Market Days Celebrates 50 Years In Downtown Concord Thursday

CONCORD, NH — Get ready to experience the pinnacle of summer entertainment and community spirit as the 50th Annual Market Days Festival, presented by Xfinity, returns to downtown Concord from June 20 to June 22, 2024.

This three-day extravaganza promises a jam-packed schedule of fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments for attendees of all ages. Market Days, originally known as Old Fashioned Bargain Days, began in 1974 as an initiative by downtown merchants in Concord to clear out aging inventory. Over the years, the event has grown into a full-fledged community festival featuring music and entertainment for the whole family.

Despite the many changes over the decades, one element has remained steadfast: the community's and downtown businesses' unwavering commitment. Not even the hiatus forced by the COVID-19 pandemic could dampen the spirit of Market Days. Upon its return, the event emerged larger and more vibrant than ever. Today, it features three stages of live music, beer gardens, various free activities for children and adults throughout the three days, and an impressive lineup of 165 vendors spanning food, retail, and nonprofits.

New this year, we are excited to serve a special anniversary beer created by Concord Craft Brewing exclusively for Market Days: Market Haze. This Hazy IPA will be available at all three of our beer gardens, with $1 from each beer sold supporting Intown Concord, the nonprofit that organizes Market Days.

Music lovers will be treated to a spectacular lineup of performances on the Homegrown Stage in Bicentennial Square, showcasing Concord's hottest local talent. Back by popular demand will be Tandy’s Idol every evening on the Eagle Square Stage. On the Main Stage, the Capitol Center for the Arts will present the headlining performance on Friday night, The Ultimate Queen Celebration, a tribute to Queen.

But that's not all: Market Days is a family-friendly event, providing many activities to keep the kids entertained. There will be bounce houses, art projects, Flying Gravity Circus performances, face painting, balloon animals, and a special performance by Mr. Aaron at 11 a.m. in Eagle Square on Friday.

Event Details

Dates: June 20, June 21, and June 22

Times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday

• Red River Theatres’ Outdoor Movie: "Dazed and Confused" at 8 p.m.

Friday

• WJYY’s 70s-themed Costume Parade: Meet on Capitol Street at 3:15 p.m. to strut your stuff down Main Street; the winner gets a pair of Green Day Tickets!
• Headlining Performance: The Ultimate Queen Celebration, a tribute to Queen, 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday

• Silent Disco: BNH Stage, 7 to 11 p.m.

Admission is free

Come join us in celebrating half a century of community spirit, entertainment, and unparalleled bargains at Market Days! For a complete schedule of happenings and a map of the event, visit marketdaysfestival.com.

Submitted by Intown Concord.