Special Events & Trips
Pop Up Events
FREE Events for families to enjoy!
These events take place at the Community Campus.
No need to register for the Center for Wildlife or Sages Entertainment Shows. Anyone can stop in and have some fun.
Please REGISTER HERE for the Mobile Making Pop Up. Space is limited so register early!

EGG HUNT

Sat, April 1, 2023.
For decades families have joined together in early spring to hunt for eggs in Portsmouth's Langdon Park. Join Portsmouth Recreation for their annual Egg Hunt complete with a visit from our big bunny friend!. Bring your basket. Langdon Park is across from City Hall on Junkins Ave. Parking available in the lower City Hall parking lot.
Preschoolers: 10:30am | K-2nd Grade: 11:30am
NEW YORK CITY DAY TRIP - SAT, APRIL 1
Join the Recreation Department for a trip to the Big Apple! We will be taking a coach bus, complete with wifi, power at every seat, and a restroom on board. Leaving early from Portsmouth, we arrive in midtown Manhattan in the late morning giving you until dinner time to spend the day shopping, sightseeing, taking in a show, visiting museums, or trying some of everything. Cost includes roundtrip transportation and all gratuities.
This trip is open to all ages, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The bus departs the Senior Center at 125 Cottage St. at 5:30am and departs New York City at 7:00pm. Plenty of parking at senior center.
- All ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Saturday, April 1, 2023
- Departing promptly at 5:30AM and returning apx11:59PM
- Resident fee: $85.00 pp Non-Res: $100.00 pp
Register Here
RED SOX TRIP - SAT, MAY 13
Let Portsmouth Recreation "take you out to the ballgame!" We will be taking a coach bus, complete with wifi, power at every seat, and a restroom on board. Red Sox v St. Louis Cardinals playing at Fenway Park, Boston. Seats in left field grandstand (we'll be out of the rain or sun). Cost includes roundtrip transportation.
The bus departs the Senior Center at 125 Cottage St. at 1:30pm for a 4:00pm game. Plenty of parking at senior center.
- All ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Saturday, May 13, 2023
- Departing promptly at 1:30pm
- Resident fee: $86.00 pp Non-Res: $91.00 pp
Register Here
Portsmouth400 Anniversary Grand Parade
Portsmouth NH 400 Grand Parade: Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11am in downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire was settled in 1623. For many years prior, it was the land of the Wabanaki tribal nations and was visited by European commercial fisherman. In 2023, Portsmouth will celebrate its 400th anniversary by honoring the city’s diverse and dynamic social, political, intellectual, cultural, economic, and spiritual history, from the time of the early Native American settlements to the present. And we’re going to have fun doing it. There are many events on the schedule starting in January and running throughout the year. The Grand Parade seeks to bring out community together and to celebrate. Visit www.portsmouthnh400.org for more information. Interested in participating or volunteering, please email bsullivan@cityofportsmouth.com
Portsmouth's 3rd of July Fireworks
The City of Portsmouth and Wilcox Industries present the annual fireworks display on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the South Mill Pond across from the Portsmouth City Hall beginning at 9:15 pm. The rain date is Wednesday, July 5th at the same time. This celebration is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.
Turkey Shoot
Portsmouth resident children in grades K-5 will showcase their "fowl" shooting ability at Portsmouth Recreation's annual Turkey Shoot. The best shooter in each division wins a prize! Please bring a non-perishable food item to enter the contest to be donated to our local food pantry. The event takes place at the Connie Bean Center. No pre-registration required. Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
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. Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting 2023 is Sat, Dec 2, 2023.