It is important to note that the culture of Portsmouth is as lively in the present as it was in the past. For proof, look no further than the existence of its artistic communities, which have sprung up in response to the welcoming and supportive attitude of organizations such as 3S Artspace. The art-focused nonprofit combines a flexible performance space with a non-commercial art gallery, affordable art studios, and a strategically-positioned restaurant that serves as a meeting space for both artists and patrons.
For lovers of the performing arts, the Music Hall at 28 Chestnut Street offers a space for films, live music, live performances, and even readings. Appearances by world renowned artists such as Valerie June and Lyle Lovett are common.
Seacoast Repertory Theatre on Bow Street brings live theater to Portsmouth. Shows for 2016 include Background Check, Reefer Madness, Rocky Horror Show, and Little Women.
Portsmouth is also home to both Telluride by the Sea and the New Hampshire Film Festival, which serve to showcase the latest efforts of filmmakers from all around the world. The Prescott Park Arts Festival also provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy music, film and theater in the beautiful confines of Prescott Park.
Annual events such as First Night and the Portsmouth Halloween Parade showcase the local artistic talent. Hundreds of costumes, as well as numerous house-sized floats, are created to produce scenes as exhilarating as they are frightening.
Final Thoughts
Many activities await a visitor to Portsmouth. You may choose to visit one of Robert Wyland’s Whaling Walls, or sample the seafood of the region, visit the numerous Micro Brew Pubs or go on a whale watch, take a trip to the Isles of Shoals or experience the best of New Hampshire’s beaches. Visitors to Portsmouth are sure to find the city an amazing experience. And you may even discover for yourself why Portsmouth is truly a magical town and my most favorite city in America.
Featured Image by Mr.TinDC
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What is Paco Diablos?
It’s a great Mexican watering hole.
http://pocosbowstreetcantina.com/
Mexican on the water
An often overlooked Portsmouth factoid: Three independent bookstores!
Portsmouth was founded in 1623, not 1653. The town will be 400 years old in 2023.
It was however, as the article states, “incorporated as a town” in 1653. The author was not indicating when it was “founded”. In that case 1623 is indeed correct. Cheers ☼
I agree. Came here to visit in 1982 and never left. The Halloween Parade mentioned is the best parade in America. And stop by next Saturday (6/10) for Market Squate Day, a fun day in the City.
I guess it’s ok if you like fauxteenth century luxury condos, and enjoy outdoor malls for yuppies-it’s a high class tourist trap. The Halloween Parade is about all it has going for it-with a few occasional exceptions. It’s best days are behind it, what remains is a dolled up corpse and a bloodless stone.
Could not have said it better than that. I grew up here, it used to be an interesting little city. Now its a playground for the wealthy and rude. RIP Portsmouth.
Last I knew, there were at least 4 venues for live theater in Portsmouth. Artists had ample opportunities to mingle with folks at festivals and exhibitions, and Portsmould was/is the regional shopping center for an area comprising over 300,000 people. A “dolled up corpse” and a “bloodless stone”? That sentiment is unlikely to be that of an objective observer.
WE AGREE AND HAVE BEEN THERE TWICE. THE RIVERS OCEAN AND YOU TWO MAKE IT A WONDERLAND FOR US. HOW IS EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME AND IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED A HOTEL. LOVE MOM AND CARLTON