About the Capital Arts Fest

It Began on Main Street

When Concord redesigned its downtown Main Street corridor, local businesses and organizations came together to ensure the community would continue to thrive. Capital Arts Fest was a celebration of that effort and the completion of the project, opening Main Street to artists and pedestrians for a weekend-long celebration of Concord’s art scene. 

In that same spirit, Concord has yet again come together in 2020 and 2021 to lift up businesses and the greater community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We see this year’s Capital Arts Fest as not only a recognition of local artists but also a celebration of our community’s resilience.

Capital Arts Fest is a juried fine art and craft festival that features many visual and performing artists throughout the city during a weekend-long celebration. Shop the artist booths along Main Street and dine at local restaurants during the day. At night, catch a show at the Capitol Center for the Arts or have an evening drink and listen to a local live band. Spend the day or spend the weekend and see why Concord is considered the cultural center of the state.

Concord: An Art Destination

Concord may be New Hampshire’s capital city, but it’s not just about politics here. The performing and visual arts communities have seen exponential growth in recent decades, making Concord a cultural hub. In addition, more than a dozen local restaurants and businesses host live music, from mariachi to folk-rock.

The city has six performance arts spaces, including New Hampshire’s largest theater, the Capitol Center for the Arts. Concord is also home to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Headquarters, a well-regarded organization of artists that span in medium from woodworking to jewelry, printmaking to ceramics.

Concord has also become known for its outdoor cultural events and public art. In addition to historic sculptures of prominent New Hampshire figures, the Art of Main project aims to highlight emerging sculptors with a year-round exhibition on Main Street.