It’s Weird Duck Season: Waterfowl of the Connecticut River
2026-09-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Chad Witko, ornithologist and founder of Birding University, for an engaging introduction to North America’s waterfowl. As fall migration reaches the Connecticut River Valley, discover how to identify ducks, geese, and swans, explore their remarkable migrations, and learn why the Connecticut River is such an important stopover and wintering habitat throughout their annual cycle. Meet in the Great Hall. All ages.

Constitution Banner Program
2026-09-13 14:00 - 16:00
Help us create a “We the People” banner together inspired by the United States Constitution. Pick out core statements, phrases or meaningful words from our Constitution and place them on the banner. You are also invited to place your handprint on the banner (non- toxic washable paints). Come learn about the Constitution, how our government was structured, and enjoy a fun and creative afternoon with our community. Prizes for young folks who show up with the Preamble to the Constitution memorized! Sponsored by Indivisible Montague. For all ages, meet in the courtyard. In case of rain, meet in the Great Hall.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:00
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Snakes
2026-09-18 10:30 - 11:30
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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.

9/18: Snakes
9/25: River Otters

30th Anniversary Source to Sea Cleanup
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00
Hard work, real fun, true impact: the annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Join DCR staff to clean up the Canalside Rail Trail. To register, visit sourcetoseacleanup.org/event/dcr-canalside-rail-trail-cleanup-group/, or contact DCR staff at (413) 863-3221 for more information. Meet at the main entrance. For ages 8 and up.

Artist Reception: Kerry St. Laurent’s Stitched Through the Seven Sisters
2026-09-19 14:00 - 16:00
Meet the artist, Kerry St. Laurent, who created a unique journey through the Seven Sisters of the Holyoke Range through art. Light refreshments. Meet in the Great Hall.

Art Naturally: Leaf Prints for Leaf Peepers
2026-09-20 10:30 - 12:00
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home inspired by autumn using paint, paper, gel and even leaves for adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Free. All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

A French / Breton Jam Session
2026-09-20 14:30 - 16:30
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 the Great Hall.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-09-24 10:00 - 11:00
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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. Note that there is no walk on September 3.

Canal Draw Down History Stroll
2026-09-24 15:30 - 17:00
Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff and DCR staff. Meet at the entrance of the Center for this free two-mile walk on flat terrain. Meet at the main entrance. For adults and youth.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - River Otters
2026-09-25 10:30 - 11:30
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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.

Find Us at the Farmers Market!
2026-09-26 10:30 - 13:00
Join DCR staff for family activities at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. For all ages.

Montague Community Fair at Unity Park
2026-09-26 14:00 - 17:00
Discover us at Unity Park (at 56 First Street)! Celebrate “Good Neighbor Day” with an afternoon of free family activities and learn about local community organizations. Join DCR staff at the fair to learn all about our animal neighbors at our activity table with crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for all ages, in collaboration with Montague Public Libraries.

Art Naturally: Paper Marbling and Mini Books
2026-09-27 10:30 - 12:00
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. Inspired by the Montague Paper Company’s history of making book paper, we’ll celebrate the book arts—right here in the building that was once the company’s machine shop. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home using Suminagashi techniques (the Japanese art of marbling) and making small accordion-pleated books. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30am for complete instructions.

Great Falls Coffeehouse: A Touch of Class
2026-10-09 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. A Touch of Class offers jazz tunes from the Great American Songbook. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, in support of educational programming at the Center. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Great Falls Coffeehouse: John Stacey & Friends
2026-11-13 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. John Stacey & Friends offers a blend of Americana, contemporary folk and country. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, in support of educational programming at the Center. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
