This is your guide to the Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine celebrations of America’s 250th birthday, including fireworks, festivals, concerts and many more events.
It’s also a good time to remember what a vital role the Seacoast played in the nation’s beginnings.
On the night of July 4, 1776, Philadelphia printer John Dunlap printed approximately 200 copies of the newly signed Declaration of Independence to be distributed throughout the 13 colonies, delivered by horseback. One of those copies arrived in Exeter, New Hampshire, on July 16.
John Taylor Gilman, state treasurer Nicholas Gilman’s son, read the declaration to townspeople, and it was printed in the newspaper.
Fast-forward to 1985, when electrician Dick Brewster and assistant Rod Compagna were installing a security system in the Ladd-Gilman House in Exeter, which served as the state treasury during the American Revolution, and found a lot of papers and textiles used as insulation in the attic. One of those papers was the Dunlap Broadside. This find inspired the founding of the American Independence Museum in the house in 1991. Ever since, the museum has displayed a reproduction of the rare document, of which about 30 are known to remain today, only bringing the original out for the museum’s annual American Independence Festival.
The museum’s mission was to tell the story of the American Revolution, but in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, the museum has rebranded, changing its name to the American Independence Center and expanding its mission to telling the story of the United States in the decades and centuries following the Revolution up until today.
To mark the occasion the museum has opened two new exhibits. The Republic Room picks up after the signing of the Constitution in 1787 with exhibits on abolition, suffrage, Indian removal, civil right and conflicts from the world wars to Iraq and Afghanistan. The “Amending America” exhibit looks at the Bill of Rights, explaining how it lays out individual and states’ right, and will focus on one right each year, beginning with the First Amendment this year.
Seacoast a big part of why USA is turning 250 in 2026
You can’t take a step anywhere on the Seacoast without treading on historic ground rooted in the American Revolution. For 250 years, this area has taken pride in and preserved its connections to the revolutionary fight and the founding of the United States.
From Exeter, which served as the state’s capital during the Revolutionary era, to New Castle where a fort, perched at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor, named after the British monarchs William and Mary, was the site of the first rebel act of the Revolutionary War, you can trace the steps of Revolutionary heroes, sung and unsung. On Dec. 14 and 15, 1774, after being warned by Paul Revere himself that the British were coming to take the powder from the fort, hundreds of local patriots attacked the fort, took the powder from the British and hid it in towns across the greater Seacoast including Durham, Exeter, Kingston, Fremont, Brentwood and Epping among others. This took place more than four months before “the shot heard ‘round the world” that sparked the Battle of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.
The New Hampshire Fifth Provincial Congress, meeting in Exeter on Jan. 5, 1776, adopted the New Hampshire Constitution of 1776, the first written constitution adopted by any of the 13 colonies, according to the NH Sons of the American Revolution. Months before July 4th, it marked the beginning of self-rule and established the state’s own government. It was America’s first declaration of independence.
Across the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was established by the still-new federal government on June 12, 1800 and launched its first ship, the USS Washington, a 74-gun warship, in 1814. It built the first submarine built at a U.S. Navy shipyard during World War I, according to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Historical Foundation, and during World War II, it built 78, and employed approximately 23,000. Today, it’s the U.S. Navy’s oldest continuously working shipyard.
Pease Air Force Base formally opened on June 30, 1956, but wasn’t officially named to honor World War II B-17 bomber pilot Capt. Harl Pease until 1957. It was a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War, home to two nuclear bomber wings, and closed in 1991. Part of the base became the Pease Air National Guard Base, which is now the home of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and KC-46A Pegasus. It is the first to fly the nation’s new aerial refueler and has its full contingent of 12 KC-46A Pegasus jets. The wing employs more than 1,300 Guardsmen, full-time military members and civilian employees.
The Seacoast’s pride in its role in Revolutionary War history and its long heritage of military service preserving the freedom those patriots won makes this Fourth of July hit a little differently here, inspiring a summer full of celebrations of the United States’ 250th birthday.
Where to celebrate the 250th on the Seacoast in 2026
Tree of Independence Festival
The horse chestnut tree at the Moffatt-Ladd House in Portsmouth was planted by Declaration of Independence signer William Whipple and his enslaved servant, Prince. The tree is turning 250 years old and on Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum will host a free Tree of Independence Festival for the public to celebrate its birthday, learn about its history, shop commemorative items, and enjoy refreshments. The gardens and festival are free; house tours purchased separately.
Flag Day and USA 250 Big Watch
Portsmouth’s Liberty Pole on Marcy Street at the edge of Prescott Park is the oldest in the nation. The Sons of Liberty raised the first No Stamp Flag in the American Colonies here. On Sunday, June 14, from noon to 2:30 p.m., Strawberry Banke, the Portsmouth Historical Society and the Association of Historical Society of NH will present a Flag Day ceremony at the pole. After the ceremony, there’ll be children’s craft activities and refreshments.
The ceremony will be followed by a USA 250 Big Watch screening of selections from Ken Burns’ “American Revolution” documentary at the Visitors Center at Strawbery Banke. Following that, Courtney Marshall of NH Humanities will lead a panel discussion with Nancy Pearson, Claudia Wu and Allyson Ryder at 1 p.m. Event is free, but seating is limited so advance registration is required.
Seabrook celebrates the 250th
Seabrook will kick off its celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday on Saturday, June 13 with a 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m. at Seabrook Elementary School followed by a cookout at the Seabrook American Legion. On Sunday, June 14th, the 250th Anniversary Motorcycle Ride begins at 10 a.m. at the Seabrook American Legion with a Flag Day Ceremony to follow at 2 p.m. The town will host multiple events throughout the summer culminating at its Old Home Days.
Halcyon Music Festival salutes American Composers for 250th
Returning for its 12th season, the Halcyon Music Festival will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with American Composers for America’s 250th featuring an American composer at each of its concerts from June 11 to 20 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. The festival brings world-class chamber music musicians together to perform, live and practice together for a summer week. Concerts are at 7 p.m. each evening. General admission tickets are $45, students $15, and a wide variety of concert packages are offered so you can tailor the festival to your interests. Concert lineup and tickets are available on the website.
‘Redcoats & Rebels: NH in the American Revolution’
Explore New Hamsphire’s role in the American Revolution with local historian Wendy Bergeron Kloc as she examines the attack at Fort William and Mary and the roles local men played throughout the war in ‘Redcoats & Rebels: NH in the American Revolution’ on Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Hampton Public Library, 239 Atlantic Ave., North Hampton. Free and open to the public.
‘From Liberty to Loyalist’ walking tour
A special tour in honor of the nation’s 250th “From Liberty to Loyalist” will be presented by the Portsmouth Historical Society. You can learn about the British settlement of the area and the economic prosperity that made Portsmouth the royal colony’s capital in this 90-minute walk to Portsmouth sites related to the Revolution. Tour takes place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on June 19, July 3 and 17, Aug. 7 and 21, Sept. 4 and 18, Oct. 2 and 16, and leaves from 10 Middle St. Tickets $15 for members, $20 mon-members, $15 for children 5-18, seniors over 62, students and Portsmouth residents, free for kids under 5.
Many history tours and walks fill a Portsmouth summer for history buffs, especially as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday. The Portsmouth Historical Society presents other themed walks at portsmouthhistory.org. Learn about the city’s history in the guided walking tours of many themes at blackheritagetrailnh.org. The Black Heritage Trail of NH also offers self-guided tours, bus and trolley tours, and virtual tours. Learn about the Portsmouth Harbour Trail Tours at goportsmouthnh.com.
‘Revolutionary Portsmouth’ exhibit
In the 1760s and 1770s, Portsmouth’s citizens were forced to make a choice between democracy or monarchy, between being a Patriot or a Loyalist, and this John Paul Jones House exhibit shows what that was like. It also looks at how the Revolution was remembered and portrayed at the Centennial in 1876 and Bicentennial in 1976. The house is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer. Admission is $10. Information: portsmouthhistory.org/jpj.
‘Echoes of Revolution’ guided tour
Walk through centuries at Strawbery Banke where each historic home depicts life in Portsmouth during a specific decade in history. This summer, the Banke is adding an “Echoes of Revolution” guided tour. On Saturday and Sundays, as an add-on to regular museum admission, this tour visits three historic homes to explore how the Revolution and its legacy shaped daily life. It begins at the Pitt Tavern, which was built in 1777, where residents debated loyalty and freedom in real time while the Revolution was going on. Tickets are $15, members; $20, non-members. The museum is also offering a Revolutionary Portsmouth lecture series, and a Revolutionary Portsmouth exhibit in its Rowland Gallery. strawberybanke.org/250.
Portsmouth Athenaeum marks nation’s 250 with lecture series
The Portsmouth Athenaeum is focusing its 2026 Lecture Series on the Seacoast’s role during the Revolution. On Wednesday, June 17, it will present D. Allan Kerr on “General William Whipple: Seaman, Soldier, Statesman and Signer of the Declaration of Independence.” On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Glenn Knoblock will talk about “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During The American Revolution.” On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Janet Polasky will present “Remember The Ladies: Moving Beyond Abigail Adams.” Each program will be held in the Athenaeum’s Shaw Research Library at 9 Market Square, and begin at 5:30 pm. This event is free for Athenaeum members, the public is welcome for an admission of $15. Reservations are required at portsmouthathenaeum.org.
Celebrate Juneteenth
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is celebrating Juneteenth this year along with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 19 with a Freedom Walk from Kittery to Portsmouth and then the annual African Drumming Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth. It continues on Sunday, June 21 at 10 a.m. with the living history interpretation “Meet New Hampshire’s Five To Know” at the M&T Bank parking lot. On Saturday, June 27, there is the annual Frederick Douglass Statewide Readings at noon at Strawbery Banke locally and many other locations around the state. On Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m., BHTNH presents a “Reclaiming History, Declaring Dignity” guided bus tour to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
The 1776 Ball in Seabrook
The town of Seabrook continues to mark America’s 240th anniversary with The 1776 Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at Seabrook American Legion. Tickets are $20.
Kittery Independence Day ceremony
On Saturday, June 27 at 9 a.m., the Declaration of Independence will be read by historical interpreter portraying Kittery’s native son General William Whipple, who signed the Declaration in 1776, in Thresher Park, 200 Rogers Road, Kittery. The historic Petition of Freedom of 1779 submitted to the New Hampshire Legislature by Prince Whipple and others seeking freedom from slavery will also be read. The Piscataqua Rangers Junior Fife and Drum Corps, Capt. Henry Dearborn’s Compan of Revolution-era re-enactors and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Color Guard will also participate. A reception will follow at the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum.
Dover’s fireworks
Dover will present its fireworks display on Thursday, July 2. They’ll be set off from Garrison Hill. The 39th Army Band will perform at the Rotary Arts Pavilion from 6 to 8 p.m. Fireworks begin approximately 9 to 9:15 p.m.
Moffatt-Ladd House US 250 Big Watch
There’ll be a screening of excerpts of Ken Burns’ ‘American Revolution’ documents with discussion to follow on Friday, July 3 from 1 to 3 p.m at the Moffatt-Ladd House, 154 Market St., Portsmouth. Light refreshments served. Free, but registration required at https://www.moffattladd.org.
Portsmouth fireworks
Celebrating America’s 250th, a spectacular fireworks display over downtown Portsmouth sponsored by Wilcox Industries will take place at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. Rain date is July 5. The fireworks will go off over the South Mill Pond and Parrott and Junkins avenues area. The event is free and open to the public. Parking and street closure information will be available on the city’s website closer to the event.
Rye Day is two days in 2026, with fireworks
Rye is celebrating 300 years of the town’s existence and 250 years of American independence July 4-5 at Parsons Field. Saturday, July 4 festivities will start at 11 a.m. with a short community procession, followed by patriotic tributes, followed by a celebration featuring Disney characters, face painting, giant lawn games, local vendors, community groups presenting, live music on the big stage, Texas barbecue, burgers, and ice cream trucks. On Sunday, July 5, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. there will be live music, food trucks and fireworks.
July 4th naturalization ceremony
On Saturday, July 4, Strawbery Banke will again host a U.S. naturalization ceremony at 10 a.m. to welcome new citizens on the country’s 250th birthday. The free ceremony is rain or shine under a tent on the museum’s grounds and open to the public. Visitors can tour the historic houses and grounds free of charge all day, too. No parking is available at Strawbery Banke and weapons, coolers, signs, banners and pets are not permitted.
July 4 fireworks at Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach celebrate summer with fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. on the beach between B and C streets. It will hold a special fireworks display will take place on Saturday, July 4. Fireworks are weather dependent, rain date is the following Friday.
Old York celebrates nation’s 250th anniversary
The Old York Historical Society will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with exhibits and tours about York’s Revolutionary War era history. Old York is hosting Community Free Days on July 4 and Oct. 3. A one‑hour walking tour “Answering the Call: York’s Wartime Service” highlights the town’s war memorials from the American Revolution through the Vietnam War on July 11, Aug. 1 and 29. The tour will explore key individuals and locations, York’s Loyalist and Revolutionary politics as well as the military service of local residents, including those who were enslaved. Another tour “250 at Old York: The Rising Tide of Revolution” will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 28 and several Fridays in the fall. Tickets $10, free for children and OYHS members. The Remick Gallery, located on the museum’s second level, has been refreshed with artifacts from the Revolutionary War period for the new exhibit, “Revolutionary York,” which explores the town’s ties to the Revolution and its place in the broader national story. Other highlights of the 2026 season are house tours, Tuesday Trivia in the Tavern, a Juneteenth Walking Tour, story time at the Old Schoolhouse, and a hands‑on history of chocolate demonstration, free for children.
36th American Independence Festival, Exeter
Hear a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, view the original copy that was brought to Exeter in 1776, explore what it was like to be a colonist, a soldier and a tradesman, visit the museum and tavern, talk with local historical interpreters including George Washington and Jack Staines, and enjoy a local brew in the beer garden at the free American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first Pursuit of Happiness 5K Road Race begins at 8 a.m. and runs through downtown Exeter. aicnh.org/american-independence-festival.
John Paul Jones House Birthday Party
The Portsmouth Historical Society will celebrate the 268th birthday of the John Paul Jones house, 43 Middle St., Portsmouth, on Saturday, July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon with yard games and crafts on the lawn, an I Spy house tour, coloring activities and cupcakes. Admission to the historic house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is free. portsmouthhistory.org/jpj
250th Grand Parade in Seabrook
Seabrook is holding a 250th Grand Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 11.
Lilac Family Fun Festival in Rochester
The city of Rochester will hold the Lilac Family Fun Festival at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on Saturday, July 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 12 at same hours. There will be free kiddie carnival rides for young children, games, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, concluding with fireworks.
‘Tangible Histories of Strawbery Banke’ archaeology talk
Strawbery Banke archaeologist Alexandra Martin will talk about how the objects left behind by Abenaki fisher, colonial merchants and others teach us about their everyday life, and will present examples of artifacts found locally in Tangible Histories of Strawbery Banke on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the North Hampton Public Library, 239 Atlantic Ave., North Hampton. Free and open to the public.
Sail Portsmouth Festival & Parade of Sail
The Parade of Sail of tall ships up the Piscataqua River and into Portsmouth Harbor will take place on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Sail Portsmouth Festival will take place Friday to Sunday, July 24 to 26, at the Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier. The festival with activities, informational booths and entertainment is free. Ship tours aboard the tall ship Oosterschelde will be available. Free for children ages up to 12; $15 for 13 and above; family ticket admits one adult and up to three children 13 to 15 for $39.
Seabrook 250th Carnival
The town of Seabrook will present a 250th Carnival, with rides, games and food trucks, on Saturday, July 25 at Governor Weare Park, at a time to be announced. Two days earlier, on Thursday, July 23, Seabrook Recreation Center will host Scratch Ticket Bingo beginning at 5 p.m.
Lecture on John Paul Jones
The Revolutionary Portsmouth Lecture Series presents “The Birth, Death and Resurrection of John Paul Jones” will take place Thursday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. A Portsmouth Historical Society curator will look at how the naval hero has been remembered and reinterpreted over time, revealing as much about a changing America as about historical figures. Strawbery Banke and PHS members, $15, non-members, $20.
North Hampton Old Home Days celebrates 250th
North Hampton’s Aug. 8 Old Home Days will include 250th-themed events, including a lot of things that traditionally take place during the annual celebration. This year there’ll be a Red, White and Blue 5K fun run, children’s games, face painting, trolley rides, bingo, food trucks, a live concert at the bandstand, fireworks display, and more.
Seabrook Old Home Days celebrates USA 250
The town’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary will continue at its annual Old Home Days events on Saturday, Aug. 16 with the usual bevy of food booths, games and exhibits, along with an expanded fireworks display this year that marks an end to the town’s celebration of this special milestone in the nation’s history.
America 250th Gala
Strawbery Banke Museum will present this open air 250th gala on its historic grounds to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and to honor Martha Fuller Clark for her extraordinary leadership and longstanding dedication to preserving Strawbery Banke and its stories on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 30. Tickets and menu at https://www.strawberybanke.org/250gala
250th celebration events across the state
You can find information on celebrations across the state at newhampshire250.org
Revolutionary Scenic Byway
You can follow American Revolution Scenic Byway across the state at visitnh.gov/things-to-do/scenic-drives/american-independence-byway
Do you have a local event to add to this list? This story will be updated with more events. Email [email protected] or [email protected].
Reporting by Angeljean Chiaramida, Howard Altschiller and other Seacoastonline staff and contributors was used in this report.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.seacoastonline.com ’
