Meet Arts Alley: Downtown Concord’s Newest Creative Hideaway
Rooftop Social is a rooftop open-air bar at Arts Alley. via Instagram
You may have noticed Concord’s newest splash of color right on Main Street. Arts Alley is a new attraction that features a rooftop bar, event space, and outdoor courtyard, turning a quick downtown stroll into a mini creative adventure. The vibe is friendly, walkable, and distinctly Concord—welcoming to families, small groups, date-nighters, and anyone who loves discovering local talent. Street and garage parking are nearby, and the alley itself is walkable and family-friendly.
🥗 Multiple Venues in One
Arts Alley plans to feature three distinct dining venues. At ground level, New England favorite The Friendly Toast offers all-day brunch and drinks - opening at the end of the month. In the courtyard, a retro diner called Rose & Rye is planned for construction to offer comfort classics in the artistic ambiance. On the second floor, you’ll find The Main Venue - a private indoor function space. For those looking for an elevated experience (figuratively and literally!), Rooftop Social is a rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown Concord, craft cocktails, and small plates.
💍 Events & Gatherings
Despite its young age, the Concord community has already taken a shine to Arts Alley, in part due to its community events. From small concerts to hands-on workshops, there’s always something new happening. You can often find a local performer busking in the evenings and more formal music events occur as well. We recommend checking out their events calendar for all the newest happenings.
Looking to host an event? Arts Alley also offers private rentals of its second floor Main Venue and rooftop bar. The elegant and minimal styling of The Main Venue makes it a perfect setting for corporate events and dinners, but can also serve as a neutral starting point for distinct aesthetics and OTT décor (we’re thinking of you, brides-to-be). With a sweet spot capacity of 110, you can fit larger crowds in comfortably, but more intimate parties won’t feel overwhelmed. Arts alley offers rentals of the Rooftop Social bar and a whole buyout package if you want every corner of Arts Alley to yourself.
The Courtyard at Arts Alley. via Instagram
🎨 Don’t Miss: The Micro Arts Market
One of the best summer specialties of Arts Alley has been the micro arts market, held every Saturday . Think small footprint, big creativity: a rotating mix of local artists and makers showcasing prints, pottery, jewelry, illustration, fiber arts, zines, candles, small-batch goods, and more. It’s perfect for picking up a thoughtful gift or starting your own collection of Concord-made art.
There’s only a few more opportunities this season to go (the last opportunity is September 27), so be sure to swing by!
Insider tips:
Come early - The works are handmade and you don’t want to miss out on a limited run.
Bring a tote - you’ll thank yourself.
Plan to linger - the CAM artists love to talk process, and you’ll love learning the stories behind your finds.
🏛️ Make a Day of it
Pair your Arts Alley visit with a loop of downtown: peek at the State House dome, wander into Main Street’s collection of independent bookstores and boutiques, and catch a show or gallery opening nearby. Everything is a short stroll away, and the pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
See you in the alley!
Dillon Clark is the Creative Director at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. You can often catch him walking downtown, visiting Concord’s restaurants, buying a sweet treat, or petting a passing dog.
Visit Concord NH is an initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. This website and accompanying social media profiles showcase the best of NH’s Capital Region to travelers, new residents and long-time fans of Concord. Learn more about the Chamber at concordnhchamber.com.
Is this list missing something? There’s always new businesses, menu items and endless places to find great food in the Concord region. Email dclark@concordnhchamber.com to submit your suggestion for this blog!
