Prescott Park Arts Festival
NileGuide Expert Says:
The Prescott Park Arts Festival is a not-to-be-missed summer arts and cultural experience.Address:
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone:
603-436-2848NileGuide Expert tip:
Reserve your spot with lawn chairs or blankets several hours prior to festival events to guarantee your seat.Description:
It wouldn't be summer on the Portsmouth Seacoast without a visit to the Prescott Park Arts Festival. For more than three decades, this beloved summer tradition has presented quality, premier arts and cultural events within the scenic shoreline setting of Prescott Park, located in downtown Portsmouth. Families, in particular, make the most of the festivities by bringing lawn chairs or blankets while enjoying the cool summer breeze that comes in off the nearby Piscataqua River. The atmosphere is always energetic but relaxed; despite the strong popularity of festival events, you never feel crowded or boxed in by the audience. In recent years, it has been possible for event-goers to reserve tables or order box lunches for many presentations. A reasonably priced snack bar is easily accessible. As to the events themselves, there is pretty much something for everyone here. Last year, for instance, the festival's schedule included folk/rock great Steve Earle and up and coming Bluegrass fiddler April Verch and her band as part of its Prescott Park Folk Festival; an enthusiastic children's community theater production of Peter Pan; and the always popular (and delicious) New Hampshire Seafood Festival as well as other offerings. Thanks to the terms that turned over the 3.5 acres of Prescott Park to the City of Portsmouth, admission is generally in the form of free will offerings which makes most productions very affordable. Special note here: If planning to attend a festival play or concert, set up chairs or blankets several hours before the performances (in most cases, you are allowed to do this) to secure your seat before admission to the event is filled to capacity.Map:
