Please click here for directions to Prescott Park.

Below is a map of our parking recommendations, identified with red symbols. * Please note Strawbery Banke parking is for MUSEUM VISITORS ONLY. No Arts Festival parking allowed.

*NEW in 2023! The Prescott Park lot has 16 new ADA Accessible parking spots now available from 5pm – 11pm during evening events in the park all summer long! All of the spots are van accessible and are first come first served for people with disabilities who display a handicapped placard or license plate on their vehicle. You can see the location of the Prescott Park lot in the second map below.

Please click on the images to enlarge in a new window. 

Weather can be very dangerous to outside events (metal scaffolding, slippery surfaces, an electrical sound system and microphones) and occasionally we have to cancel a show. In case of inclement weather, we will make every effort to perform, including in light rain. We may delay the performance to allow weather to pass.

A decision to cancel will be made on the day of the show. When we have to cancel an event, we will post a notice on the homepage of our web site (www.prescottpark.org), as well as our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Please check the website or social media before coming down to the park for an event.

In certain cases, we may move to a back-up location when possible. Blanket and Table reservations and General Admission Donations made in advance will be seated first. Then it will be first come first served as there is limited capacity. Find out more Rain or Shine series here.

Thank you for your understanding.  We can’t control the weather- even in show business!

Please note that all table/blanket reservations and general admission donations are non-refundable. In the event of cancelation because of weather, your reservation may be transferred to another event of the same kind (concert for concert, musical for musical) in the same season. If you pre-ordered delicious food from one of our restaurant partners, don’t worry! Your order will simply move to your rescheduled show of choice.

Questions or need to make a transfer? Just email us! Hello@PrescottPark.org

Portsmouth has some great dining options for you! From breakfast to dinner, there are all flavors and options available. Enjoy great food in Prescott Park from our onsite restaurant, The Prop.  You are also welcome to bring your own food and refreshments (no alcohol is allowed, as it is a public park owned by the city).

Picnics and coolers are allowed and encouraged, as long as you help us keep the Park clean when you’re done. We also have some great food options in the Park.  Additionally, you’ll find that our own concessions booth in the park offers lots of tasty snacks like hotdogs, popcorn, candy, drinks and more!  Just remember, no alcohol in the Park, please.

Publically available docking space is available at Prescott Park on the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth. Reservations are possible. The dock is governed by city ordinance. The dockmasters monitor VHF Channel 09, and notice of arrivals is requested. For detailed information, please visit http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/prescottpark/docks.htm

Prescott Park was created and has been maintained by the terms of the last will and testament of Josie F. Prescott, a lifelong resident of the City of Portsmouth. It was her wish that a public park, free and accessible to all, be established along the Portsmouth waterfront replacing what had become a run-down industrial area of Portsmouth.

Stretching along the Piscataqua River from lower State Street to Mechanic Street are over ten acres of flower gardens, walkways, seating, docking and grass areas all designed for public use and recreation. In the summer a “trial garden” is planted with over 500 flower varieties. There is a “formal garden” featuring trees and the sense of a park-within-a-park. In addition there are fountains, tree lined walkways, a flower wall and a separate rose garden for the public to view.

During the summer months, the Prescott Park Arts Festival organization is granted the rights to showcase artistic venues of music, theater and art in Prescott Park for all to enjoy.

While you are free to bring your own lawn chair or blanket, tables and chairs are available to rent in our premium seating sections.

VIP tables are located in The Kane Company VIP Seating Area in the stage center area and have a direct view of the events. As our events have large crowds, VIP tables are ready and waiting for you and allow you to avoid searching for a good spot to watch our shows. Tables seat four maximum per City of Portsmouth.

Reserved blankets are located front blanket area in front of the stage. No chairs are allowed in the blanket area.

Tables/Blankets are non-refundable, but in the event of cancellation, they may be transferred.

Please note: The City of Portsmouth has mandated that unattended blankets and chairs may not be put down in Prescott Park before 3 pm, or 4 hours before the start of an event. Prior to 3pm or 4 hours before the start of an event, unattended blankets and chairs will be removed. No tarps are allowed on the lawn at any time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Additionally, if another performance is going on within this time period, we ask that you be respectful of those patrons and refrain from placing your blankets/chairs during the performance.

Please click here for more information.

There is nothing that you need to print out or bring with you to the show. When you arrive, stop by the merchandise booth and give your name. One of our ushers will take you to your reserved table. You can check in as early as 2 hours before the start of the show.

Blankets are placed in the blankets only section on the lawn, within 10-15 feet of the stage. Tables begin about 40 feet away from the stage and continue in rows going back to the raised deck in The Kane Company VIP Seating Area.

Prescott Park is open to weddings, but it is not Prescott Park Arts Festival that needs to be contacted. The park itself handles all wedding requests and permits. Please visit the City of Portsmouth’s Prescott Park page for more information.

All performance inquiries should be sent to hello@prescottpark.org. Solicitations via phone or mail will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, you can always ask us, and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Contact us at hello@prescottpark.org or 603.436.2848.

Prescott Park is a public city park and is open at all hours. You are always welcome in the park. Please note: The City of Portsmouth has mandated that unattended blankets and chairs may not be put down in Prescott Park before 3 pm, or 4 hours before the start of an event. Unattended blankets and chairs will be removed. No tarps are allowed on the lawn at any time. Additionally, if another performance is going on within this time period, we ask that you be respectful of those patrons and refrain from placing your blankets/chairs during the performance.

The Festival allows you to bring your own blankets in the immediate front areas, as well as low chairs (must be touching ground). Directly behind this area is the (high) chair area. Please be mindful of the size of your chairs and blankets, as we want everyone to be able to enjoy the Festival events!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We apologize for any inconvenience.

No. While we are accessible to ALL and don’t sell tickets, we do ask for a suggested $5-$10 donation at the gate. Please remember Prescott Park Arts Festival is a non-profit and relies on donations to operate. Every dollar donated counts towards making Prescott Park Arts Festival the best accessible, outdoor, performance venue it can be!