, Amherst makes sure fall tastes every bit as good as it looks.
Unique Fall Attractions
Mike’s Maze: New England’s Must-See Corn Maze
In Sunderland, Mike’s Maze takes the corn maze concept to wild new heights. Each year brings a new theme that is both fun and photo-worthy.
Tackle eight acres of twists and turns with friends or as a fall date, then launch potatoes out of a cannon, ride pedal carts, hop on a wagon ride, and grab a treat at the Corn Café. Also, do not miss picking out the perfect Halloween pumpkin to take home.
When I worked at Sweets and More, one of the highlights was our team bonding trip to Mike’s Maze. Wandering through the endless twists of the corn maze and hanging out at the petting zoo (the goats were seriously adorable) made it way easier to get to know my coworkers outside of work.
We squeezed into the Camera Obscura for some laughs, then fueled up on the fall essentials: a cider slushie swirled with vanilla ice cream and a perfectly warm apple cider donut. If you are looking for a group hang that actually brings people together, Mike’s Maze will not disappoint.
Atkins Farms: Cider Donut Heaven
Locally famous for the freshest cider donuts around, Atkins Farms also offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and a delicious bakery experience. It’s an essential Amherst attraction, especially for students craving a taste of New England fall.
Oktoberfest: The Ultimate College Season Bash
What started as a UMass student project is now a massive October festival in the region. Oktoberfest brings together thousands for German food, craft beer, live music, and huge lawn games. Hosted in Hadley or Northampton, the event’s festive energy is perfect for students and young adults looking for a great time.
Outdoor Recreation and Scenic Spots
If your perfect fall involves getting outdoors, Amherst will not disappoint.
Picturesque Bike Path
The Norwottuck Rail Trail offers ten miles of biking and walking with endless picturesque scenes under thousands of autumn trees.
Puffer’s Pond
Puffer’s Pond is a quieter option, ideal for unwinding by the water as the leaves change. During my freshman year, we took advantage of their rope swings and took a cool dip into the water on a hot day before drying off at a nearby waterfall.
Hiking to your heart’s content
For hikers and adventure-seekers, there are endless hiking trails in the area.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park and neighboring Skinner State Park deliver various trails and breathtaking views. For me and my hiking-loving friends, the best foliage-watching spot around is from the historic Summit House.
Check out this post on scenic beginner hiking trails in and around Amherst!
Make the Most of Your Fall
Whether you are a senior chasing one last Amherst autumn, a new student experiencing crisp campus vibes for the first time, or a local who knows the ins and outs of this town, fall in Amherst is classic New England at its best.
From football under the lights to markets packed with community energy, epic concerts, and sweet cider donuts, there is always something to savor.
So get outside, bring, and make some friends and memories, because every fall in Amherst is the start of a new story.
MAIN PICTURE: An aerial view of Mike’s Maze, with the Connecticut River in the background. Sunderland MA. Courtesy Mike’s Maze
