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.

Art Naturally: Leaf Prints for Leaf Peepers

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

Discover nature through story, poetry and art! Create an art piece inspired by autumn using paint, paper, gel and even leaves, with instruction and techniques. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Free. All materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

Free

Nice and 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 – Foxes

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

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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Great Hall Exhibit: Migrations

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

Migrations paintings, curated by GuateMaya Art and Culture Connection, celebrate the human and natural diversity of the upper Connecticut River Valley and the Americas. Colorful works depict scenes integral to village life, Mayan culture, and the history of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. For all ages.

Free

Archaeology Month: Indigenous Fishing Along the Kwenitekw

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

Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month! Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective, traditional fishing methods along the Kwenitekw (Connecticut) River, help to weave a net, take a photo with a mishoon (dugout canoe) and more! Free and open to all. Presented by the First Peoples, First Stewards Partnership Program, […]

Free

Nice and 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 – Bats

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

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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Wings Without Borders: A Bird Migration Talk

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

Birds are among nature’s most remarkable travelers, carrying stories across continents with every wingbeat. This talk explores migration as a biological wonder and a source of human inspiration, weaving connections between landscapes. Together we discover how the movements of birds echoes themes of resilience, belonging, and change. Join ornithologist Chad Witko (Birding University) for a […]

Free

Great Hall Reception — Migrations: A Celebration of Art, Birds, and the Day of the Dead

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

First, join us for a talk from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. by ornithologist Chad Witko on bird migration (described above). Then enjoy refreshments, view paintings from Guatemalan artists, and visit our Day of the Dead altar. Learn about the tradition of leaving messages of love to honor and commemorate loved ones. The altar is on […]

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 […]

Free

Nice and 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

Wildlife Costume Day!

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

Happy Halloween! Here’s your chance to become an animal! Stop by the Center to show us your wildlife-themed Halloween costume. Take a selfie with our Moose. Enjoy a treat at the welcome desk. Don’t forget to stop by the Center before the annual Turners Falls Rag Shag Parade begins. The parade starts at 5 p.m. […]

Free