Market Days Festival Returns To Downtown Concord With New Accessibility Features

CONCORD, NH — The 52nd Annual Market Days Festival is set to return from Thursday, June 25, through Saturday, June 27, bringing three days of live music, food, shopping, and family activities to Downtown Concord.

The free event is presented by Xfinity and is produced each year by Intown Concord, the nonprofit organization behind the festival.

This year’s theme is “Welcoming,” and organizers said several changes are meant to make the event more accessible, safer, and more comfortable for attendees. New features include safety barricades, expanded seating areas, additional restroom facilities, and a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle service sponsored by NHTI – Concord’s Community College. The shuttle will run all three days of the festival.

Organizers are also partnering with Fit4Mom to offer a baby changing and breastfeeding station on the State House Lawn. Families will also find bounce houses, story time, movement classes, and children’s entertainment during the event. Miss Alli is scheduled to perform on the State House Lawn on Thursday at 11 a.m., and Mr. Aaron is set to perform at City Plaza, in front of the New Hampshire Statehouse, on Friday at 11 a.m.

More than 200 vendors are expected along Main Street, including local artisans, nonprofit organizations, retailers, and food sellers. A new Food Truck Alley is planned for Pleasant Street, and the Concord Arts Market will expand into Eagle Square for all three days and Capitol Street on Thursday and Friday.

Music is also a major part of the weekend lineup. The Homegrown Stage in Bicentennial Square will feature local performers, while the Main Stage is set to host acts including Freese Brothers Big Band, Club Soda, and Miss Julieann.

Friday’s schedule will focus on country music and end with an 8 p.m. performance by Maggie Baugh, presented by the Capitol Center for the Arts. According to the announcement, Baugh was named Rolling Stone’s No. 1 Artist to Watch in 2025 and is touring with Keith Urban as part of his band.

Festivalgoers can also look for Market Haze Pale Ale, brewed for Market Days by Concord Craft Brewing. The beer is already available at participating stores and will also be sold at the North Main St. Beer Garden, with part of the proceeds benefiting Intown Concord.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the community back for another unforgettable Market Days,” Jessica Martin, the executive director of Intown Concord, said. “This year, we have placed a strong focus on accessibility while continuing to grow the festival. This event is for everyone, and we can't wait to see the community come together yet again.”