Outdoor Music and Dining in Concord NH

Concord is unlike most capital cities, because of its proximity to natural beauty—quiet forests, pristine lakes, mountains, and rivers. Whether it’s viewing blossoming apple trees in the spring, diving into clear waters in the summer, catching views of some of New England’s finest foliage, or observing a quiet snowfall in the winter, New Hampshire’s Capital Region has something to offer in every season. But in the summer months, New Hampshire’s temperate climate (July features an average temperature of 71) is an experience you simply won’t be able to get enough of. Check out these tips for getting the most out of your trip to Concord, NH in the summer by taking advantage of outdoor dining and music.

Outdoor Dining

Enjoy a refreshing drink, burger, or multi-course meal while taking in the sights of the beautiful historic downtown. From May through October, Concord restaurants extend their dining space onto the sidewalks, squares and occasional parking spots in the city’s downtown. Outdoor dining became popular in 2020, but has become a permanent facet of summer life in New Hampshire’s Capital City. Main Street is lined with trees, gardens and sculptures, and is the perfect atmosphere for an outdoor meal.

Here’s our top 5 locations for outdoor dining in Concord, NH:

1. Revival Kitchen & Bar – Savor award-winning farm-to-table dishes on Revival’s specialty outdoor porch—built directly into the street during summer months.

2. Arnie’s Place – Visit the ice cream window, or grab a sandwich or BBQ at this beloved family-friendly restaurant on Loudon Road.

3. Nonna’s Place – Dine on a rooftop, with views over the streets of Concord, while enjoying incredible Italian cuisine.

4. Cheers – Gather around the firepit, or grab a high-top table on the patio. You’ll love Cheers’ large menu—our favorite is the spicy “hot lips” chicken tenders!

5. O Steaks and Seafood – Nestled into Main Street, near Red River Theatres and across the Street from the Bank of NH Stage, O’s patio offers the perfect outdoor environment for a specialty cocktail.

Outdoor Music

During the summer months, several local groups and venues offer live music outdoors. There’s nothing like taking in the beauty of a warm New Hampshire evening while listening to a local band. Here are our favorite places to catch music in Concord:

1. Concord Parks & Recreation Department – Parks & Rec hosts regular Sunday morning acoustic concerts in White Park along with various other performances throughout the city. View their calendar for the most up-to-date info.

2. Concord Public Library – The library hosts outdoor concerts in various locations across downtown Concord throughout the summer months. Check their calendar for the latest happenings.

3. The Courtyard by Marriott – Order a cocktail and enjoy music on the patio on Wednesday nights! Learn more and on their Facebook page.

4. Concord Arts Market – There’s nothing like wandering between local artist booths while listening to live music. View a lineup of dates on their website.

5. Concord Sound & Color – Save the date for October 18 & 19! Downtown Concord will host a vibrant music and arts festival with an outstanding lineup of bands. Learn more on their website.

We hope you’ll soak in the rest of this summer outdoors in New Hampshire’s capital city. Whether you’re tasting a craft beer on a patio, enjoying a multi-course meal while watching the sun set, or grabbing an ice cream cone and attending a concert, we know you’ll find a wide variety of ways to enjoy Concord, NH’s natural beauty.