Prescott Park's Summer Line-Up

Every summer Portsmouth lights up with an atmosphere that is unmatched. From the newest areas like Portwalk Place, to some of the most historic, like Strawberry Banke, Portsmouth is always ‘a buzz’ this time of year. One place that benefits heavily from the warm weather and sunny days is Prescott Park. Located right on the water, the park is home to music, theater and many more events.

The history of the park dates back to 1932, when the Prescott sisters, Josie and Mary, inherited a large sum of money from their brother. The sisters were Portsmouth natives, and used that money to clear properties they’d purchased. These properties were located along the Piscataqua River, and the sisters did this because they felt like it was important to have a space for local people to enjoy. In 1954 this land was given to the City of Portsmouth in the form of a trust, which still exists today as the Prescott Trust Fund. The trust is responsible for maintaining and caring for the park’s land which ranges from lower State Street to Mechanic Street. It also includes Four-Tree Island. For more history on the park visit CityOfPortsmouth.com.

Almost eighty-three years after the park’s inception, it’s a thriving and major cultural location on the seacoast. Every year we can look forward to high quality music, fun and games, and well produced theater. The River House Restaurant Concert Series is held in the Park each Wednesday night and other nights throughout the season, and this is where you’ll find some top-notch and riveting performers from around the globe. All offered in a gorgeous setting for a mere suggested $8 – $10 donation. Below are a list of some of the major events happening at Prescott Park this summer, and in early fall:

WOKQ’s 31st Annual Blue Point Brewing Company Chowder Festival

June 6th – 11:30am

With over 4,000 people attending each year, this festival has become a regional hit! Attendees are able to taste the best chowder’s from around New England from local restaurants like Ri Ra Irish Pub, Portsmouth Brewery, and Bob’s Clam Hut. Photo: Yelp

Richard Thompson*

June 24th – 7:00pm

Named one of the Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 20 Guitarists of all-time, Richard Thompson is a famed British folk singer. He has been entertaining audiences for decades, and will no doubt make a fantastic addition to the summer line up. Photo:Telegraph

Peter Pan

June 26th thru August 23rd – (see website for performance times)

For over sixty years this TONY Award Winning musical has been lighting up stages, and this summer it will make it’s home in Prescott Park. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic fairytale, this timeless story never fails to bring out the child in all of us. Photo: PrescottPark.org

Trampled by Turtles*

July 29th – 7:00pm

The band’s release of their 2012 album Stars and Satellites got them an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, as well as a concert feature on Palladia, so this band has seen nothing but recent success. Their folky, upbeat sound will bring much welcomed good vibes to Prescott Park. Photo:StarTribune

11th Annual Fairy House Tour

September 26th thru September 27th – 11:00am

The Portsmouth Fairy House Tour is the world’s largest fairy house tour. The 10th annual event will be held in Portsmouth’s historic South End on the grounds of the Governor John Langdon House, Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and Peirce Island. Photo: SeacoastBeachInfo

NH Brew Fest

October 17th 12:00pm to 9:00pm

This event, held at the Redhook Ale Brewery, is being presented as a special fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival in partnership with Master Brewers Association of America and WHEB’s The Morning Buzz. Admission includes entry to the event, 5 oz. souvenir sampler cup, beer samples and live music and entertainment. Photo: PrescottPark.org

*River House Restaurant Concert Series Event

To see the full list of events, click here