Summer is the best time of year to head to Portsmouth.  The weather is beautiful (see http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g46... ) for more information) and there is always a lot going on. For updated information about things going on in the area, visit http://www.portsmouthnh.com/calendar/... .  Some of the annual events visitors may be interested in seeing include:

• Children’s Day is the first Sunday of May each year and is celebrated with parades and festivities throughout the daytime hours.  This is one of the best events in Portsmouth for families traveling together.  More information on family travel in the area is available at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g46... .
• Chowderfest takes place at the beginning of June each year.  This event has been going on for so long that it is practically a historic event in the area.
• Market Square Day takes place the second weekend in June of each year.  During this time, the entire downtown area is filled with both locals and visitors who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and arts and crafts shopping.
• SeaCoast Jazz Festival takes place each summer in Prescott Park.  For more information about this and other events in the park, visit http://www.prescottpark.org/.
  
• South Berwick Strawberry Festival ( http://www.southberwickstrawberryfest... ) is an annual event in a neighboring area which should be enjoyed by everyone traveling to Portsmouth during late June.