Lake Wallace Fall Fest 2026

Belchertown will host the **2026 Lake Wallace Fall Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM**. Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the Fall Fest returns with a full day of inclusive recreation, live music, local vendors, community organizations, and family-friendly activities.

The event will feature three trail events designed to welcome participants of different ages and abilities: a **5K, 1K, and Roll & Stroll**.

The **5**K begins at 10:00 AM, followed by the **1K at 11:00 AM** and the **Roll & Stroll at 11:15 AM**. Beyond the races, attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, craft and retail vendors, community organizations, family activities, and opportunities to explore the accessible Lake Wallace trails.

Community announcements and race awards will take place at **12:30 PM**.

**Accessibility at the Heart of Lake Wallace**

Accessibility is central to the vision for Lake Wallace. The Lake Wallace Sensory Trail was created to provide people of **all ages and abilities** with the opportunity to experience nature, recreation, and community in the same space.

The trail provides opportunities for people who walk, use mobility devices, roll, or simply want to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Features such as accessible trail surfaces, tactile guide cables, Braille signage, open viewing platforms, and other improvements help make Lake Wallace a place where more people can participate and enjoy the outdoors together.

The Fall Fest celebrates that vision by bringing the community together on the trails and creating opportunities for everyone to participate, not just as spectators, but as runners, walkers, rollers, families, volunteers, vendors, and community members.

**Supporting Lake Wallace**

The Lake Wallace Fall Fest is also an opportunity for the community to directly support improvements at Lake Wallace through the **Lake Wallace Gift Account**.

Lake Wallace is a unique community resource that has been made possible through a combination of **grant funding, community support, and the dedication of volunteers**. Much of the work that has gone into developing and improving the area has been volunteer-driven, with grants helping fund major improvements and the community helping support the ongoing needs of the space.

Last year, the community raised **more than $6,500** through individual donations, race registrations, sponsorships, and day-of raffle ticket sales. Those funds helped support:

Replacement of gravel in washed-out areas of the accessible trail

Installation of an informational kiosk at the trailhead

Branded wayfinding signage

Additional guide rails and posts along a section of the new accessible trails near Foley Field

These may seem like small improvements, but they make a meaningful difference in how people experience and navigate Lake Wallace.

This year, organizers have set a goal of **$10,000** to continue building on this progress and support additional accessible trail improvements, recreation amenities, signage, maintenance, and projects that make Lake Wallace welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. **A huge thank you to our key sponsor this year the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce helping us get closer to this goal with their $1000 donation.**

Direct donations can be made online at www.runreg.com/lwff or on the Belchertown Recreation Website, Cash or by check provided day of the event or dropped off/mailed to the Belchertown Recreation Department. 

**Town of Belchertown** ℅ Belchertown Recreation Department 66 State Street, Building #1 Belchertown, MA 01007 Note: Lake Wallace Fall Fest Donation

Every race registration also includes a contribution to the Lake Wallace Gift Account. The 5K and 1K each include a **$15 donation**, while the **$20 Roll & Stroll registration** is a direct donation to the Lake Wallace Gift Account.

“Lake Wallace is a special place in our community, and the Fall Fest gives us an opportunity to celebrate everything it offers,” said event organizers. “The accessibility of this space is what makes it so meaningful. We want people of all ages and abilities to be able to experience nature, recreation, and community together. The support we saw last year directly translated into improvements at the trail, and we're excited to see what we can accomplish together with an even bigger fundraising goal this year.”

**Registration**

**Full 5K and 1K registration closes September 17**. Registrations after September 17 will be available as donation-only registrations and will not include an event T-shirt or raffle ticket. The Roll & Stroll does not require advance registration.

**Sign up before September 17, 2026, at: www.runreg.com/lwff**

For Sponsorship inquiries, Vendor Booth participation, or general event questions please reach out to info@belchertownruns.org.  

Follow the **Lake Wallace Fall Fest Facebook page** to keep up to date on event announcements, registration reminders, vendor and performer spotlights, fundraising updates, and more as we get closer to October 3.

**About the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail**

The **Lake Wallace Sensory Trail** is a fully accessible, inclusive nature trail in the heart of Belchertown, designed to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities. Featuring tactile guide cables, Braille signage, and open viewing areas, it provides both passive and active recreation opportunities while connecting the community to the natural beauty of Lake Wallace.

The continued development of Lake Wallace is supported through **grant funding, community donations, and volunteer efforts**, allowing the Town and community partners to make improvements while continuing to pursue new opportunities to enhance accessibility, recreation, education, and stewardship.