One of the most remarkable characteristics of New England is the four distinct seasons. In no other region of the country is the change of seasons more pronounced and the accompanying activities more varied. In order to truly experience and appreciate Portsmouth and the seacoast, we’ve provided a description of notable activities and a calendar of events for each season. Get out there and live the Portsmouth experience year round! For an up-to-date local calendar of events, click here.
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WINTER
Historic Portsmouth is lovely when blanketed in winter white. Winter is a time to enjoy the invigorating freshness of a brisk day followed by hot cider in front of the fire with friends. It's also the magical holiday season, and the seacoast is the perfect place to make merry. Locals also suggest planning a vacation to a warm climate during the winter months. Flights leave daily from Boston and Manchester to Florida.
Annual Winter Events:
1) Winter Solstice December 21, Portsmouth Christmas tree lighting in market square.
2) First Nite December 31, Portsmouth City-wide New Year's Eve celebration.
Spring in New England is a time for rejuvenation. As the countryside begins to thaw, residents emerge from their dwellings to enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures. A certain excitement bustles around the seacoast; the evenings are longer and outdoor activities no longer require layers of clothing. Stroll through Prescott Park in downtown Portsmouth and view the stunning gardens. Afterwards, bring family and friends just over the foot bridge to Four Tree Island for a BBQ overlooking the Piscataqua River.
Annual Spring Events:
1) Portsmouth Children's Day First Sunday in May, Portsmouth Activities and parade for children 12-4pm.
2) Chowderfest Saturday in May, Portsmouth New Hampshire's oldest and largest chowder festival.
3) Market Square Day 2nd weekend in June, Portsmouth Downtown Portsmouth is transformed into a pedestrian mall filled with vendors, music and performances.
4) Harbor Arts Jazz Night Third weekend in June, Portsmouth A leading jazz performer featured annually.
5) International Children's Festival Third Saturday in June, Somersworth Multicultural and children's entertainment; more than 250 activities and vendors.
7) Hampton Happy Daze Ongoing, Hampton Concerts, vendors, activities at the beach.
4) Live performances at the Music Hall Ongoing, Portsmouth Music Hall Schedule.
SUMMER
During the summer months, downtown Portsmouth brims with local residents and tourists from all over the world. People stroll along the streets, visiting the many galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Just a short drive away is New Hampshire’s clean and peaceful shoreline with bike trails, beautiful scenery and ocean view seafood restaurants. Take advantage of the summer months by experiencing the salty ocean air and long days cooled by the sea breeze.
Annual Summer Events:
1) Hobie Cat Regatta Late June, Hampton
2) South Berwick Strawberry Festival Last Weekend in June,South Berwick Fresh Strawberry shortcake has made this even a favorite since 1975.
3) Portsmouth Percussive Dance Festival Last weekend in June, Portsmouth Five days of jazz and swing dance, jazz and classical tap dance, African dance and drumming performances and classes.
4) Prescott Park Arts Festival Late June through August, Portsmouth Theater, music and dance on the banks of the Piscataqua River since 1974.
5) Revolutionary War Encampment First weekend in July, Portsmouth 2nd New Hampshire Regiment.
6) Portsmouth Fireworks July 3rd, Portsmouth Fireworks after dusk at Leary Field.
7) Cocheco Arts Festival July and August, Dover Arts festival in downtown Dover.
8) Seacoast Jazz Festival Second Sunday in July, Portsmouth Traditional and modern jazz in Prescott Park.
9) Revolutionary War Festival Weekend two weeks after July 4, Exeter Sidewalk sales, music, art exhibits and historic reenactments. (News of the Declaration of Independence took two weeks to reach Exeter, hence the date of the event.)
10) Bow Street Fair Second Weekend in July, Portsmouth Long-running crafts fair.
11) Stratham Fair Last Saturday in July, Stratham Huge annual fair in Stratham.
12) York Days Last week of July, York York, Maine's festival of concerts, crafts tournaments, and sandcastle building.
13) Folk and Acoustic Festival August, Portsmouth An all-day extravaganza highlighting talented Seacoast performers.
14) Hampton Beach Children's Festival Third week of August, Hampton Beach
15) Portsmouth Blues Fest Late August, Portsmouth Since 1985.
16) Seafood Festival 2nd weekend in September, Hampton Beach Over 50 restaurants, crafts, three stages of entertainment and sidewalk bargains.
17) Rochester Fair 3rd weekend in September, Rochester Country fair drawing thousands annually since 1874.
18) Newmarket Heritage Festival 3rd weekend in September, Newmarket Newmarket celebrates its mill town roots with music, activities, mill tours, boat rides, food and more.
19) Senior Appreciation Days 3rd weekend in September Hampton Beach Antique cars, crafts, concerts, vendors, trolley rides, fireworks.
20) Live performances at the Music Hall Ongoing, Portsmouth Music Hall Schedule.
AUTUMN
Autumn is the most celebrated season in New England. This is the time to experience the true meaning of foliage. As the vibrant auburn, yellow and orange hues erupt around the countryside, locals and visitors alike indulge in the beauty that surrounds them. Any New Hampshire country road presents the perfect backdrop for a brisk bike ride or afternoon sojourn. During the fall months, Seacoast beaches provide a peaceful setting for a quiet walk. The summer visitors have dispersed, leaving the feeling that you’ve inherited your own private beach.
Annual Autumn Events:
1) Chili Cook-Off Early October, Portsmouth Restaurants and coffee brewers present their best in Prescott Park.
2) Piscataqua Fair First Saturday in October, Portsmouth A Renaissance fair on the banks of the Piscataqua.
3) Harvestfest Saturday after Thanksgiving, York A colonial theme festival featuring crafts, collectables, and food booths.
4) Lighting of the Nubble Late November, York Lighting of the Christmas lights on the Cape Neddick Lighthouse.
5) Candlelight Stroll First two weekends in December, Portsmouth Tour Strawberry Banke and historic homes by candlelight.
6) Festival of Lights First Saturday in December, York Fairs, parade, caroling, Santa Claus, church suppers.
7) Live performances at the Music Hall Ongoing, Portsmouth Music Hall Schedule.
