Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
8 Concerts & Shows in Portsmouth That You Shouldn't Miss
Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
Restaurants in Portsmouth
1. New Hampshire Theatre Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
New Hampshire Theatre Project provides a welcoming environment for youth, artists, and community members to experience self-discovery and growth through the art and process of theatre. We envision a community of individuals who are self-reflective, articulate, passionate, and compassionate; a community where differences are honored, history and literature are explored as resources for problem-solving, and difficult issues are negotiated with mutual respect and thoughtful dialogue. Now in its 26th season, NHTP is based at Portsmouth's West End Studio Theatre, presenting a MainStage performance season November to May, along with year-round workshops and theatre camps for all ages. Outreach includes community collaborations, touring productions, educational residencies for schools and social service organizations, professional development workshops and corporate training.
2. Pontine Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Since 1977, Pontine Theatre has been an active particpant in the development of actor-based theatre, creating work that is engaging, innovative and original. Pontine's work is founded on the actor training technique of French actor, Etienne Decroux. Co-Artistic Directors, Marguerite Mathews and Gregory Gathers, have produced over fifty original works. Creating and performing these works, Pontine has introduced their unique form of theatre to audiences throughout New England, transforming audience interest in gestural theatre, puppetry, toy theatre and storytelling into enthusiasm for this distinctive synthesis of forms.
3. The Music Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By AnnieC577 - De Waterkant, South Africa
What a wonderful surprise to see Annie at Portsmouth Music Hall! We loved eye orphans, the costumes and the choreography! We had front row seats which we moved from at intermission because the speakers blocked our view and we didn’t want to miss a step. Great talent! A lot of fun!
4. Seacoast Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Flyer827748
There are 3 plays currently being performed in rep right now, and I've seen two of them! (The 3rd opens this coming weekend). This is a great way to spend a weekend evening or afternoon! There are so many COVID-related safety measures taken by the theater for staff and guests, that I felt confident in my safety. "Next to Normal" is beautifully performed, resulting in a riveting performance. The actor who plays the mother (Jenny Sue Mallard) takes us to the depths of despair, but also gives us glimpses of hope as she battles depression and bipolar personality. Jason Faria's performance as the dead son who haunts his mother, plaguing her with guilt, is likewise truly exceptional. Faria's talent as an actor seems to know no bounds. Although you won't leave the theater giddy with happiness, if you want to see magnificent performances, don't miss this show! "Stokely & Martin" // "Nevaeh's Brother" are two one-act plays performed back-to-back in one show, with an intermission in between. The performances are available both Live and Livestreamed. These are the truly impressive works of local playwright Najee Brown. Brown writes beautifully, and I would not be in the least surprised if he makes it to the national stage. In the Rep's own words, "Stokely & Martin is an imagined depiction of a real-life discussion between Martin Luther King, [...] and a young Stokely Carmichael, who challenged King with more confrontative call for “Black power” and opposition to the Vietnam War." The actors do a terrific job conveying to the audience both the familial and respectful, as well as the urgent mood of the conversation, in which Martin is pressed to reconsider some of his positions. I felt that I was brought right into MLK Jr's living room as a witness to this conversation. Brown’s second play, Nevaeh’s Brother "depicts the familial love between an African-American woman and her younger brother, who is in trouble and on the run." Despite its being a brutal testament to the reality of race matters in current times, it's nevertheless written with moments of levity as well. That is one of Brown's special talents: to make you at times smile or laugh, when the theme could otherwise cause utter despair. (He achieved this beautifully in his first play, performed this past summer: Bus Stop.) I left his latest play feeling far from being drowned by despair; rather, I left feeling energized, feeling that I too could go out and DO SOMETHING for BLM issues, for my fellow man, for our community. The Fantasticks, by the way, comes out this week, hence I haven't seen it yet.
5. The Players' Ring
6. The Press Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Eat. Drink. Rock. Repeat. For more than four decades, The Press Room has been the spot for an afternoon pint and bite to eat, a night out with friends, and Portsmouth’s go-to live music hub. With a large, devout following of locals, a draft list that includes regulars and an unbeatable selection of the best of the area’s craft beers, and a vibe that springs from years of good times, this is the authentic Port City experience you’re looking for. Recent renovations have brought new life to the place and improvements across the board, while staying true to the spirit that’s made The Press Room a city mainstay. As with any iconic spot, the most important part of The Press Room isn’t the space itself. It’s the people that keep coming back, to share a drink or take the stage. It’s the community of musicians and artists, performers and listeners, who’ve made this the place we know and love. As soon as you step foot inside, you’re part of that community.
7. 3S Artspace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
3S Artspace is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit contemporary arts organization that combines the only midsize, flexible Performance Space of its kind in the area, a large contemporary art Gallery, and a restaurant partner serving as a local hub, ideal as a gathering place for all. 3S is dedicated to presenting and supporting bold, emerging art and entertainment and cultivating an informal space for the exchange of ideas and creativity. We host more than 100 public events each year including Gallery exhibit openings, concerts, workshops, family programming, film screenings, artist talks, theatrical performances, improv, drag, community conversations, and more!
8. Live Free or Die Laughing
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Live Free or Die Laughing is the New Hampshire Seacoasts premiere location for profession Stand Up Comedy. Join us each month as we present the best in Local and National talent.
