The Seafood Festival takes over Ocean Boulevard at Hampton Beach State Park on the weekend after Labor Day (2026: September 11 to 13). Do not drive to the beach. Park free at a satellite lot in town and ride the free shuttle. The Town Hall Municipal Lot, 100 Winnacunnet Rd, was handicap parking only in 2026. There are fireworks on Saturday. With 150,000+ visitors, a scooter or wheelchair makes a long day far easier.
The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is the last big party of the summer at the beach. It brings seafood vendors, a lobster roll eating competition and fireworks on Saturday night to Hampton Beach State Park. It is run by the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce.
It is also one of the most crowded weekends of the year. Getting there and getting around are the parts that need planning, especially if walking is hard. This guide is mostly about those.
When and where
- When: the weekend after Labor Day, Friday to Sunday. In 2026: September 11 to 13.
- Where: Hampton Beach State Park, 160 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH 03842.
- Tickets: sold through the festival website. Check it for prices and any 2027 dates.
Free parking and shuttles
Parking at the beach itself is tight on festival weekend. The festival's answer is free satellite parking with a free shuttle, run by First Student. These were the 2026 lots; check the festival site for the current year.
| Lot | Address | Days (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Town Hall Municipal Lot | 100 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton | Handicap only. Fri after 5pm, Sat, Sun |
| Municipal Parking Lot | High Street, Hampton | Fri, Sat, Sun |
| Old Town Hall Lot | 136 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton | Fri, Sat, Sun |
| Center School | 53 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton | Fri after 5pm, Sat, Sun |
| Marston School | 4 Marston Way, Hampton | Fri after 5pm, Sat, Sun |
| The Brook | 319 New Zealand Rd, Seabrook | Fri from noon, Sat, Sun |
| Winnacunnet High School | 1 Alumni Drive, Hampton | Sat, Sun |
| Merrill Industrial Park | 5 and 10 Merrill Industrial Dr, Hampton | Sat, Sun |
Shuttle hours (2026)
- Friday: 5pm to 10pm
- Saturday: 9am to 10pm
- Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Hampton Beach Trolleys also ran a free shuttle from the State Park near the Seabrook bridge.
Driving in
Take I-95 to Exit 2 in Hampton, then Route 101 East, then Exit 13 to Route 27 East, and follow the signs to the free lots.
Accessible parking and getting around
The best option for most people with a disability placard is the Town Hall Municipal Lot at 100 Winnacunnet Road, which was set aside as handicap-only parking in 2026, served by the shuttle. On Friday it opened after 5pm.
Once you are at the festival, the challenge is distance and crowds. With more than 150,000 visitors, Saturday gets very crowded. A few things help:
- Ask about shuttle boarding with a wheelchair or scooter before you park, so you know which vehicle to wait for.
- Use a seat you bring with you. A rollator has a built-in seat for lines and music.
- Go Friday evening or Sunday if you can. Saturday is the busiest day.
- See our accessible Hampton Beach guide for restrooms and ramps near the Seashell Stage.
Our shop is a block from the festival
Oceans Mobility is at 45 Ashworth Ave, one block from Ocean Boulevard. Book a scooter or wheelchair ahead of festival weekend, because demand is high, and we can deliver it to where you are staying.
What is on
- Seafood from local vendors.
- Lobster roll eating competition.
- Fireworks on Saturday night. See our fireworks guide for viewing spots with seating.
Tips for a comfortable day
- Arrive early. Shuttles start at 9am on the weekend, and the first hours are calmer.
- Plan your exit. After the Saturday fireworks everyone heads for the shuttles at once. Leave a little early or wait it out.
- Bring a layer. Mid-September evenings on the ocean get cool.
- Charge fully. If you use a scooter, start the day on a full battery. Our Victory scooters go about 19 miles on a charge.
Seafood Festival: FAQ
When is the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival?
It is held the weekend after Labor Day, Friday to Sunday. In 2026 it ran September 11 to 13. Dates for 2027 had not been posted when we last checked, but the same pattern would put it in mid September.
Where do you park for the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival?
Use the free satellite lots in Hampton and Seabrook. A free shuttle runs from them to the festival. In 2026 the lots included the Municipal Lot on High Street, Old Town Hall at 136 Winnacunnet Rd, Center School, Marston School and The Brook in Seabrook, with Winnacunnet High School and Merrill Industrial Park added on Saturday and Sunday.
Is there accessible parking for the Seafood Festival?
Yes. In 2026 the Town Hall Municipal Lot at 100 Winnacunnet Road was handicap parking only, all weekend (after 5pm on Friday), with the shuttle to the festival.
What time does the Seafood Festival shuttle run?
In 2026 the free shuttle ran Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 9am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.
Are there fireworks at the Seafood Festival?
Yes, on Saturday night.
How many people go to the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival?
The organisers say attendance exceeds 150,000 over the weekend, so expect crowds, especially on Saturday.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.