What to do and see in Lowell, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Western Avenue | Studios & Lofts is the creative home to over 300 artists who work in all disciplines. You will find fine artists, photographers, ceramic artists, fiber artists, wood workers, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, painters, mixed media artists. You'll find print makers, book binders, letter press and paper artists, a glass blower and clothing designers. You'll find many starting out in their artistic careers, and others with gallery representation. Over two dozen artists teach classes in their chosen medium. Western Avenue hosts Open Studios the first Saturday of each month and additional holiday open studio dates. The coop gallery, The Loading Dock Gallery, is open Wednesday thru Sunday. Navigation Brewing is on site and is open Thursday through Sunday. Western Avenue - welcome to a world of art.

This former textile mill is a reminder of the changes the Industrial Revolution brought to Lowell, and to America.

The New England Quilt Museum is a showplace for antique and contemporary quilts. Four to five exhibitions a year, classes, family activities, and historical lectures let you learn about this distinctive American art form. Located in the heart of downtown Lowell's historic district, it's within walking distance of numerous other attractions, including the American Textile History Museum and the Boott Cotton Mills, as well as restaurants and the theater.

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, is located in downtown Lowell. This dynamic and captivating place was originally founded by the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, U.S. Department of the Interior. Since 1982, The Brush has presented outstanding, museum quality, exhibitions and educational programs.

Navigation Brewing Co. is a family owned and operated nano-brewery & taproom located at Western Ave Studios in Lowell, MA. We brew handcrafted quality ales. Our craft beer offerings are constantly rotating, providing various styles and as always, ensuring our patrons are drinking the freshest beer possible. We are open Thursday's 4-10pm, Friday's 5-10pm, Saturday's 2-8pm & Sunday's 12-5pm. Our taproom offers 16oz pours for on-site consumption as well as growler fills (64oz & 32oz) for off-site consumption. With an indoor taproom & outdoor beer patio , live music, and food trucks on-site we are a great location in the city to enjoy handcrafted ales from the source, meet up with friends & family, or chill out before a show or game. Kid friendly, Pooch Friendly (as long as they get along with others). Cheers! Bob & PJ

Built in 1873, Mill No. 5 is an indoor streetscape of salvaged historic buildings. The mill features a movie theater, yoga studio, cafe, grocery, soda fountain, and several independent shops. The Luna Theater is open nightly showing the best in first-run independent film, throwbacks, and classics. The cafe, Coffee and Cotton, is open daily and features direct trade coffee, locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine, live music, wine, and a selection of local beers. At Dows Soda Fountain, you can order handcrafted sodas, thick milkshakes, ice cream, sundaes, and our version of the original Moxie soda. The Farm Market is every Sunday featuring local farms and live music. Periodically, A Little Bazaar Market features the best in art and craft. The independent shops include Red Antler Apothecary, Vinyl Destination, Mill City Cheese Mongers, and many more. Shop hours vary, but all shops are open Thursday & Friday from 5-8, Sat 12-8, and Sun 11-6.