HAMPTON BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

A Top North American Festival:
Recognized by the American Bus Association as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, this event has grown into a massive seaside celebration. 

Over 50 Local Restaurants & Food Stands

Savor everything from classic lobster rolls and clam chowder to creative seafood dishes. 

80+ Arts & Crafts Vendors

Explore handmade jewelry, pottery, and local goods. 

Live Music & Entertainment

Two stages host continuous music, bands, and family acts. 

Chef Demonstrations

Watch local chefs at work in the Wicked Bites Culinary Tent. 

A Few Signature Highlights:

Lobster Roll Eating Contest on Sunday

Saturday Night Fireworks lighting up the sky

A Seafood Fest 5K run, fun for all ages

Logistics & Community Impact

Attendance: The festival draws around 150,000 eager visitors, making it a huge economic driver for local businesses. 

Parking & Shuttles: Free shuttle buses from paired satellite lots help minimize the stress of parking and make arriving easy and efficient. 

Community Support: The event isn’t just festive—it’s also philanthropic. Dozens of nonprofits benefit, and local businesses often report it outpaces even Fourth of July sales. 

Quick Snapshot

Weekend after Labor Day (Fri–Sun) September 5th-7th, 2025 - Hampton Beach, NH (Ocean Blvd.)

What to Expect

Seafood, crafts, live music, chef demos, contests

Attendance

Roughly 150,000+ visitors

Admission

Typically, $15/day (children under 12 are free)

Transport Tip

Free shuttles available—great alternative to street parking

The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is more than just a food fair—it's a “shell-abration” of coastal New England culture. It brings together community spirit, seaside charm, and delicious memories—lined with fireworks, laughter, and lobster rolls dripping in butter.