Events

The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Find Us at the Farmers Market!

Peskeompskut Park Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls

Join DCR staff for family activities at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. In case of rain, you can find our activities inside the Discovery Center’s Great Hall instead. For all ages.

Free

A French/Breton Jam Session

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. This is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically-minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages. Meet in […]

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Dragonflies

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our   wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

First Friday: Monarch Butterfly Migration Station

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Help us welcome the last generation of monarch butterflies to live their entire life in the north before their offspring begin the long journey to Michoacán in Mexico. Find our drop-in butterfly migration investigation station outside the center for artifacts and crafts as we celebrate this continental migration. All ages. Find our station outside the […]

Free

Outdoor StoryWalk® at Unity Park — Mosbas and the Magic Flute

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

For thousands of years people have gathered at the Great Falls to tell stories. Enjoy a self-guided StoryWalk,® Mosbas and the Magic Flute by Western Abenaki author Jesse Bruchac, at the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival at Unity Park on First Street along the river’s edge. Find out how Mosbas is changed forever when he finds the […]

Free

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: Fish Printing

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

A free two-day celebration at Unity Park on First Street in Turners Falls, sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and RiverCulture. This festival is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts and food. On Saturday August 2, 10 a.m.— 5 p.m., families may visit the Northfield Mountain & Great Falls Discovery Center […]

Free

Nice & Easy Walks

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Ants

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our   wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Silverback Swing

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Silverback Swing plays swing music of the 1920’s and1930’s, in the style of the great Belgian-born Roma guitarist, Django Reinhardt. This style of music combines traditional jazz elements with upbeat tempos and intricate guitar improvisation.  Refreshments available. Sliding scale […]

sliding scale donation

River Baron walk: Reshaping New England’s Longest River

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Experience America's longest log drive through the photos and stories of locals, laborers and the infamous River Baron, George Van Dyke. Join us for an easy 1.25-mile hike through downtown Turners Falls and along the Canalside Rail Trail. This walk is scheduled for rain or shine. For adults and children ages 9 and up. Meet […]

Free

Nice & Easy Walks

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Free