Fourth of July
Celebrate Independence Day
Come celebrate our nation’s independence in Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Our annual fireworks display is sure to wow, and a visit to a local museum will give some insight into our role in the revolution. See below for some fun things to plan!
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City of Portsmouth Fireworks Celebration, 2025 Independence Day fireworks will be on Thursday, July 3 – 9:15 p.m. at South Mill Pond across from Portsmouth City Hall. Open to the public. Everyone is welcome! (Rain date of July 5)
20th Annual Summer in the Street Season: Saturday, July 5
Come explore the beautiful Market Square in Downtown Portsmouth during this pedestrian-friendly event on Fourth of July weekend!
Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square is closed: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Catch a show at The Music Hall Historic Theater:
Wed., July 3 @ 7 p.m. – Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Catch a show at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
Thurs., July 4 @ 7:30 p.m. – Joanna Connor
Daily Walking Tours at the Portsmouth Historical Society
Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the N.H. Seacoast! Tours offered daily at 10:30 a.m. with additional tours (see website for details on additional tours)
Our downtown is filled with hidden treasures. Our knowledgeable walking tour guides will introduce you to the city’s rich past and lively present—a unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting. This 90-minute guided walking tour is sure to bring the history of Portsmouth alive!
Tour Pricing
- $20 General Ticket
- $15 Member Ticket
- $15 Discount Ticket (children 5-18, students, seniors 62+, and Portsmouth residents)
Shrek The Musical at the Seacoast Rep
Showings June 26 – July 27
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
Tour Portsmouth Harbor Trail: Portsmouth boasts 400 years of history, culture, architecture, and scenic beauty, and you can see it all along the Portsmouth Harbour Trail. Join a walking tour and let our knowledgeable guides highlight the historic homes, trademark tugboats and working waterfront, vibrant Market Square, colorful Prescott Park, and more.
Gundalow Concert Series: Hop on the Gundalow to enjoy a concert cruise with Carol Coronis and Bob Halperin (Roots/Blues/Seafaring/Celtic/Rock) on Thursday, July 4 from 6-8pm.
Ogunquit Playhouse: Guys & Dolls – Often called Broadway’s perfect musical, this Tony Award-winner finds big-time high roller Sky Masterson gambling everything he’s got to make reluctant Salvation Army reformer Miss Sarah Brown fall in love with him. Featuring such memorable tunes as “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and “I’ve Never Been in Love Before.” Guys and Dolls is guaranteed to charm audiences of all ages.
Wednesday July 3 at 2pm and 8pm Saturday July 5 at 2pm & 8pm
Albacore Park Classic Car Show, Thursday July 3, 5:30-8:00pm, Open to the public, Free admission
Submarine tours available – standard admission fees apply.
The Gallery at Jimmy’s Presents The Alchemy of a Life: Selected Works by Thorpe Feidt
This summer, The Gallery at Jimmy’s invites guests to experience The Alchemy of a Life, a powerful and intimate retrospective of painter Thorpe Feidt (1940–2024). The exhibition opens with a public reception on Wednesday, July 3 at 6 PM, featuring a live performance by The Alchemy 5, an interpretive jazz quintet featuring musicians from The Orchestra on the Hill.
Seasonal Happenings
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Hungry?
Take a break from the festivities at some of our favorite local spots:
