Fall River Heritage State Park October 2025 activities and programs
Fall River’s waterfront businesses host inaugural Mrs. Roper Romp
A parade of 50 red-headed, caftan-clad pedestrians made their way along the city’s waterfront for Fall River’s inaugural Mrs. Roper Romp. Here’s a recap of Thursday’s “Three’s Company” themed celebration.
FALL RIVER — There’s still time to explore and learn at Heritage State Park before they take a short break.
Summer is over and fall is here, but there is a lot to enjoy before they close on Oct. 25.
Heritage State Park will be reopening for the winter on Nov. 16.
In the meantime, explore the cultural heritage of the SouthCoast, learn about women in the textile industry, take a StoryWalk, explore some exhibits, get creative, and learn about a woman who made sweets and helped others achieve the sweet taste of freedom.
Plus, check out a preview lecture of the Interlachen walk and tour.
All programs are free and open to the public.
Here’s a look at what’s happening at Heritage State Park this October:
Preview lecture: Lost History Lab: Interlachen Walk and Tour
Oct. 22, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Theater
The Fall River Water and Sewer Department presents a preview of their upcoming Lost History Lab: Interlachen Walk and Tour, setting the stage for a visit to the ruins of the Arctic Ice and Cold Storage Company and Colonel Spencer Borden’s Interlachen mansion. The walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., meeting in the main parking area at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, 251 Stonehaven Rd. Both the lecture and walk are free and open to the public.
Terrestrial and marine cultural resource management in the Commonwealth: Views from the land/water interfaces
Oct. 17, from noon to 1 p.m.
Theater
In this interactive talk, explore the rich cultural heritage of the SouthCoast and learn about the importance of managing underwater archaeological resources. Guest speakers David Robinson (director and chief archaeologist on the MA Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources) and Jonathan Patton (staff archaeologist, Office of Cultural Resources, Department of Conservation & Recreation) will lead a 45-minute talk, followed by a Q&A session. Suitable for ages 16 and older.
‘Sweet Freedom’: A Polly Johnson Homecoming and Double Bill
Oct. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Theater
Back by popular demand, the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe welcomes abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson home, with an encore preview of the film “Sweet Freedom,” by filmmaker Alyssa Botelho. This event will also feature the showing of a video, “Profiles in Courage: Frederick Douglass,” which also features Johnson. Suitable for all ages.
Textiles & a Revolutionary history of women’s work
Oct. 19, from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Visitor Center
Part four of a series with textile artist Rhonda Fazio. Enjoy storytelling through textiles, with this session focusing on the art of weaving on looms. Learn the art of weaving through demonstration and participation, and about women’s work in cottage industries leading up to the American Revolution. For all ages.
StoryWalk: ‘It’s Fall’
Through Oct. 25
Boardwalk
Walk the boardwalk and explore outside with the book “It’s Fall,” by Linda Galser and illustrated by Susan Swan. Suggested nature activities are included.
Photographic exhibit: Discover the Fall River Waterfront Cultural District
Through Oct. 25
Visitor Center
Discover stunning images of the region through the eyes of local photographers.
Exhibit: ‘Echoes of the Pocasset & the Falling River’
Through Oct. 25
Visitor Center
This exhibit was created by the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe and local artist Sheila Oliveira. Imagine life along the Quequechan River 400 years ago, before colonial settlement. This is a trailways initiative created by the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, the City of Fall River, and the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe.
Exhibit: ‘Castle Island: A Storied History’
Through Oct. 25
Visitor Center
Castle Island has been an integral part of the Boston landscape from colonial times to the present day. This exhibit, on loan from the Commonwealth Museum in Boston, tells the stories of the people and events that make this location an important part of history.
Films: Fall River Film Festival
Daily
Theater
Films celebrating Fall River play continuously throughout the day, with each highlighting a specific theme. All films are also available by request. Appropriate for viewers age 8 and up.
- Monday: “Fabric of Fall River” (industry, 30 minutes)
- Wednesday: Thomas Hudner video (heroes, 30 minutes)
- Thursday double bill: “Safe Houses: The Underground Railroad” (abolitionists, 20 minutes) and “The Fall River Line” (maritime, 57 minutes)
- Friday: “Lincoln Park Remembered” (fun, 45 minutes)
- Saturday and Sunday: All films are available on demand
Water + Granite + Gravity = Fall River
Daily
Visitor Center
Heritage State Park highlights Fall River’s industrial legacy with seven granite way finders. This 30-minute, self-guided walk through waterfront history connects the way finders. Information is available at the front desk.
People, Ambition and Hard Work
Daily
Visitor Center
A Portuguese-American poet, a beloved local entrepreneur, a decorated military hero, and a visionary state legislator all have their names enshrined in Heritage State Park. This is a 20-minute, self-guided walk through Fall River history. Information is available at the front desk. For ages 8 and up.
Creation Station
Daily
Visitor Center
Explore a variety of Revolution-themed activities, discover the transformation from cottage industries to factories, and experience all things Fall River with coloring, stamps, puzzles, scavenger hunts, and activity sheets. Or weave a row on the community loom! For all ages.
Park Passport Challenge
Daily
Visitor Center
Adventurers of all ages are welcome to explore with this program. Collect stamps, complete fun challenges, and earn a prize. Passports are available in different languages. Ask for more information.
More about Heritage State Park
The Visitor Center is located at 100 Davol St., in the Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr. Memorial Building. The Visitor Center will be closed from Oct. 26 through Nov. 15.
Free parking is available in the DCR parking lot at 5 Water St.
An adult must accompany children.
The Visitor Center and boardwalk are wheelchair accessible.
For ADA accommodations, call 617-645-0358 or send an email to [email protected].
For more information, call 508-675-5759, Ext. 0.
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