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From lively After5 networking mixers to our signature celebrations, there’s something for every member to enjoy.
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New Member Coffee Connect
Wednesday, 8 to 9 AM · Masuda’s Cafe
Also November 4
Start your morning with meaningful connections. Especially great for our new members to learn how to take advantage of their membership and meet Chamber staff!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies: Salt Flower & Tilted Orbit Arcade
Friday, 3 PM at Salt Flower, 3:30 PM at Tilted Orbit Arcade · 83 and 113 Cowls Road, The Mill District, Amherst
Two ribbon cutting ceremonies welcoming Salt Flower and Tilted Orbit Arcade to The Mill District. Free and open to the public, with RSVPs encouraged.
Monthly Small Business Advising Sessions
Monday, 1-hour appointments, 10 AM to 4 PM · UMass Downtown
Also November 16 and December 21
Free one-on-one advising for Chamber members, led by Rob DelMastro of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center.
2026 Legislative Breakfast
Friday, 7:30 to 9 AM · Inn on Boltwood, Amherst
Each year our Legislative Breakfast brings together business, civic, and community leaders to discuss the latest policy developments at the state and local level. The guests traditionally include state representatives and state senators representing the seven towns in the Amherst area, together with executive-branch officials.
Lunch & Learn: AI-Based Automation Tools
Monday, 12 to 1 PM · UMass Downtown
Hosted in partnership with UMass at their Downtown Amherst location: catered midday sessions on practical, timely topics led by local experts and community partners.
2026 A+ Awards Dinner
Thursday, 5 to 8 PM · UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom
Celebrating excellence, impact and legacy! The A+ Awards Dinner celebrates the A+ Awardees with members of the community they positively impact.
2026 Gift Card Match Day
Thursday, Begins at 9 AM · Amherst Visitor Information Center
Once a year, we host a Gift Card Match Day, where you can purchase an Amherst Area Gift Card and effectively double your shopping power and support local businesses.
2026 Lighting of the Merry Maple
Friday, 3 to 6 PM · Amherst North Common
Join the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District for a magical evening where downtown Amherst becomes a winter wonderland! Live performances, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and the Lighting of the Merry Maple.
2026 Holiday Party
Wednesday, 5 to 7 PM · The Hangar in Amherst
Celebrate the season with us at one of our most festive events of the year, our Annual Holiday Party! This year’s December After5.
After5s, Coffee Connects, and Lunch & Learns
After5s
Our After5 events are designed to bring local business professionals together in a welcoming atmosphere, where you can meet with Chamber members and expand your network. New in 2026: select After5 events are being combined with our signature programs, creating larger, more dynamic gatherings.
- La VeracruzanaPast event
- Magic WingsPast event
- Rivercruise on the Lady BeaPast event
- Arcpoint Brewing Co.Past event
- Holiday Party at The Hangar
Coffee Connects
Start your morning with meaningful connections at Masuda’s Cafe from 8 to 9 AM. Enjoy a welcoming, casual environment to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships before the day gets underway.
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Lunch & Learns
Hosted in partnership with UMass at their Downtown Amherst location, our Lunch & Learn series offers Chamber members a chance to gain valuable insights, build skills, and connect with peers, all in under an hour from 12 to 1 PM. Bring your questions, and leave with ideas you can act on.
- Energy Incentives for Small BusinessesPast event
- Sharpen Your Networking SkillsPast event
- Helping Leaders Lead with ImpactPast event
- AI-Based Automation Tools
Photos from previous After5s are on our Facebook page.
2026 A+ Awardees
Each year the Chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across the area that the Chamber serves (Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland) and the valley as a whole.
Presented by PeoplesBank. Attendees will enjoy a dinner catered by award-winning UMass Dining before the evening’s honorees are recognized with custom videos sharing the stories and impact behind each award.
2025 Awardees
Recent Events
October After5: Arcpoint Brewing Co.
Wednesday
2026 First Responders’ Luncheon
Friday
An opportunity to thank our first responders in person for their continued service and dedication in serving our communities. This event is invite-only.
2026 Amherst Area Internship Fair
Friday, 1 to 4 PM · UMass Amherst Campus Center Auditorium
Meet college students eager to get involved in local organizations as summer, fall, or winter semester interns, hosted in partnership with UMass Career Services.
2026 59th Annual Community Breakfast
Tuesday, 7:30 to 9 AM · UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom
Welcome new community and campus leaders and reconnect with colleagues as we kick off a new academic year. Hosted in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and breakfast is catered by award-winning UMass Dining.
2026 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM · Cold Spring Country Club, Belchertown
The Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and an opportunity to come together and network with 100+ members of the business community. The 2026 featured nonprofit is Friends of Lake Wallace, a group that maintains an accessible 1.25-mile loop sensory trail in Belchertown.
2026 Amherst Area Business Expo
Wednesday, 4:30 to 6:30 PM · Under the Event Tent at the Inn on Boltwood
Our annual showcase of the region’s newest businesses, initiatives, and changemakers: a lively, open-house atmosphere to explore emerging ventures, discover local collaborations, and connect with the people driving the Amherst Area economy forward. Free to attend!
2026 Margarita Madness
Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 PM · Hampshire Mall (JCPenney Wing)
Mix, mingle, and network at our largest signature event of the year! Local restaurants showcase their fare and there are dozens of great raffle prizes donated by our Amherst Area Chamber Members. The premier networking event in the region.
2026 Annual Meeting
Wednesday, 12 to 2 PM · The Red Barn at Hampshire College
Elevate your business at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting at The Red Barn at Hampshire College! Join us for an inspiring review of the year and look ahead with us at what is to come.
Community Events Calendar
Find even more Chamber events and events hosted in the Amherst Area on our Community Events Calendar. Chamber members can also submit events to the Calendar!
Make the most of your Chamber membership.
Start shaping your year with opportunities, connections, and growth today!