Hampton Beach is already buzzing with early season activity as businesses reopen like Bernie’s Beach Bar and free entertainment returns to the Seashell Stage for Memorial Day weekend.
“We are really excited, and we have a lot of great stuff happening this year,” said Hampton Beach Village District marketing director Lisa Martineau. “We’re looking forward to another great summer at the beach.”
Popular spots like Blink’s Fry Doe, the Casino Ballroom, and seasonal favorites such as the Sea Ketch, Farr’s Famous Chicken and the Boardwalk Inn & Café are welcoming visitors again.
Weekly Wednesday night fireworks begin July 1, with a special July 4 display celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday.
Movie Night Mondays launch July 6 with “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” Highlights later in the season include “Wicked for Good” on Aug. 17 and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on Aug. 31.
For those looking to unwind, Yoga on the Beach returns June 23 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday through Sept. 10.
Martineau said the summer lineup also includes major events such as the Miss Hampton Beach Pageant on July 26 and the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Sept. 11–13.
Here is a look at what’s new at Hampton Beach in 2026:
Sand Sculpting Classic to kick off free events at Hampton Beach
The Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic is going global again this year, drawing 10 elite sand sculptors from around the world to compete for $25,000 in prizes — and serious bragging rights.
“We have the winners from last year coming back as well as some new people,” said organizer Greg Grady. “We brought in some younger people to give the older ones a little run for their money.”
The annual contest, held from June 18-20, kicks off the free events put on by the Hampton Beach Village District.
Last year’s first‑place and People’s Choice winner, Mélineige Beauregard — who wowed crowds with her three‑piece sculpture “Aligned” — will return to defend her title. Other returning competitors include five‑time world champion Karen Fralich; Moscow‑based sculptor and last year’s runner‑up, Ilya Filimonstev; and Carl Jara, the only artist to compete in every Hampton Beach contest.
Newcomers this year include internationally acclaimed Latvian sculptor Agnese Rudzite and Joon Park — known as “JP” or the “Japanese Sandman” to his TikTok and Instagram followers.
Sculptors will have three days — eight hours each day — to create masterpieces using only sand and water. Entries are judged on overall impact, technical skill, and degree of difficulty.
Prior to the contest, sculptors will join forces June 12-15, pounding and shaping 100 tons of sand into the sponsorship site in honor of America’s 250th to show off their skills and creativity before the competition begins.
Other events this summer include Hampton Beach Country Fest (July 7-9), Miss Hampton Beach (July 25-26), Children’s Festival (Aug. 17-21), Hampton Beach Talent Competition (Aug. 21-23), and Cirque du Hampton Beach with the Boston Circus Guild (Sept. 5).
Hampton’s Playland Arcade gets new owner
Playland Arcade has a new owner who plans to continue the popular attraction “as one of the most beloved” staples of Hampton Beach.
Hampton Beach Casino complex owner and developer Sal Lupoli has purchased the arcade at 211 Ocean Blvd. from Jack Kennedy, who operated the business with his brother, Frank, for more than 50 years. Frank died in January 2025, and Jack, now 86, said it was time to slow down and retire.
The Kennedys — including Jack’s wife, Jacqui — received multiple offers from buyers interested in redeveloping the property. They chose Lupoli because he was the only one committed to keeping the arcade running. The sale also included the adjacent parking lot.
Lupoli said he and his family have fond memories of the arcade.
“The Lupoli Companies look forward to continuing the proud legacy of the Playland Arcade as one of the most beloved attractions on Hampton Beach,” he said in a statement.
Playland Arcade is known for its classic pinball machines, retro games like Pac-Man and The Simpsons, and longtime favorite Skee‑Ball.
Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom is ready to rock
The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom is ready to rock for its 99th season with more than 50 shows already announced, featuring an eclectic mix of “legendary acts, rising stars, and Ballroom-favorites.”
The historic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Janis Joplin, The Doors, U2, Bob Dylan, Joan Rivers and George Carlin.
This summer and 2027 could be the final seasons to experience the current Ballroom before it is razed to make way for a new Casino Ballroom, hotel, gaming facility and luxury condos.
“While exciting enhancements and future plans are in motion down the road, the Ballroom is very much open and rocking,” the venue said in a press release announcing the summer lineup.
Returning legends include The Beach Boys on June 3, and KC & The Sunshine Band on Aug. 13.
More tribute shows of some of your favorite artists are also coming to the Ballroom, including the Taylor Swift tribute Let’s Sing Taylor on June 20, The Fab Four- Ultimate Tribute on July 24, The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on July 31, Face 2 Face- A tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel on Aug. 15 and One Night of Queen on Aug. 30.
All information, show updates, and ticket links can be found at CasinoBallroom.com.
McGuirk’s, Post 8 to reopen May 22 after fire repairs
McGuirk’s Ocean View restaurant and its Post 8 outdoor bar plan to open for the summer season on May 22, as crews continue repairing damage from a March fire.
Owner Tom McGuirk said the restaurant will open its front patio and dining room on schedule, though work on the back patio remains.
“We are rebuilding from the fire, but we should be open by May 22,” McGuirk said. “The front patio work that needed to be completed obviously took priority over getting the back patio finished.”
The March 4 blaze damaged the roof and the structure that hangs over the outdoor bar area, requiring full replacement. McGuirk said additional work was already underway on the back patio to improve sound mitigation for nearby neighbors. The project, he said, should be completed by mid-June.
“The back patio is going to be spectacular (when completed),” said McGuirk.
The summer lineup will look familiar to regulars.
“A lot of the fan favorites are coming back,” McGuirk said. “We do have the Redemption band every other Friday and every other Wednesday through the summer. We also have some new menu items, but those are going to be towards the middle of June.”
Also returning to Post 8 is the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival from Aug. 18-23, featuring comics Jimmy Dunn, Dave Rattigan, Paul D’Angelo, Carolyn Plummer and more.
Plover nesting delays fireworks, but bigger shows coming July 1
This year’s weekly fireworks shows will once again start later than usual because piping plovers are nesting at Hampton Beach.
Beach officials say that when the Wednesday night shows return July 1, they’ll be bigger than ever.
“We are stepping it up a bit with the fireworks this year,” said Hampton Beach Village District marketing director Lisa Martineau. “We are spending a little bit extra to have a bigger show.”
In recent years, the Memorial Day fireworks and the special display during the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic have been canceled to avoid disturbing the federally protected shorebirds. Piping plovers are protected under state and federal endangered species laws, and their nesting areas are roped off. Harming or harassing a plover or its eggs can result in fines of up to $25,000 or jail time.
Rather than advertise early‑season shows and risk last‑minute cancellations, the Village District opted to cancel the May and June displays outright.
The plovers historically nested in the dunes at the southern end of Hampton and Seabrook beaches, but in 2020 —when the main beach was closed during the COVID‑19 pandemic — they moved to the main beach and have returned there every year since.
“They always come back to the same nest, even if it was a bad place to nest. It doesn’t matter,” Martineau said. “They don’t seem to be bothered by people or noise, but there is a law that we can’t disturb them, so we have to respect that. That’s just the way it is.”
Summer Concert Series at Seashell Stage gets fresh look for 2026
Nightly entertainment at the Seashell Stage is getting a refresh this summer, with returning favorites, new artists, tribute acts and shorter breaks between sets.
The 2026 Hampton Beach Summer Concert Series kicks off Memorial Day weekend with two old-time beach favorites, Eastern Sound on May 23 and The Continentals on May 24.
Shows will be held seven nights a week, starting June 19 with Avco Unplugged, playing classic sounds of the ’60s and ’70s.
“We have so many great acts this year. A lot of new bands are coming and, of course, a lot of the favorites,” said Hampton Beach Village District marketing director Lisa Martineau. “We’re mixing things up a little bit to cover all the genres of music.”
Concerts run from 7 to 9:30 p.m., now with a shorter 10‑ to 15‑minute intermission instead of the previous half‑hour break.
Returning favorites include Redemption on June 21, The Reminisants on June 24, 39th Army Band on July 3, Scott Brown and the Diplomats on July 14, Ayla Brown on July 29, Rico Barr Jumping Jive Review on Aug. 2, and Mark 209 on Aug. 14.
“People were actually asking for Mark 209 and asking us to bring them back,” Martineau said. “It’s a country act, but a four-part harmony, and they are fantastic. They tour the country and it’s a pretty big show for us.”
The lineup also features a slate of tribute acts, including Viva Las Elvis: A Tribute to Elvis Presley on June 30 (also July 27 and Aug. 24), The Rat Pack on July 13, Elton John tribute Bennie and the Jets on July 21, Tom Petty tribute Being Petty on Aug. 31, and The Brit Pack on Sept. 1, performing British rock classics from The Beatles to Coldplay.
“It brings a crowd,” Martineau said of the tribute/theme shows. “People love it. We are excited to have them.”
The Seashell Stage will also host the Tri‑State Skee‑Ball Second‑Chance Drawing, presented by the New Hampshire and Maine Lotteries, on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m., where 12 finalists will each have a chance to win up to $25,000, followed by a high‑energy set from New Hampshire’s own Recycled Percussion.
Country star Niko Moon set for encore performance
Country pop singer Niko Moon, known for his triple-platinum No. 1 song “Good Time,” is returning to Hampton Beach to headline Country Music Fest for an encore performance.
Moon will be performing the free concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, on the Seashell Stage as part of the three-day festival that “brings country stars to the beach.”
“We are looking forward to having him back,” said Martineau. “We knew we wanted to bring him back after last year’s concert, and we booked him then. Part of the reason is that we don’t think we can have him back in the future because he’s becoming so popular.”
Before taking the country scene by storm, Moon was an in-demand songwriter. He first found success writing for the Zac Brown Band, including songs like “Homegrown,” “Beautiful Drug,” “Keep Me in Mind,” and “Loving You Easy.” He has also written hits for artists like Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts and Morgan Wallen.
Moon is currently touring promoting his latest album, American Palm, a collection of beach anthems including “Boat Song,” “Margaritaville,” and “I Love this Beach.”
Opening up for Moon is Nashville-based DJ John Price, known for blending high-energy electronic music with country hits.
Kicking off Country Music Fest will be Red Solo Cup – A Tribute to The Legendary Toby Keith on Tuesday, July 7, and Portland, Maine, artist Chase Jobe on Wednesday, July 8. There will be line dance lessons prior to each show with Nashville Line Dance.
Ron’s Landing torn down to clear way for condos
Anyone driving Ocean Boulevard lately has likely noticed the absence of a familiar sight.
Ron’s Landing, a fixture on the Hampton Beach shoreline for decades, was demolished in January to make room for two new oceanfront condo buildings.
A three‑story building will replace the restaurant itself, while a five‑story companion building will rise on the former parking lot. The taller structure will house 10 three‑bedroom, three‑bath units; the smaller will include three four‑bedroom, four‑bath units. Covered parking will sit beneath both.
The development is slated for completion in spring 2027, with units expected to sell for $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Key West Days are back — bigger lineup, more venues
Key West Days returns to Hampton Beach this summer, bringing four days of free live music to venues along Ocean Boulevard from Aug. 26–29.
Now in its second year, the festival recreates the laid‑back, tropical atmosphere of Key West on the New Hampshire Seacoast.
The event opens Wednesday, Aug. 26, with a kickoff performance at the Seashell Stage. From Thursday through Saturday, venues including Boardwalk, Sea Ketch, McGuirk’s, Point Break and others will host musicians throughout the day and evening. The festival will wrap up with a final jam session at McGuirk’s on Saturday night.
“We’ve taken what we learned to make this year’s experience even better,” said festival founder Dave Hartnett. “With new artists, incredible local venues and the same relaxed, beachside atmosphere, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend.”
This year’s lineup features a mix of returning performers and new additions. Artists such as Marjory Lee, Kari Wolf, Jack Wolf and Zack Seemiller will return after standout sets in 2025. New performers include Meghan Barter, Collette Campbell and Ross Brown, offering a range of styles from country and rock to pop, originals and covers. A full schedule is available at keywestdays.com.
The Brook casino unveils The Secret Garden
The Brook recently unveiled the inaugural entertainment lineup for The Secret Garden, its new indoor‑outdoor venue designed to host live music, comedy and special events year‑round.
The Secret Garden, built on the former racetrack site, spans five acres and features winding garden paths, pergolas, fire pits and a 5,400‑square‑foot glass conservatory that allows for all‑season events. The venue will also be open daily for dinner and Sunday brunch, offering a farm‑to‑table menu with ingredients grown on the property.
“The Secret Garden is unlike anything else in New England,” said Andre Carrier, CEO of The Brook. “Whether you’re coming for a concert, planning a wedding or simply dinner for two, it’s a place that feels both intimate and spectacular.”
This year’s lineup includes Drew Baldridge and a drone show on May 23; Common Kings on June 6; Mick Foley on June 28; the Midsummer Night’s Dream Party featuring Carneyval on July 3; One Drop Redemption on July 4; the Saugus Wing Eating Championship with Joey Chestnut on July 11; Yächtley Crëw on July 18; a drone show on Sept. 25; and Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Sept. 26.
Tickets and event details are available at LiveFreeandPlay.com.
New boardwalk shop showcases work of 25-plus local artisans
The Hampton Artisans Store, founded by New England Vendor Events, has opened a shop on the Hampton Beach boardwalk with a curated collection of handmade goods, coastal décor and locally crafted gifts.
Located at 125 Ocean Blvd., next to the Sea Ketch, the store operates from May through October and features work from more than 25 regional makers. Items range from jewelry, home décor and boutique clothing to beach‑inspired souvenirs, small‑batch dog treats and unique pet accessories.
Organizers say the goal is to highlight the creativity of local artisans while offering visitors one‑of‑a‑kind pieces they won’t find in traditional retail shops. Each item “tells a story,” according to the store’s Facebook page, reflecting both the spirit of coastal living and the craftsmanship of its maker.
The Hampton Artisans Store is open daily for the summer season.
Bernie’s Beach Bar books biggest summer lineup yet for 2026
Bernie’s Beach Bar is bringing one of its biggest summer lineups yet to its outdoor beach stage in 2026 — a slate, owner Al Fleury says, is larger than anything the venue has hosted in a single season.
Wiz Khalifa, known for hits like 2010’s “Black and Yellow,” kicks off the summer on June 7. Mike Love of the Beach Boys performs Aug. 6 with his Full Circle band, and Shaggy — of “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel” fame — takes the stage Aug. 27.
Other themed nights returning to Bernie’s include “Coastchella” on June 26, Coastal Cowgirl Night on June 29, and Hawaiian Lua Night on Aug. 7.
Fleury said Bernie’s success as a music venue has grown alongside its reputation as a spot artists want to come back to each summer. The venue opened in 2013 after La Bec Rouge closed due to a burst pipe, and has steadily expanded since, adding a large stage, a VIP area and an additional staircase that boosted capacity.
“It keeps growing,” Fleury said. “We have more bands scheduled this year than we’ve ever scheduled before, and bigger bands than we’ve ever scheduled before, and we’re going to keep doing it.”
Fleury’s other restaurant and music venue, Wally’s Pub, is also featuring major acts, like Joey Belladonna of Anthrax, coming July 23 and 24. That venue will see the unveiling of a new addition in the back that originally got approval in 2022.
Fleury said the growth at Wally’s means the most to him because it was his first business on the beach. He also owns the Goat and the Surf House Hotel.
“You’re going to have to bury me at Wally’s,” Fleury said. “That’s my spot that I was at when I was 22, and I’m still there… It’s come a long way.”
Fleury said he also plans to open a new side bar this year at 41 Ashworth Avenue, the former home of the Big Bad. Ben and Molly St. Jeanne have moved out of the space, he said, creating an opportunity to build a new venue that complements his Surf House Hotel across the street.
“It will be open by peak season,” Fleury said.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Patrick Cronin.
