Welcome to The Historic Theater at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This 1878 Vaudeville-era venue combines historic charm with modern acoustics, featuring 895 seats (516 in the orchestra and 379 in the horseshoe balcony). The theater sits within The Music Hall complex, offering a Beaux Arts lobby, an authentic hardwood floor, and a long tradition of hosting legendary performers. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or a cultural adventure, we’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby hotels and dining.

Note: For the most current seating availability, refer to the official seating chart PDF (HT Seating Chart) on The Music Hall site. We’ll help you secure your seats with straightforward options and dependable service.

Nearby hotels such as the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown and the Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown offer convenient, walkable access to The Music Hall. If you’re driving, consider nearby parking garages and lots like Portsmouth Foundry Place Garage, High-Hanover Garage, Portwalk Place Parking, and the Bridge Street/Worth/Rock Street lots. Public transit options and directions are available to simplify your trip. The Historic Theater has a storied legacy, from figures like Thomas Edison and Mark Twain to performers like Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile, and today it continues to host a wide range of concerts and events. If you’re planning your visit, we’ve got a friendly network of affiliate hotel and dining partners to help you secure comfortable accommodations and great meals close to the venue.

For the latest event information, dates, and any changes, including rescheduled performances, please refer to the official event listings and venue announcements.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Capacity: 895 seats (516 in the orchestra, 379 in the horseshoe balcony).
Address: 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Venue type: Historic 1878 Vaudeville-era theater with original hardwood floor, balcony, and Beaux Arts lobby; part of The Music Hall in Portsmouth.
Seating chart: View Seating Chart available as a PDF on The Music Hall site (HT Seating Chart).
Parking: Nearby garages and lots recommended (Portsmouth Foundry Place Garage, High-Hanover Garage, Portwalk Place Parking, Bridge Street/Worth/Rock Street Lots); no on-site parking.
Transit: Public transit options include services like C&J Bus Lines; directions page provides travel details.
Nearby hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown (within walking distance), Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown (within walking distance); additional options include other downtown hotels.
Notable events: Historic Theater has hosted figures like Thomas Edison, Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill Cody, Tony Bennett, and Ray LaMontagne; Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile have also performed here.
Renaming/demolish status: The Historic Theater itself has not been demolished or renamed; in 2022 The Loft was renovated and rebranded as The Music Hall Lounge, and in 2025 The Music Hall purchased the Kearsarge House.