"Voted One of the Top 100 Events in North America 2011" -American Bus Association 1996-2001-2003-2006-2007-2009-2010

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Celebrates 23 Years as New Hampshire's Premier Event

Sponsored by the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce

In May of 1988 a small group of the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce business owners and merchants assembled at the State Park on the southern tip of Hampton Beach to put on the 1^st Annual Seafood Festival as a way to promote Hampton’s local restaurants and offer samplings of their seafood specialties.   While the weather did not cooperate and held crowds at bay, the spirit of the organizers was not dampened. 

 In 1990 the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival changed location & date to where it is presently held at the center of Hampton Beach, the weekend after Labor Day.  The move necessitated the closing of Ocean Boulevard from H St. to the Memorial Statue and with it brought a dramatic impact to the Festival.  With Ocean Boulevard closed to vehicular traffic, a safe and enjoyable seaside pedestrian promenade was formed.

 The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival has evolved dramatically, and has been acclaimed as “One of the Top 100 Events in North America”, by the American Bus Association in 1996, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 , 2010 and 2011! Event attendance is now estimated as exceeding 150,000! 

 Festivities include: Over 50 of the Seacoast’s top restaurants serving an abundance of mouthwatering seafood delicacies; 80 Arts & Crafts vendors promoting locally made products; hundreds of Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season sidewalk sales; a Kiddie Land with the region’s most notable celebrities in children’s entertainment; continuous culinary chef demonstrations produced by Pat Whitley; and two stages of continuous entertainment with 15 bands and orchestras.  There are three “don’t miss” main events planned throughout the weekend the Lobster Roll Eating Competition and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday and on Sunday spectators will view an amazing Sky Diving extravaganza by Sky Dive New England.

 Free parking and shuttle service is offered at over 13 in-town satellite parking lots.  The shuttle service has proved to be the fastest, safest, and most cost effective way to get to the Festival. With no cost and less aggravation, it has become the most popular way to attend and enjoy the festival for families and our volunteers.

 Although the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival continues to grow and evolve; our mission remains the same.  For the past 23 years, the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and Seafood Festival Committee have helped put New Hampshire on the map as a vacation destination.  The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival has a profound effect on seacoast businesses, our community, and the overall economy of the area.  Restaurants, lodging, shops, and businesses in general depend on the Seafood Festival as the primary contributor to their bottom line.  Many business owners say it is even bigger than the “4^th of July” in sales volume!  The Festival, held the weekend after Labor Day, is also instrumental in extending the summer season.  Dozens of non-profit organizations also earn a major portion of their income through revenues earned at the Festival, allowing them to continue to support their causes that benefit the citizens of New Hampshire.  The Seafood Festival is a win-win situation for everyone involved; our business people, the community, the town, the State of New Hampshire and for Tourism in general.  But most of all, it is a fun-filled weekend in which all of our business colleagues, the community, 500 volunteers, and our friends pull together to put on a World Class Event!

FESTIVAL FACT SHEET

WHEN:  Weekend after Labor Day: September 7^th, 8^th, &9^th, 2012

• Friday - 4 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday - 10 AM to 9 PM
• Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM

 WHAT:  A spectacular Seaside Festival (Ocean Boulevard closed to traffic) featuring:

• 60 of the Seacoast’s top restaurants serving an abundance of mouthwatering seafood.  Choose from favorites like fried clams, shrimp, and lobster (steamed, fried, or in a roll) to non-seafood items like BBQ Ribs, “Blooming Onions” and sumptuous desserts.
• 80 Arts & Crafts vendors promoting locally made products and hundreds of Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season Sidewalk Sales.
• Continuous Entertainment on two stages featuring 15 Bands and Orchestras playing a variety of music — Blues, Jazz, the Oldies but Goodies, and even a little Rock & Roll!
• Kiddie Land - Featuring the best in Children’s Celebrities, Magicians, Jugglers, Clowns, Face Painting & Games.
• Spectacular fireworks display — Saturday at 8:15 PM.
• A "Don't Miss" thrilling Skydiving demonstration, Sunday at 5 PM.
• Pat Whitley Culinary Chef Demonstrations Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM.
• A 200 foot beverage tent serving beer and wine!
• A beach cabana bar in the sand!
• 3rd Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest Saturday, 2:00 pm

                  WHERE:  Ocean Boulevard (Center Beach) is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall.

FREE SHUTTLE & PARKING:  Free parking and shuttle service is available at over 13 in-town satellite parking lots. The shuttle service has proved to be the fastest, safest, and most cost effective way to get to the Festival.  With no cost, and less aggravation; it has become the most popular way to attend and enjoy the Festival.  For a complete list of available lots check out our website at www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com  –OR– Park at the NH State Park (near Seabrook Bridge, Rte. 1A).  Parking is $15 per car with FREE TROLLEY SERVICE.

FESTIVAL ADMISSIONS: 

• $5 per Adult
• Children under 12 free of charge

SUGGESTIONS:

Wear comfortable shoes!  Do not eat before you come!  Make an early reservation at one of our fine lodging establishments.  Bring your friends and family.  Please note:  Pets are NOT allowed per town ordinance.

INFORMATION: Call the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce at (603)-926-8718 or visit www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com. 

                       Come Celebrate the Last Blast of Summer! 

 Bon Appétit!