The Seacoast area is abuzz with cultural activities throughout the year. From the performing arts and theater to music and independent film, there’s something for every taste and interest.

The Music Hall in downtown Portsmouth is the Seacoast area’s premier performing arts center, entertaining more than 70,000 patrons annually with acclaimed film, music, theater, and dance performances. The historic 900-seat theater, built in 1878, is the oldest in New Hampshire, the second oldest in New England, and the fourteenth oldest operating in the United States. Designated by the U.S. Senate as “An American Treasure,” the Music Hall also offers 'behind the scenes’ tours of the theater that focus on its colorful history and architectural splendor. Depending upon the group size and their physical condition, tour participants can go up into the rafters for a bird’s eye view of the theater—a very unusual and enjoyable experience! Tours typically last between 1 to 1-1/2 hours and can be designed to accommodate a wide variety of group sizes. For performance schedules, visit www.themusichall.org. For group tour information and rates, call (603) 433-3100, ext. 17.

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre, also in downtown Portsmouth, is a year-round center for theater. The “Seacoast Rep” was chosen by Boston Magazine's Travel as the premier entertainment venue on the Seacoast, and won the Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Year Round Theatre on the Seacoast in 1998, 1999 and 2000. For information and show schedule, call (603) 433-4793 or visit www.seacoastrep.org.

The Prescott Park Arts Festival in downtown Portsmouth’s Prescott Park offers wonderful live musical theater, concerts, and dance performances in an outdoor setting from June through August. For a current schedule and more information, please visit www.artfest.org.