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.

  • A Québécois (French Canadian) Jam Session

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

    French Canadians played a key role in building Turners Falls, arriving in the late 19th to dig the canal and work in the local mills. They joined Irish, German, Polish, and Bohemian immigrants to shape the village’s working-class and immigrant heritage. For this jam session, an informal group of musicians gather to honor this rich […]

    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 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 […]

    Free
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Squirrels

    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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. 10/16: Squirrels 10/23: Night Animals 10/30: Bats

    Free
  • Find Us at the Farmers Market!

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

    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.

    Free
  • Archeology 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 fishing net, and more! Free and open to all. Presented by the First Peoples, First Stewards Partnership Program and the Office of Cultural Resources. All […]

    Free
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Night Animals

    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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. 10/23: Night Animals 10/30: Bats

    Free
  • Saturday Movie Matinee: The Extraordinary Caterpillar

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

    The Extraordinary Caterpillar documentary follows scientists and community activists in the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes. From suburbia to exurban meadows, abandoned lots to city parks, this captivating family movie shows that exploring our environment begins not in distant wilderness, but right outside our doors! Filmmaker Jeff McKay’s documentary features Sam Jaffe and the […]

    Free
  • Art Naturally: Tin Can Paper Making

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

    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 from scrap paper, denim shoddy, abacá, a sponge, screens and even two tin cans. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Free. All art materials provided. Meet […]

    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 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.

    Free
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Bats

    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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

    Free
  • The Remarkable Landscapes of the Montague Plains

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

    This illustrated talk for adults explores the natural history of the Montague Plains through four complementary perspectives. Geologist Richard Little explains the glacial lake Hitchcock origins of the Montague plain and why Turners Falls would not exist if not for this delta. Pat Conlin, Habitat Biologist at MassWildlife, describes the agency’s long-term stewardship and restoration […]

    Free