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, RAIN DATE ACTIVATED. Fireworks will now be on Wednesday, July 5 – 9:15 p.m. at South Mill Pond across from Portsmouth City Hall.
18th Annual Summer in the Street Season: Saturday, July 1
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.
Musical Performances: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(NOTE: Summer in the Street is a pedestrian-zone focused series of Saturday evenings – see Market Square Day for an annual vender/booth driven event.)
Catch a show at The Music Hall Historic Theater:
Fri., June 30 @ 8 p.m. – Rufus Wainwright
Sun., July 2 @ 1 p.m. – Exhibition On Screen – Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition
Catch a show at The Music Hall Lounge
Fri., June 30 @ 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. at- A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare & Ron Poster
Visit the American Independence Museum in nearby Exeter.
Heart pumping history is coming to Folsom Tavern. This spring, AIM is introducing a new activity: “Trouble in the Tavern: An Escape Room Adventure.” Participants must work together to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and even learn a little history. Groups of up to 8 people are in for an hour of fun with some learning thrown in. Preregistration is highly encouraged.
Friday, June 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m
$25 per adult. $12 per child.
Daily Walking Tour: Walking Through 400 years of History
Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the N.H. Seacoast! Tours offered daily at 10:30 a.m. with additional tours on Thursdays and Saturdays.
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)
SoME Brewing Company: Live Music with Bob Halperin
Friday June 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“The Life you Save May Be Your Own” by Christopher Nicholson at N.H. Art Association:
On June 2, the New Hampshire Art Association will open “The Life You Save May Be Your Own,” an autobiographical exploration of human emotion by Concord-based artist, Christopher Nicholson. Nicholson wants to untether the essence of human emotion from the world of recognizable objects. In his latest collection, the artist reaches into his past to memorialize those he lost to the AIDS epidemic and explore a range of emotions unleashed by their mourning and beyond. In The Life You Save May Be Your Own, Nicholson takes a systems approach to abstraction, using structure to guide his work.
FREE ADMISSION. Last day to see this exhibit is Sunday, July 2 at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery!
‘Life Rhythms’ by Martha Rives at N.H. Art Association:
The New Hampshire Art Association presents “Life Rhythms,” a solo show by Exeter artist Martha Rives. On June 2, the New Hampshire Art Association will open “Life Rhythms,” a show exploring the power of nature to overcome human-caused adversity. The creative pursuit of New Hampshire Art Association member artist, Martha Rives, encompasses mixed media relief sculptures on multiple panels and offers a moving perspective on the abundance and persistence of nature even while threatened by human-caused adversity like climate change, pandemics, political upheaval, and more.
FREE ADMISSION. Last day to see this exhibit is Sunday, July 2 at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery!
The Beach Plum: Deals Posted Soon!
Gundalow Concert Series: The Gundalow Company presents our relaxing sunset sail accompanied by Green Heron, a folk and bluegrass duo.
Sunday, July 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Prescott Park Dock next to the historic Sheafe Warehouse.
Ogunquit Playhouse: Relive every memorable moment from the legendary Gene Kelly film with a downpour of unforgettable songs and glorious dancing. Experience Singin’ in the Rain live and in person as we make it rain with this joyous and spectacular romantic musical comedy. Tickets go on sale March 28, 2023!
Saturday July 1 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $50-$110.
eat
Hungry?
Take a break from the festivities at some of our favorite local spots: