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.

The Six Navigational Canals of the Connecticut River

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

Robert Comeau of Historical Tours of Greater Holyoke presents this illustrated talk, part of a series called “Canals in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts.” In the 1800s river transportation of goods on the Connecticut River was once possible from Old Lyme, Connecticut, to Barnet, Vermont, through the aid of six navigational canals - Enfield […]

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

First Friday: Migratory Fish on 3rd Street

Third Street - Downtown Turners Falls 24 - 42 Third Street, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Join us on 3rd Street for RiverCulture’s First Friday event and learn all about migratory fish at our investigation station. During the event 3rd Street, from Avenue A to the Brick House, is open to pedestrians only.

Free

Rain or Shine! 18th Annual Free Family Fishing Day

Barton Cove Day Use Area Barton Cove Road, Gill, MA, United States

Our annual Family Fishing Day, at Barton Cove, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free. Free shuttle bus between sites. […]

Free

Annette Spaulding Talk: Recent Diving Discoveries in the Connecticut River

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

Join us for a talk by Annette Spaulding, an experienced master scuba diver, whose favorite place in the whole world to dive is in the Connecticut River, one of only 14 rivers in the United States that are designated heritage rivers. Annette is the first person to identify short-nosed sturgeon above dams in the river. […]

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

Great Falls Coffeehouse presents: Off-the-Cuff Trio

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. Off-the-Cuff Trio features Dave LeBlanc, Larry LeBlanc & Craig Manning as they perform bluegrass, folk, cajun, zydeco, swing jazz, rock, country, old time and Brazilian choro. “Our music will reflect some or all of these interests, as we pick […]

sliding scale donation

Fields & Forests—What Do Bees Need?

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

Help us kick off Pollinator Week! Make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes and water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground, in a nest made of mud or leaves? Learn how important native bees are, especially for growing food. For ages 4 […]

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Turtles

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

Summer Solstice Nice & Easy Walk

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

Let’s kick off the summer season! 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 Main Entrance.

Free

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