First Night® Portsmouth

Over the years, we’ve experienced both the highs, and lows with our friends and family in Portsmouth, the Seacoast, and beyond. This year in particular, I've been reminded of the challenges we faced with Y2K, 9/11, the recession, and the Boston Marathon bombing. We always found a way to join together, and rise up.

To the volunteers, musicians and performers who would have joined us today (and during the event year), we miss you, and we wish you strength and good health in the new year.

To all who would have attended First Night (Market Square Day, Children’s Day, Summer in the Street…), we hope that we’ll all be able to gather together in 2021.

To the sponsors and donors who support the production of our programs, thank you. We hope that, together, we can once again bring the joy of our events to Market Square in 2021.

We are grateful for health care and front line workers, first responders, and all who keep us safe. Thank you.

As we look to a new year, may we all find our way to happiness, success, and kindness. Together, we'll rise up.

- Barbara Massar, Executive Director

NOTE: Pro Portsmouth does not issue any type of permits
for outdoor vending at

First Night® Portsmouth as it is not a vendor driven event.

Please refer to the City of Portsmouth for Vending Information