June on the Seacoast: Market Square Day and Other Can’t Miss Events

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June on the Seacoast is very exciting! For example, every year the non-profit organization Pro Portsmouth hosts a variety of events for Seacoast area residents. They put on First Night, Children’s Day, the Seacoast Road Race, and there’s even an event called Summer in the Streets. My favorite by far is Market Square Day. While not all Portsmouth residents like their downtown blocked off and overrun with vendors and visitors, for me, Market Square Day highlights all that is wonderful about living in this lovely Seacoast town.

In honor of this year’s event on Saturday, June 8th, here are five of my favorite things about this special day:

  1. Community. Give the Portsmouth community a reason to come together and they really shine. Market Square Day is well organized and designed to ensure there’s something for everyone. Have kids? Great! There are several booths with games and treats just for them. Like looking at the stars? Awesome! The astronomy club is set up right in the square for free viewings. Prefer handmade jewelry? Cool! There are so many fantastic artists anxious to show you their latest creations. No matter what you’re into, trust me, you can find it at Market Square Day.
  2. Food. Whether you’re looking for a smoothie or a gyro, hand cut fries or burgers cooked by actual boy scouts, the food vendors always bring their A game.
  3. Shop local. Almost all of the Market Square Day vendors are local businesses. As a small business owner myself, I go out of my way to buy from stores like G. Willikers!, a family-owned toy store that has been in Portsmouth for 41 years – exactly the age of Market Square Day. An event like this can make an incredible impact on a small business. By participating, I’m doing my small part to support all my favorites at once.
  4. Friends old and new. With an attendance averaging between 60,000 and 80,000 people, you can be sure to run into people you know. I love seeing people from different parts of our lives – former playmates, moms I don’t connect with as often as I’d like, and especially new friends and families from my son’s school. It’s fun to see how much everyone has grown and get an update on their lives.
  5. The regulars. There are a few vendors that I only buy from during Market Square Day. Typically they’re in the same spot every year, which makes it super easy to find them. My top picks include the woman who sells handmade belts, headbands, dog collars, and leashes, usually positioned somewhere around the Thirsty Moose and Bagel Works, and the guy who offers several varieties of hot sauce. You can find him on the corner where the Christmas tree is displayed (currently filled with tulips).

But Wait, There’s More…

What if you can’t make it to Market Square Day? Not to worry. There are so many festivals and celebrations in our area that it’s hard to mention them all in one post. A great way to keep up is to check out the “Things To Do” section on Parenting NH. They even have an email that goes out weekly, which I find super helpful.

Here are three more events coming up in June that you don’t want to miss:

  1. The Piscataqua Riverfest. On Saturday, June 1st, Portsmouth’s annual celebration of the rivers and bays comes to life. Known as the Piscataqua Riverfest, it includes a traditional boat show, the Round Island Regatta, food, music, demonstrations, and vendors. A perfect event for all ages, my favorite part is the Great Little Gundalow Derby. Kids get to build their own model gundalow, with parts provided, to launch into the river and race with the tide. Using creativity and learning about the tides? Yes, please!
  2. The Kittery Block Party. Taking place on June 15 this year, the Kittery Block Party offers a similar set up to Market Square Day – just on a smaller scale. They feature a lot of interesting food, vendors, and quite a few events – from bands and singers to a mini petting zoo. Last year they even had “Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show!” The Kittery party does a terrific job of providing entertainment for all members of the family.
  3. The Applecrest Strawberry Festival. When most of us think of Applecrest, we think of apple picking. But this Seacoast treasure offers so much more. You can pick your own peaches. Grab some of the amazing food they sell in their farm store. And every June they celebrate the launch of strawberry season with the Applecrest Strawberry Festival. The 13th annual celebration will be on Sunday, June 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They’ll have live bluegrass music, tractor rides, face painting, a kid’s bouncy house, hot cider donuts, and, of course, several strawberry-inspired delicacies from Applecrest’s very own kitchen and bakery.
  4. Local Farmers Markets. These happen weekly and not just in June on the Seacoast so it’s easy to fit them in! There are markets all over the Seacoast from York to Portsmouth. Just check the calendar to find out when the one closest to you is. There’s good food, live music and often other amazing stuff going on. Since these are available in each town, they are a great way to connect with your community AND support local artisans and farmers. 

The kickoff to summer on the Seacoast is right around the corner, so be sure to mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer on the Seacoast? Do you have anything you’d add to this list?