Portsmouth, New Hampshire loves to Hit the Decks – the official opening of outdoor dining in Portsmouth and the Seacoast as restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels celebrate with special deals on and off the decks.
While some outdoor dining has already begun, there is one date by which all decks are open – this year’s Hit the Decks is launched on Friday May 10.
If you’re visiting Portsmouth for that weekend, there are many other items to add to your itinerary, including three on Saturday May 11 – the 2nd annual New Hampshire Komen Race for the Cure, the Portsmouth Cherry Tree Festival event at the Wentworth by the Sea hotel (to celebrate Japan’s gift of cherry trees), and from America’s Got Talent, comic Tom Cotter at The Music Hall. On Sunday, many restaurants are featuring specials for Mother’s Day.
On May 25 the Wentworth-Coolidge Lilac Festival is a celebration of the oldest lilacs in the country. This Seacoast event features lilac lectures and sales, historic house tours, and an art show and plein-air event. Kids’ activities include art projects throughout the day, treasure and scavenger hunts, alpacas for petting, and more.
On June 8 Portsmouth celebrates Market Square Day. The event kicks off with a 10k road race, but for those who prefer a more leisurely pace, simply stroll the beautiful downtown while enjoying entertainment, unique products, and fine food offerings. It features more than 100 artisans, merchants, crafters, and musicians.
Settled in 1623, Portsmouth is a vibrant, coastal New England city that honors its colorful maritime and mercantile past and is passionately engaged in shaping its future. This walkable regional capital provides residents and visitors with a unique urban experience: a working seaport, unique locally owned shops and restaurants, and world-class arts and culture.
The May 10 Hit the Decks celebration is an initiative of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. For a complete list of participating businesses, see Portsmouth Dining for details on specials.
For more information about top events in New Hampshire take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Hampshire.