Created to celebrate the renovation and beautification of Downtown Portsmouth and, in particular, Market Square, the Festival has grown in size along with the growth and popularity of Portsmouth. It is estimated that between 60,000 – 80,000 people walk through Downtown Portsmouth on that one day enjoying the entertainment, products and food offered by artists, crafters and merchants.
On average, 150+ vendor applications are approved/accepted for inclusion in the festival. Three 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 on the second Saturday in June each year.
Entertainment & Activities Schedule
Saturday, June 8th
The Pleasant Street Stage:
11:30 – 12:15: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre
12:45 – 1:30: The Chickenshack Bluegrass Band
2:00 – 2:45: The Reconstructed
3:15 – 4:00: TJ Wheeler & The Indivisibles
The North Church Performance Area:
11:30 – 12:15: Seacoast Civic Dance Co.
12:45 – 1:30: Salt River
2:00 – 2:45: Two Tined Fork
Other things to see & do…
The Middle Street Baptist Church Pancake Breakfast
18 Court Street, Portsmouth
When: June 8th from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: Adults – $6.00; Children under 12y – $2.00
They serve up a tasty breakfast (RAIN OR SHINE) that includes coffee, juice, sausage and hand mixed pancakes cooked fresh on the griddles.
The Farmers’ Market
Parking lot at the Municipal Complex on Junkins Avenue
Seacoast Growers Association sets up ‘shop’ featuring local veggies, fruit, flowers and more from 8am to 1pm.
The Warner House
150 Daniel Street, Downtown Portsmouth
The first floor of the historic house will be open for free tours from Noon to 3pm.
Don’t miss the annual costume event for historic reanactors – there will be costumed attendees walking through the house and grounds all afternoon. The Scottish Country Dancers will host a dance demonstration and invite audience participation in simple Scottish country dances – 1pm – 1:45pm.
Additional Info:
Parking
Participating Vendors
Market Square Day Map
Market Square Day
Market Square, Downtown Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, June 8, 2019; 9:00am-4:00pm
Admission is FREE! Rain or shine!
