Arts & Entertainment


If you appreciate the visual arts, film, lectures, and live music, you have come to the right place. Portsmouth’s galleries and entertainment venues have never been livelier.

Fine Art Galleries

Spectacular galleries with changing exhibitions.

Mixed media, photography, sculptures, paintings, and more are displayed in our shops and galleries. The Portsmouth Arts and Cultural Center has two floors and an annex with rotating exhibits. Or visit the architectural photography at the Dave Chance Gallery, or original works of regional artists at Hartung Gallery.

Things to Do

Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center

display shelf with workshop table in background

Shopping

That Art Store Olde Towne

Shopping

Dave Chance Photography Gallery

Shopping

Hartung Gallery

The Commodore Theatre

Enjoy dinner and a movie in this Art Deco theatre.

Located in the heart of Olde Towne, The Commodore Theatre is a restored 1945 Art Deco style first-run films theatre & dining restaurant all in one. If dinner and a movie isn’t for you, you can opt to sit in their traditional theatre seating that overlooks the main auditorium.

SEE SHOWTIMES

Live Music

Catch your favorite local and national acts on stage.

Enjoy a waterfront concert at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, whose past shows have included Tom Petty, BB King, Chris Stapleton, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. If you’re in the mood for something a little more intimate with local artists, check out Roger Brown’s Live or one of the many other bars and restaurants offering evening musical guests. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite!

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Upcoming Live Music and Events

Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion

This 6,500 capacity outdoor & waterfront venue hosts live entertainment from all musical genres. Enjoy the show from the covered seating area or manicured lawn.

View Upcoming Shows

Local Bars & Restaurants

Look no further than our local bars and restaurants for home-grown musical talent. Watch a cover band at the Barrell II or sip wine to smooth jazz at Admirals Steakhouse.

VIEW live music venues

Sunset Thursdays

Wind down after work with this free summer concert series every Thursday night at High Street Landing. Bring your loungers and make it an evening!

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Toads on High

A scavenger hunt for kids of all ages to discover “the greatest story ever toad.” Walk along Olde Towne to help the toad, Bufo, find his friend Ana.

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Portsmouth Wings

Find the first installments of the “Wings” project as you walk around Olde Towne. Discover the many forms “Wings” take in this photo-op mural series.

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Walk Your Art Out

Looking for things to do? There are over 20 pieces of public art in this one-mile scavenger hunt located throughout Olde Towne Portsmouth

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Explore more of Portsmouth’s museums

VISIT MUSEUM PAGE