Piscataqua Riverfest

Save the Date: Saturday, July 11th, 2026

In 2025 We welcomed over 2200 visitors!! We hope you’ll be a part of our 2026 Piscataqua Riverfest!

On the grounds of Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth

Piscataqua Riverfest is Portsmouth’s annual celebration of the rivers and bays featuring a traditional boat show, food, music, historical demonstrations, hands-on activities and great local vendors. This FREE Gundalow Company event has something for all ages!

A look back at our 5th Annual Piscataqua Riverfest in July of 2025

Traditional boat show of stunning wooden boats on the grounds of Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St.
Dockside tours of the Gundalow from the Sheafe Warehouse dock, at the end of the Water St. alley in Prescott Park
Special Dockside Tour of the Mickey Finn at the Public Dock in Prescott Park; the Mickey Finn is a custom yawl built by Paul Rollins, the master shipwright of the current Gundalow Piscataqua
Free entry into the Strawbery Banke Museum all day!
Maritime demonstrations including a blacksmith, oar making, science experiments, and more!
Local non-profit partners with hands-on fun for all ages, local business vendors, nautical photography, crafts, games, books & more !!!
Whoa Nellie Food Truck, Fresh Fox Point Oysters , Kona Ice & Gina’s BHQ Ice Cream Cookies
A beer garden served by Maeve’s Mobile Cocktail Hour with local brews

Musical Performances and family activities:

Local musicians Carol Coronis & EJ Ouellette
Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals
Children’s Music from Sammie Haynes
Face Painting for free from

*Our Entertainment for Piscataqua Riverfest is Sponsored by Gray Construction

On the water:

The Gundalow PISCATAQUA offers free dockside tours with photos from the helm, hands-on with critters (lobsters, moon snails) by the waterfront in Prescott Park
Join the sunset sail down the namesake river past the shipyard, forts, and lighthouses at 6-8pm.

Free entry into the Strawbery Banke Museum all day!

Seacoast residents and visitors alike are invited to join the celebration to promote the health, history, and resiliency of the Piscataqua Region. The complex river system is surrounded by people and organizations working hard to protect it, and their stewardship makes Portsmouth a top destination for exhibiting the rich maritime heritage.