Summer concerts, Festivals & happenings
Celebrate Summer on the Seacoast!
Save these dates for seaside concert series, on going museum exhibits and so much more happening all summer long in Portsmouth & the Seacoast.
Pro Portsmouth - Children's Day
May 4, 2025
An estimated 10,000+ “children” visit Portsmouth to take part in an afternoon of fun on the Seacoast.
This Festival combines family-friendly activities, entertainment and usually, an ice cream sundae – all sponsored, hosted and supported by the Downtown Merchants, area companies, civic organizations and volunteers of the Seacoast. From a cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton to a hoola-hoop contest, the day is filled with something for everyone.
Prescott Park Arts Festival - 37TH Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival
June 7, 2025
The WOKQ Chowder Festival is back to kick off summer season at Prescott Park Arts Festival. Dozens of restaurants join in the fun with piping hot chowder recipes to enjoy, live music, and refreshing drinks. We will be having fun until the chowder runs out!
5th Annual Piscataqua Riverfest
July 12, 2025
Piscataqua Riverfest is Portsmouth’s annual celebration of the rivers and bays featuring a traditional boat show, food, music, historical demonstrations, hands-on activities and great local vendors. This FREE Gundalow Company event has something for all ages!
- Traditional boat show of stunning wooden boats on the grounds of Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St.
- Gundalow sails and dockside tours depart from the Sheafe Warehouse dock, at the end of the Water St. alley in Prescott Park
- Visiting Coast Guard boats with free dockside tours in Prescott Park
- Free entry into the Strawbery Banke Museum all day!
- Maritime demonstrations including a blacksmith, oar making, rope maker, touch tank, science experiments, and more!
- Local non-profits with activities
- Food Trucks, Fresh oysters & Desserts
- A beer garden served by Maeve’s Mobile Cocktail Hour with local brews
48th Annual Market Square Day
June 14, 2025
Two performance stages feature local and regional musicians. The day ‘kicks off’ with the Market Square Day 10K Road Race. Most of Downtown Portsmouth is vehicle-free and pedestrian-friendly from 9am ’til 4pm.
The first Market Square Day took place in 1978; Pro Portsmouth marks its’ anniversary each year on Market Square Day.
Black Heritage Trail - Juneteenth Festival
June 8, 10-15, 19, 2025
In challenging times, it can be difficult to have productive conversations about the past and its significance for the future. This is especially true when historical facts about America’s past, such as those about our early presidents, do not reconcile with the sanitized versions we are taught.
American history often portrays the “Founding Fathers” as paragons of virtue while omitting the realities of slavery, exploitation, racial inequality, and profiteering woven into the nation’s foundation. When historical figures held in high regard are revealed to have enslaved and fathered Black children, it forces a deeper reckoning with how racism shaped American institutions. It makes slavery and its legacy personal rather than abstract.
This Juneteenth, we weave together three powerful narratives—stories that disrupt the illusion of separate racial histories and identities in America. Through the voices of descendants, cutting-edge technology, and Ona Marie Judge Staines’s courageous journey, we underscore that Black and white histories have always been intertwined, making it harder to uphold a rigid “us vs. them” mindset.
Knowing these truths forces us to confront the gap between America’s ideals and history. This Juneteenth, we reclaim, we remember, and we resist erasure.
The Gundalow Concert Series & Speaker Sails
Concert Cruise Thurs & Sundays Two Hours
Join us for our unique concert series aboard the Gundalow! From foot-stomping bluegrass to elegant jazz trios, sunset concerts feature a variety of local musicians to enhance your sailing experience. You may wish to bring a picnic dinner or beverages on these entertaining cruises. Find the full Concert Cruise schedule here.
Tuesday Speaker Series Two Hours
Join us for a lively discussion series on featuring expert guest speakers from around the region. Fun and informative topics that range from local maritime and naval history to ecological and scientific issue. Special price of $35 per person. See the full Speaker Series schedule here.
The Atlantic Grill Music By The Sea at The Seacoast Science Center
Thursdays, 6-8:30 pm, gates open at 5pm
Thursday, July 10 – RDMTION
RDMTION (Redemption) is a 6-piece Jamaican Reggae band based in Hampton, NH. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Roots Reggae with Pop music, splashed with 3-part harmonies that make you want to get up and dance.
Thursday, July 17 – Jumbo Circus Peanuts
Jumbo Circus Peanuts is a local 12-piece band, legendary for their party antics and get-you-up-on-the-dance-floor tunes.
Thursday, July 24 Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree, the region’s premier U2 tribute band, is back by popular demand and has been filling the dance floor at MBS for the past decade.
Thursday, July 31 – Entrain
Entrain, the eclectic Martha’s Vineyard-based 6-piece band with a kaleidoscope of musical styles, has been thrilling audiences with their feel-good music since 1993. Back on the MBS stage in 2025 to close out our summer concert series “in the spirit of peace, love, fun, and a ton of drums!”
ALL SUMMER LONG
Freaky Friday- Prescott Park Arts Festival
A mother and daughter swap lives in this lively musical about growth, change, and the valuable lessons that come from seeing the world through each other’s eyes.
Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical is a lively, heartwarming story about the complex relationship between a mother, Katherine, and her teenage daughter, Ellie. The two are forced to step into each other’s shoes and learn to appreciate the struggles and strengths that come with their respective roles.
Set against the backdrop of their chaotic family life, the musical explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the importance of family. As Katherine and Ellie attempt to return to their own bodies, they discover new perspectives on their relationship and ultimately grow closer, learning valuable lessons about love, respect, and the balance between independence and connection. With catchy songs, energetic choreography, and plenty of heart, Freaky Friday is a story about finding common ground, no matter how different we seem.
Portsmouth Historical Society
Portsmouth Historical Society welcome visitors to their current exhibition “Winds of Change,” a retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016). Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art will resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.. Free curator tours are offered every First Friday and 12:00 and 5:30pm.
Strawbery Banke Museum - Tuesdays on the Terrace
Enjoy acoustic music amid the summer splendor of Puddle Dock with Strawbery Banke’s popular annual outdoor concert series. Tuesday evenings June 17 – August 26 from 5:30 to 7 PM, a variety of local musicians perform on the open-air stage.
Local Love - Every Third Thursday
Experience the charm of Portsmouth during Local Love, happening every THIRD THURSDAY from 5pm – 8pm. This exciting new event invites you to explore a variety of local retailers throughout the city, offering an evening of shopping opportunities, special promotions, and unique finds.
Art 'Round Town - Every First Friday
The FIRST FRIDAY of every month, year-round, downtown Portsmouth celebrates its inspired art community with special flair by presenting its Art ‘Round Town gallery walk. Art ‘Round Town is free and open to the public taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit participating gallery websites for details.
