Special Events & Trips

• Sign ups for fall/winter activities begin on Monday, August 18 at 9:00am for residents. Nonresident sign ups begin on Monday, August 25 at 9:00am.
• Basketball sign ups begin on Tues, September 2 at 9:00am.
• Sign ups for The Big E have already started

New Hampshire Senior Games (NHSG) is for active, older adults to compete with peers in a variety of activities and, more importantly, to enhance their fitness, health and quality of life. NHSG is the leader in fitness for senior athletes in New Hampshire. Our mission is Fitness, Friendship and Fun. Whether you are just beginning a sport or event, or have been active all your life, there are sports and events here for you to compete in at your level. No experience necessary.

Portsmouth Recreation's Community Campus is the venue for the 2025 NH Senior Games - Table Tennis Tournament - Ages 45+ Round Robin Tournament hosted by NH Senior Games. 2025 sign ups are March thru April.

• Saturday, August 16. Warmup at 9:00am; Tournament begins at 9:30am

Register at www.nhseniorgames.org $50 entry fee

For more information: Call Nik at 781-879-2342 (Seacoast Table Tennis Manager). Practice on Thursday nights at Community Campus. CLICK HERE for more information on weekly recreational table tennis play for all abilities.

Location: Community Campus Gymnasium

The Big E - The 4th Largest Fair in North America

• Saturday, September 20
• 8:00am Departure | 7:30pm Return
• $80 Resident | $85 Nonresident

Coach Bus to and from the fair and admission is included. Let the Rec do the driving and parking while you and your family enjoy the fair.

The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America. Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England—and beyond—has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more. The Big E offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country. CLICK HERE for more information about The Big E.

Haunted Trail: Join us for a Family Friendly Spooky Walk to kick off Halloween! Trail closes before it turns dark.

• Friday, October 17 from 4:00-7:00pm
• Location: Community Campus Trail
• Free for everyone; no pre-registration required

5th Annual Fall Family Fun Fest: Join us for the Rec’s annual Fall celebration. Everyone Welcome. Costumes encouraged! Music, games, s’mores fire pit, food trucks, and lots of fun for the whole family.

• Saturday, October 25 from 11:00am-2:00pm
• Location: Community Campus Field
• Free; Everyone welcome

Portsmouth Trick or Treat: Thursday, October 30 from 5:00-8:00pm

Halloween Parade: Friday, October 31 at 7:00pm. Starts at Peirce Island. Organized by private non-profit group, please visit their website at www.portsmouthhalloweenparade.org

Grandparent & Grandchild Video Gaming & Pizza Party Night: Are you a grandparent of older kiddos who love to play video games? Do you wonder what they are talking about when they speak about video games? Studios2Go will be onsite to teach grandparents and grand-friends alike what Mario Kart and Minecraft games are all about! We’ll then step onto the Video Game truck to play each game with the kids. Pizza, too! 

• Wednesday, September 24, 4:00pm-6:00pm
• Location: Senior Activity Center.
• Fee: Residents $10 per family | Nonresidents $15 per family
• RSVP Required: 603-610-4433

Grandparent Gingerbread House Making Grandparents: Bring your grandkids or grand-friends of any age to craft a gingerbread house together – all ages welcome. Pre-registration Required. 

• Wednesday, December 3, 4:30pm
• Location: Senior Activity Center.
• Residents $10 per family | Nonresidents $15 per family
• RSVP Required: 603-610-4433

Grand Splash! Grandparent & Me Open Swim (early release school day): Play, connection, and creating joyful memories together in a warm, welcoming pool. This is a dedicated time for grandparents and little ones to splash, float, and have fun on an early release day from Portsmouth schools. 

• Ages 5-12 years (with grandparent or caregiver).
• Wednesday December 10, 1:30-2:45pm
• Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool.
• Residents $10 per family | Nonresidents $15 per family
• Pre-registration Required 603-610-4433

Resource fair with vendor tables, local activities, balance tests, health info and more. 

• Thursday, September 18, 9:00am-12:00pm
• FREE and open to the public; No pre-registration needed, just show up
• Location: Community Campus

Vendor sign-ups have begun. Reach out to senior center at 603-610-4433

• Saturday, October 4 from 8am-12:30pm
• Location: Community Campus
• Free; everyone welcome; No pre-registration needed, just show up!

French toast breakfast with ceremony to honor all veterans. All who served welcome to attend. 

• Thursday, November 13, 9:00am Breakfast | 9:30am Remarks & Thanks | 10:00am Quilt ceremony
• Location: Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage Street, Portsmouth
• FREE and open to all who served
• RSVP Required: 603-610-4433

Thanksgiving Luncheon & Craft Fair at Community Campus: Combine your holiday shopping and a Thanksgiving meal. 

• Thursday, November 20. | Craft Fair 9:30am-1:30pm | Lunch Served 11:30am
• Location: Community Campus.
• Lunch: Residents $7 | Nonresidents $10. Craft Fair is free to attend.
• RSVP Required: 603-610-4433

Holiday Luncheon: Homemade Ham Dinner with festive holiday music and entertainment. 

• Thursday, December 18, 11:30am Lunch Served (doors open at 10:00am)
• Location: Community Campus
• Residents $7 | Nonresidents $10
• RSVP REquired: 603-610-4433

First Saturday of December - every year.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

The Portsmouth Holiday Parade is an annual favorite for people across the seacoast! The parade takes place each year on the 1st Saturday of December. The event is free and open to all. The evening begins in Market Square with the Mayor and City Council hosting the Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:00-5:30pm. The parade then kicks off at 6:00pm and marches down Islington St., arriving in Market Square approximately 20-30 minutes later.

Check out the Holiday Parade Page for all the information.

Ring in the New Year in style and countdown to “midnight” with a New Year’s Eve Premiere Brunch Cruise aboard the Odyssey on the Boston Harbor. 

• Wednesday, December 31, leaving the Senior Activity Center at 9:00am
• Residents $132 | Nonresident $142
• Complete flyer at Senior Activity Center. RSVP Required: 603-610-4433

Portsmouth’s summer spectacular. Everyone Welcome! Street closures and parking information will be available closer to the event.

• SUMMER 2026 - More information to come.

  Thursday, July 3 at 9:15pm

  • Rain Date: July 5

Location: South Mill Pond/Parrott & Junkins Ave area. Free; Open to the public.

July 2026 - TBA

Ages 50+ welcome. Hot dogs & Hamburgers served. Help us celebrate summer and seniors!

RSVP required 603-610-4433

• Thursday, July 24 at 11:30am

Location: Community Campus Gymnasium