things to do

The Music Hall & The Music Hall Lounge
n 1878, the 900 seat The Music Hall opened its doors as a Vaudeville theater. Fast forward 140 years and The Music Hall—now with a second more intimate space, the Music Hall Lounge— offers a wide range of live music plus films, authors, humor and more.

The Press Room
The Press Room is the longest running bar, restaurant, and live entertainment venue in downtown Portsmouth. An eclectic lineup of offerings includes singer songwriters, jazz, blues, funk, indie rock, open mic nights, and more.

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
First and foremost, Jimmy’s is about the music. Meticulously engineered with superior acoustics, sound equipment and lighting, Jimmy’s is an intimate, state of the art venue hosting world renowned and up and coming musicians. Food and drink are available.

3S Artspace
3S Artspace is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit contemporary arts organization that combines a flexible performance space, a large contemporary art Gallery, and a restaurant partner.  3S is committed to presenting a wide range of music, with a focus on adventurous, underrepresented, and unconventional acts. Their aim is to showcase some of the best national and international talent, and shine the spotlight on some of the best talent in the region.

Prescott Park Arts Festival
Nestled along the banks of the Piscataqua River in downtown Portsmouth’s Prescott Park, the Festival combines a grassroots, community feel with the allure that accompanies the Grammy Award winning national touring acts that grace the stage. The Festival has a rich history of presenting a 10-week summer season of inspiring, family-friendly arts programming, including themed music festivals, concerts, a film series, dance, children’s events, and signature musical theatre. 

Gaslight
A downtown restaurant with live music, plus a weekend DJ in the top floor nightclub.  In good weather, listen to music on their outside deck.

Seacoast Science Center
Seacoast Science Center is all about hands-on education, but on Thursday evenings in the summer, they want your FEET on the dance floor to support conservation of our Blue Planet. Their new, larger seaside tent has plenty of room for groovin’ to live music.

The Music Hall
For children, check out the Music Hall’s School Days Series. At holiday time, enjoy a family musical co-presented with the Ogunquit Playhouse.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre
Seacoast Rep is a nonprofit, professional regional theatre with productions year round. Offering well know musicals along with newer works.

NH Theater Project at the West End Studio Theatre
New Hampshire Theatre Project is located in the West End, the heart of Portsmouth, NH’s alternative arts district. They offer Main Stage productions, guest artist presentations, touring performances & community residencies.

3S Artspace
Check out the calendar for special nights of theater, storytelling or comedy.

The Player’s Ring
The Player’s Ring is an intimate, 75 seat space offering an eclectic mix of productions, both well know and new works.

Strawberry Banke
Strawberry Banke Museum is a 10-acre campus dedicated to bringing 300+ years of history to life, from Indigenous history to the present day, in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Tour historic houses on their original foundations, meet engaging costumed roleplayers, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, and explore historical gardens and landscapes.

Porstmouth Historical Society
The Portsmouth Historical Society offers changing exhibitions in its three gallery spaces.  Visitors can also watch a 14 minute film on the 400 year history of the city.

Portsmouth Anthenaeum
While there were once hundreds of membership libraries across America, there are now fewer than twenty left. The Athenaeum today continues this long tradition of mutual improvement by maintaining a library of over 40,000 volumes and an archive of manuscripts, photographs, objects, and ephemera relating to local history. It also sponsors exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and other educational and cultural programs.

NH Art Association Lincoln Levy Gallery
NHAA is open year-round with new exhibits monthly. They feature the largest selection of original artwork from regional artists in the Seacoast. NHAA participates in the monthly Art 'Round Town gallery art walks in downtown Portsmouth on the first Friday of each month with an open reception from 5:00 - 8:00

USS Albacore Museum
Visit the museum then take a self guided tour through the submarine. Designed, built, and maintained by the skilled engineers and craftsmen of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Albacore served as a sea-going test platform from 1953 to 1972.

Kennedy Gallery
Conveniently located in downtown Portsmouth, the gallery presents a wide selection of original local artwork, archival prints, photography, and gifts. Featured artists change monthly.

Ceres St. Gallery
Ceres Gallery is a unique association of artists. It is a blend of world renowned Living Master Painters and emerging future masters. Exhibited works change monthly.

Most of Portsmouth’s historic house museums are open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.  Many are NOT open 7 days/week.  Click on any of the houses to view specific dates, times and admission prices. Most are walking distance from the Sailmaker’s House, but you may want to drive to the Jackson House and the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion.

John Paul Jones House

Governor John Langdon House

Wentworth-Gardner House

Rundlet May House 

Warner House

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion

Jackson House

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Since 1982 when the Heritage took its maiden voyage on the Piscataqua River, visitors have been enjoying the historically rich and aesthetically pleasing trips off the coast of Portsmouth. Choose from a fully narrated Harbor Cruise, a cruise to the Isles of Shoals, Sunset cruises or wine tasting cruises!
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Granite State Whale Watch
For almost 40 years, Granite State has been dedicated to whale watching, sight seeing and research of the NH/ME/MA coastline from June to September. Historically, their whale watches have a 99% sighting rate, as they are led by experienced and qualified naturalists who enjoy sharing their love of the marine environment!
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The Gundalow Company
Step aboard the Historic Gundalow barge! This unique boat was built in 2011 using time honored methods and material and designed for education and public sailing. Available for private charters, concert cruises, sunset sails, and more!
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Portsmouth Paddle Co.
5 min drive
Offering paddle board tours, rentals, lessons, as well as SUP (stand up paddle board) fitness classes, the Paddle Co. provides you with everything you need to enjoy the local waterways.
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Ester’s Marina
At Esther’s Marina you can rent kayaks or paddle boards for your own exploration, or sign up for tour through the back channels of the Piscataqua River to learn about the historical Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, the Legend of Leach Island, and more!
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Seven Rivers Paddling
5 min drive
Choose from kayaks or stand up paddle boards to tour the ocean or one of the many scenic tidal rivers nearby. Rent equipment and choose your own adventure, or sign up for a guided tour!
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Wallis Sands State Park
10 min drive
Located in Rye, NH Wallis Sands offers oceanfront swimming on a sandy beach and a beautiful view of the Isles of Shoals. There is also a large bathhouse with hot and cold showers, a grassy area with picnic tables, and on site parking.
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Strawbery Banke Museum
“A place to learn, a place to gather, a place to preserve” Strawbery Banke is a 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to immersing its guests in the history of Portsmouth and the Seacoast. The “museum” is comprised of 32 historic buildings nestled among heritage gardens in a waterfront neighborhood. Here you’ll find evolving exhibits, costumed role-players, and live music and events.
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Portsmouth Historical Society Walking Tours
The Welcome Center at Portsmouth Historical Society/Discover Portsmouth leads many different historical walking tours throughout the city, based on different aspects of the Seacoast’s history. Experience the city’s rich past and lively present - with its unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting.
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Haunted Portsmouth Walking Tour
Tales of folklore, ghosts and mysterious history. The tours are about 90 minutes and a number of neighborhoods are offered.
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Historical Tastings Tour at the Iconic Rockingham
Dare to mix wine, history, fine food, and ghost stories? Enjoy a 3 course tasting and hosted by the Library Steakhouse located in Portsmouth’s iconic Rockingham building. The house historian has a wealth of anecdotes, both grandiose and grim, and leads tour guests through parts of the building normally closed to visitors. Tickets are $60 per person.
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Celia Thaxter’s Garden Tour
10 min drive
Step back in time and experience the unique beauty of Celia Thaxter's Appledore Island! Experience the serenity of Celia Thaxter’s garden by the sea. Visit the Laighton family cemetery and learn their history with many of the islands in the Isles of Shoals. Hike the paths Celia herself wandered and explore the cultural history of the Appledore Hotel.

Appledore Island Walking Tour
10 min drive
Spend the day on Appledore Island, one of the nine beautiful Isles of Shoals off the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire, and visit the Shoals Marine Lab. Travel out to Appledore on the University of New Hampshire research vessel, the R/V Gulf Challenger, with UNH Marine Docent tour guides.

Isle of Shoals Steamship Company
Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast. A variety of tours are offered. Stay on the boat, take a guided tour of Star Island, or spend time on your own for the day.

Star Island Mail Boat
On a typical trip, guests will ride out with mail, food, freight and whatever else is headed out to the island that day. There are a variety of options, some with stopovers at Star or Appledore Islands.

Port City Bike Tours
Offering public, private or self-guided biking and walking tours, Port City has an itinerary for every kind of explorer! You can also rent bikes if you’re familiar with the area but want a better way to get around! Check their website for off-season and pre-ordering discounts! Sailmaker’s House guests receive a 10% discount with the code Water24!

Spring Restaurant Week
The first of the Seacoast’s biannual restaurant week is typically held in April. Participating restaurants offer pre fixe three course menu (lunch and/or dinner!)
showcasing some of their best dishes including fan favorites and new creations.

Children’s Day
Held annually on the 1st Sunday in May, this Festival combines family-friendly activities & entertainment –
all sponsored, hosted and supported by downtown merchants, area companies,
civic organizations and volunteers of the Seacoast. The day is filled with something for everyone!

Hit the Decks
Typically held in mid-May (depending on the weather.),
this event marks the opening of the outdoor dining and entertainment areas of the Seacoast.

Chowder Festival
June 3rd, 2025
Held the first Saturday in June, the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-Off marks the start of the Prescott Park Arts Festival season. Sample chowder from your favorite local restaurants, enjoy live music and family-friendly fun, and relax by the water with an ice cream from the Prop. This long-standing tradition runs from 11:30 am until the chowder runs out.

Market Square Day
June 14th, 2025
This iconic street festival celebrates the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Produced by Pro Portsmouth, Market Square Day brings more than 50,000 people to enjoy local artists, food vendors, live performances, and a vibrant sense of community.

Kittery Block Party
June 17th, 2025
Across the bridge in downtown Kittery, this festive celebration of art, culture, and food brings together local vendors, musicians, and families for a fun, all-ages experience. The atmosphere is relaxed, playful, and full of charm.

Vintage & Vine
September 4th, 2025
Strawbery Banke Museum’s signature wine and food festival returns for its 37th year on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Stroll the historic grounds and gardens while enjoying curated wines and delicious bites from some of the Seacoast’s best chefs. This early autumn event blends heritage, flavor, and community in a truly unique setting.

Portsmouth’s Halloween Parade
October 31st
A grassroots celebration held each year on October 31, this beloved parade invites everyone to dress up and take part. With bold costumes, marching bands, and street performances, it’s one of the most creative and spirited nights of the year.

Fall Restaurant Week
November
Each November, local restaurants offer prix fixe menus for ten days of culinary exploration. It’s the perfect time to try a new spot or revisit an old favorite with special seasonal offerings.

Vintage Christmas
Throughout December, downtown Portsmouth transforms into a festive winter village with twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, and holiday charm around every corner. Events and experiences are offered throughout the month as part of this community-wide celebration.

Candlelight Stroll
Held over three weekends in December, Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum brings more than 350 years of holiday traditions to life. Wander candlelit paths, visit historic homes decked in handmade decorations, and meet costumed roleplayers sharing stories of the season. Enjoy cider, bonfires, and outdoor skating performances from the Vintage Christmas Skaters, weather permitting.

Music Hall’s Christmas Musical
Each holiday season, The Music Hall brings Broadway to the Seacoast with a full-scale musical production. This annual tradition is a highlight of Vintage Christmas and a magical night out for families, friends, and theater lovers alike.