Pro Portsmouth Presents Summer in the Street 2026! Needham Bank Steps In To Make the Program Possible
PORTSMOUTH — When the NH State Council on the Arts was defunded in 2025, and the staff released, the loss of grant support meant that Summer in the Street for 2026 was in doubt until a new partner stepped forward: Needham Bank.
“Summer in the Street brings people together through music, community and the shared experience of enjoying downtown Portsmouth,” said Jessica Friswell, director of Foundation & Community Relations at Needham Bank. “We are proud to support Pro Portsmouth in keeping this beloved summer tradition vibrant and accessible for residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”
The music series that began as a pilot program to identify pedestrian-friendly street closures back in 2003, invites all to a return to music in downtown Portsmouth. Pleasant Street will be closed on each designated evening from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. Vehicular traffic and parking on Pleasant Street will be prohibited. The series takes place each Saturday evening from July 4 through Aug.1.
On Saturday, July 4, Pro Portsmouth is proud to kick off this year’s series with the Seacoast Wind Ensemble featured for a celebratory Pleasant Street Pops Concert.
Produced by Pro Portsmouth, Summer in the Street is also supported this year by the 2026 Program Partners, Lonza, Mass General Brigham Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and Ocean Properties.
Important fun facts about Summer in the Street: All performances take place on an extremely pedestrian-friendly Pleasant Street, so BYOC (bring your own chair) and enjoy the music, bring a nosh and a beverage (no alcohol, please) and note, all performances take place - weather permitting - from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Support is still being sought for the music series, and donations may be made here: https://givebutter.com/oRUMC5
For more information on Pro Portsmouth, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.proportsmouth.org or contact Barbara Massar at 603-433-4398.
About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.
Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization serving the Seacoast area for 49 years. Its Mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the area through such events as Children’s Day, Market Square Day, Summer in the Street and First Night Portsmouth.
