Amherst Plans to Hold Another Fun, Exciting, Family Friendly Fireworks Event Featuring; Hot Air Balloon Rides, Your Favorites Foods, Six Flags CharactersCarnival Rides and Games, Beer Garden & More on Thursday, July 4th! Activities start at 5:00 PM and Fireworks will start at 9:30 PM.
Since 1850, Amherst has been proud to celebrate Independence Day. For over 160 years, our community has come together to engage in classic traditions such as the pie-eating contest, live bands, carnival games, and most importantly, to watch the spectacular fireworks display.
The event now includes much more than the fireworks, which start at 9:30 pm. All kinds of activities start at 5 pm, children can play carnival games and take rides, get a bite to eat from any of Poppies’ Concessions stands, and even ride in the Remax hot air balloon. A new addition this year, adults (21 years+) can enjoy the beer garden, which will feature craft beers and ciders from local breweries.
Atkins Farms presents the Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, a special July 4th tradition. On the main stage at 8:15, the Amherst Community Band will play up until the Fireworks show kicks off at 9:30.
*Due to construction on the field behind McGuirk Stadium, this year’s event will take place on the field to the south of the stadium off of University Drive.
Rain date is Friday, July 5th, and parking is available for a donation of $5. So get there early to beat the traffic! Or you could avoid the hassle of parking and take the bus, thanks to UMass Transit for running special buses for the event.
A sincere thanks must go out to UMass Athletics, UMass Police, UMass Physical Plant, Hadley Fire Department and Amherst Police. Another special thanks to all of the individuals and businesses who have donated to the event. Without the help of all those listed above, our event would not be possible.
Important Traffic Changes & Details:
Rocky Hill road will be closed to patrons entering the event as well both entrances to the Dallas Mall. This will create one point of entry along Stadium Drive. Parking will be available, as always, in lots 11, 22, and 33.
As a result of two serious car accidents last year, Hadley and Amherst PD have decided to close route 116 from route 9 to the UMass exit from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. All southbound traffic will have to exit at the UMass exit and will be directed left onto N. Hadley Rd. or right on to Maple St. There will also be no northbound traffic allowed on Route 116. Parking on 116 will also be banned during the fireworks this year. The Rocky Hill Rd. section of Hadley will also be closed between 6 and about 10 pm between University Dr. to Plainville Rd.
UMass Transit Buses to the Fireworks:
Questions or need more information? Contact Noah Kramer at lssefireworks@amherstma.gov