City Addresses June Storm Damage and Public Safety in Portsmouth's Urban Forest
July 13, 2026A fast-moving line of thunderstorms on June 18, 2026, which is believed to have produced a microburst over downtown Portsmouth, caused significant damage to the City’s urban forest.
City Arborist Foreman, Max Wiater, reported to the City’s Trees and Public Greenery Committee that nine trees fell in Haven Park, including six large, mature trees. Three more trees came down in Pleasant Street Cemetery, with additional damage in the Wentworth Senior Living parking lot between the two sites. Other trees in the area were damaged. No injuries were reported.
City of Portsmouth, NH DPW Hosts Vaughan Mall Restoration Project Public Meeting on July 22, 2026
July 10, 2026The City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works is holding a Public Information Meeting to discuss the Vaughan Mall Restoration Project on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Levenson Room of the Portsmouth Public Library, located at 175 Parrott Avenue.
Resident Access Parking Program (RAPP)
July 10, 2026The City of Portsmouth launched a new Resident Access Parking Program (RAPP) pilot on July 1, 2026, designed to improve parking availability for residents in neighborhoods outside the downtown metered district.
Community Power Coalition of NH Announces an Increase in Portsmouth Community Power Rates, Effective August 1, 2026
July 6, 2026The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has advised its member municipalities, including Portsmouth Community Power, that the electricity supply rates for the next regularly-scheduled rate period of August 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 will increase.
2026 Independence Day Municipal Closings and Service Adjustments
June 30, 2026The following City facilities and services will be impacted for the Independence Day Holiday for 2026.
Library
Closed, Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5
Beat the Heat - Stay Safe
June 29, 2026
City Parks & Greenery Department Offers Free Public Prescott Park Garden Tours on Fridays
June 23, 2026The seasonal gardens of Prescott Park are in their prime, following weeks of planting, weeding, and cultivation. The City of Portsmouth Parks & Greenery Department is inviting the public to join members of the gardening team for free weekly tours of the formal gardens.
City Plans 250th Anniversary Independence Day Fireworks and Laser Show Celebration for July 3, 2026
June 22, 2026As communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Portsmouth will mark the occasion with its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at South Mill Pond, with a rain date of Sunday, July 5. The alcohol-free, family-friendly event is sponsored by Wilcox Industries and will feature a new laser show sponsored by Key Auto Group of Portsmouth in addition to the annual fireworks display.
City Water Division Issues Water Use Advisory Test
June 22, 2026Updated: June 22, 2026
The Department of Public Works Water Division has issued a Water Use Advisory in response to ongoing drought conditions affecting the Seacoast region of New Hampshire.
City Announces Parking and Road Closures for NH Outright PRIDE Parade on June 20, 2026
June 10, 2026NH Outright’s Portsmouth PRIDE Parade steps off from Pleasant Street at 12:35 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The public is advised that there will be traffic delays in the parade route area as it passes, and motorists are strongly urged to seek alternate routes away from affected streets.
The following streets will be closed or have parking restrictions starting at 11 am and lasting until 1 pm.