September in Portsmouth & the Seacoast

September brings some of the best of both seasons to Portsmouth, with the final waterfront concerts of summer, outdoor markets, live music, theater, and the first signs of fall downtown.

Saturday Mornings Throughout September

Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

Start a fall Saturday with local produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan goods, and food vendors at the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market. The market continues Saturdays at City Hall.

September 4–6

Final Weekend at Prescott Park

Send summer off on the waterfront with Prescott Park Arts Festival’s final weekend, featuring Hamilton on Friday, Tom Rush with Brendan Cleary on Saturday, and Margo Price on Sunday.

Through September 27

Green Day’s American Idiot

Spend a summer evening at Strawbery Banke with live music, food, drinks, and waterfront views every Tuesday evening.

September 19

Portsmouth Porchfest

Wander Portsmouth neighborhoods as porches become stages for an afternoon of live music throughout the city. Porchfest returns from noon to 6 p.m.

September 19

The Foglight Festival at Strawbery Banke

Step into an immersive maritime fantasy festival at Strawbery Banke, with a full day of entertainment in the heart of Portsmouth’s historic waterfront neighborhood.


September 21

UB40 at The Music Hall

Spend an evening at The Music Hall with UB40, bringing their signature reggae sound to the Historic Theater.

September 26–27

Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival

Celebrate Portsmouth’s maritime heritage with a weekend of sea shanties, folk music, and performances around downtown. The festival is currently listed for September 26–27.