Seafood Festival in Hampton Beach: A Celebration of Fresh Seafood and Fun

Hampton Beach, located in the state of New Hampshire, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, scenic views, and delicious seafood. Every year, the town hosts the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, a three-day event that celebrates the bounty of the sea and the local fishing industry. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country who come to enjoy the fresh seafood, live music, and fun activities. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and what makes it such a popular event.

History of the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1980s. The festival was first organized by the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to promote the local fishing industry and to showcase the town’s beautiful beaches. The first festival was held in 1988 and attracted around 50,000 visitors. Since then, the festival has grown in size and popularity, and now attracts over 150,000 visitors every year.

What to Expect at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Delicious Seafood

The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is all about fresh seafood, and visitors can expect to find a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Some of the most popular seafood items include lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried clams, and shrimp scampi. There are also plenty of non-seafood options available, such as burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Visitors can enjoy their food at one of the many picnic tables set up throughout the festival grounds, or take it to go and enjoy it on the beach.

Live Music

The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is also known for its live music performances. There are multiple stages set up throughout the festival grounds, featuring a variety of musical genres. Visitors can enjoy everything from rock and country to jazz and blues. Some of the most popular performers in recent years have included the Marshall Tucker Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, and the Beach Boys.

Fun Activities

In addition to the delicious food and live music, the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival also offers a variety of fun activities for visitors of all ages. There are carnival rides and games for kids, as well as craft vendors selling handmade items. Visitors can also take part in the annual lobster roll eating contest, where contestants compete to see who can eat the most lobster rolls in a set amount of time.

Tips for Visiting the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

If you’re planning to attend the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Arrive Early

The festival can get very crowded, especially on Saturday and Sunday. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early in the day. The festival opens at 10am each day, so consider arriving around that time to beat the rush.

Bring Cash

While some vendors may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to bring cash with you. Many of the food vendors and craft vendors only accept cash, so be sure to have some on hand.

Dress Appropriately

The festival takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. It can get quite hot during the day, so wear light, breathable clothing and bring sunscreen. It can also get chilly at night, so bring a jacket or sweater.

Conclusion

The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is a must-visit event for anyone who loves fresh seafood, live music, and fun activities. With its long history and wide variety of offerings, it’s no wonder that the festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from out of town, the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is a great way to experience the best that New Hampshire has to offer.

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