Prescott Park Arts Festival celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2024!
As we prepare to return to our picturesque waterfront setting in downtown Portsmouth this summer, we are inviting the community to share stories and pictures from the past 50 years to add to the festivities.
You can also email any stories or pictures to anniversary@prescottpark.org
As an independent arts non-profit, the Arts Festival relies on financial support from its generous community to sustain the meaningful arts programming it offers year after year. Since 1974, the Festival has operated on a donation model to carry on the legacy of providing arts and entertainment that is accessible to all. It is through donations that the Festival is able to continue this beloved community tradition.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary Season, donors who give $150 are invited to share a birthday message for the Arts Festival that will be posted on the website and, if submitted by May 3, 2024, printed in the Season Program. *Donors who give $50 or more will be added to a birthday gift list indicated with a special birthday icon in the Season Program.
We are enormously grateful for the continued support from community members who make the magic of the Arts Festival possible for all. Thank you for celebrating with us and supporting our mission of accessibility!
The Festival has several special surprise offerings planned for the 50th Anniversary Season, which will be announced later this spring. 2024 Season Passes for this special anniversary season are on sale now. All Season Passholders gain early access to reservations for all of the Arts Festival’s series, including the musical, concert series, movie series, and Camp ENCORE! performances, and additional perks like 10% off all food and drink orders at The Prop, free t-shirt(s), and other great benefits depending on the Season Pass level.
A few highlights throughout the years 
Clockwise L to R: Judy Collins, Livingston Taylor, Steve Earle, Chris Smither, the audience looks on for the main stage production of Peter Pan.
Clockwise L to R: the main stage production of The Wizard of Oz, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Jonathan Edwards, Shawn Colvin, and Arlo Guthrie.
Clockwise L to R: Lake Street Dive, Ani DiFranco, the main stage production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Martin Sexton, Sierra Hull, and Lucinda Williams.
Clockwise L to R: The Head and the Heart, Judy Collins, Lake Street Dive, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, the main stage production of Annie, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Clockwise L to R: Patty Griffin, Taj Mahal, the main stage production of Shrek the musical, The Lone Bellow, Rosanne Cash, and Loudon Wainwright.
Clockwise L to R: Trampled by Turtles, the main stage production of Peter Pan, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Della Mae, Josh Ritter, and The Milk Carton Kids.
Clockwise L to R: Aerial view of The Tallest Man on Earth concert, Darlingside, the main stage production of The Little Mermaid, Kristian Matsson/ The Tallest Man on Earth, Judy Collins, and Mandolin Orange (now Watchhhouse).
Clockwise L to R: Aerial view of Michael Franti concert, Aimee Mann, the main stage production of Mary Poppins, Lake Street Dive, Valerie June, and Nikki Lane.
Clockwise L to R: Keb Mo, Julien Baker, The War & Treaty, the main stage production of Seussical, I’m With Her, and Steve Earle & The Dukes.
Clockwise L to R: Aimee Mann, Birds of Chicago, the main stage production of Beauty & the Beast, The Wood Brothers, Jenny Lewis, and Lucius.
Clockwise L to R: Amos Lee, the main stage production You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Darlingside, The Lone Bellow, Bonny Light Horseman, and Joy Oladokun.
Clockwise L to R: Indigo Girls, the main stage production Footloose, Caitlyn Smith, The Brothers Comatose, The War & Treaty, and Allen Stone.
Clockwise L to R: Allen Stone, the main stage production Little Shop of Horrors, The Tallest Man on Earth, Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, Tank and the Bangas, and Celisse.