Explore Fun and Flavors at Concord’s Market Days Fest

From June 20 to 22, 2024, Concord will transform into a vibrant hub of music, food, and community spirit. This three-day extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering a taste of the best that New Hampshire’s capital has to offer. As we explore the festival’s history and highlights, prepare to be swept away by the charm and allure of Market Days.

Key Takeaways

– Market Days Festival in Concord, New Hampshire, has been a beloved tradition for 50 years.
– The festival started in 1974 as a small sidewalk sale called “Old Fashioned Bargain Days.”
– It has grown to include live music, a beer garden, and family activities.
– The festival features 162 vendors offering a variety of products and food.
– Intown Concord, a nonprofit, organizes the event with help from volunteers and local sponsors.
– The festival boosts Concord’s economy and strengthens community bonds.
– Special events are planned for the 50th anniversary, including a commemorative video and a special craft beer.
– The 51st Annual Market Days Festival is already scheduled for June 26-28, 2025.
– Market Days continues to evolve, adding new attractions while maintaining its core traditions.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

The story of Market Days begins in 1974, when a group of enterprising downtown merchants decided to host a sidewalk sale to clear out their aging inventory. This humble event, dubbed “Old Fashioned Bargain Days,” laid the foundation for what would become one of Concord’s most beloved traditions.

As the years passed, the festival grew in both size and scope. In 1980, a big change happened when Main Street was closed to cars, making room for live music, a beer garden, and fun activities for families. This growth marked the start of a new era for the event, turning it into the big celebration we know today. In 1993, seeing how much the festival had grown and how popular it had become, the organizers decided to give it a new name: “Market Days.” This new name better showed all the different things the event offered and made it a key part of Concord’s yearly events.

The Heart of the Festival

Market Days is all about showing off the best of Concord’s talent and creativity. The festival’s three stages come alive with music from local and national artists, creating a mix of sounds that shows the city’s diverse culture. From folk and rock to jazz and classical, there’s music for everyone to enjoy. The event features 162 vendors, offering a wide array of products and experiences for visitors.

But Market Days is more than just music. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and delicious food. Visitors can explore a big marketplace selling everything from handmade jewelry and local art to tasty foods and unique gifts. The air is filled with the smell of food from trucks and local restaurants, tempting people with lots of different types of food to try. For those looking for fun beyond music and shopping, Market Days has plenty to offer. Families can enjoy free activities that are fun for kids of all ages, much like the family-friendly atmosphere at Spacious Skies French Pond campground in nearby Henniker, which offers a variety of outdoor activities and themed weekends throughout the season.

Community Spirit in Action

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works hard to make the festival happen. Intown Concord, a nonprofit group, leads the way with a small team of two full-time staff members, an intern, and a working Board. Their efforts are supported by the Market Days Planning Committee and many volunteers who show the true spirit of community service. This teamwork creates a strong force that keeps the event going strong year after year.

The festival’s success also comes from the support of local businesses and sponsors. Companies like Xfinity, Binnie Media, and the Capitol Center for the Arts play big roles in making sure the festival keeps growing and succeeding. Market Days does more than just provide three days of fun. It helps Concord’s economy by bringing in visitors from all over the region and boosting local businesses. More than that, the festival brings the community closer together, creating a sense of pride and connection among residents that lasts long after the last song has played.

Golden Anniversary Highlights

As Market Days celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organizers have planned special events to make this year’s festival truly unforgettable. They’ve come up with new attractions to honor five decades of community celebration and to look forward to the future. One of the most exciting things to look forward to is a special short video that tells the story of the festival’s 50-year journey. This video will be a trip down memory lane for people who have been coming for years and an eye-opening experience for newcomers.

To remember the festival’s beginnings and celebrate Concord’s growing craft beer scene, Concord Craft Brewing has made a special 50th Anniversary beer. This special beer will only be sold at the Intown Concord beer tent, giving festival-goers a unique taste of the celebration. For those who want to take home a piece of Market Days history, there will be special 50th Anniversary items for sale at the Intown Concord beer tent. From t-shirts to special posters, these items are not just souvenirs but also help support the festival organizers. The money from these sales goes directly to making sure the event can keep happening in the future.

Looking to the Future

As Market Days celebrates its 50th birthday, it’s natural to wonder what’s next for this beloved festival. The organizers are already planning ahead, with dates set for the 51st Annual Market Days Festival from June 26-28, 2025. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the tradition will keep growing and changing in the years to come. One of the main reasons the festival has lasted so long is its ability to change with the times. While keeping the core things that have made it successful, Market Days keeps adding new features and attractions that make the experience fresh and exciting for people who come back year after year.

Keeping community traditions like Market Days is very important. In a time when things change quickly and many people connect online, events that bring people together in person are special. They give people chances to meet face-to-face, share their cultures, and make memories together that make the community stronger. As we look to the future, it’s clear that Market Days will keep playing a big role in Concord’s culture. Its ability to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, to show off local talent and businesses, and to create a sense of shared identity makes it very valuable to the city.

As the sun sets on the 50th Market Days Festival, Concord stands poised at the threshold of a new era. This celebration isn’t just about looking back; it’s about forging ahead, armed with the strength of community and the power of tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or a curious first-timer, Market Days invites you to be part of its next chapter. So, as the streets of Concord beckon, ask yourself: Are you ready to make history? And when the festival ends, consider extending your New Hampshire adventure with a stay at Spacious Skies French Pond, where you can continue to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Market Days Festival?
A: The Market Days Festival is a three-day event in Concord, New Hampshire, featuring music, food, and community activities.

Q: When is the Market Days Festival held?
A: The festival is held from June 20 to 22, 2024.

Q: How did the Market Days Festival start?
A: It started in 1974 as a small sidewalk sale called “Old Fashioned Bargain Days.”

Q: What kind of music can I expect at the festival?
A: You can enjoy a variety of music, including folk, rock, jazz, and classical.

Q: Are there activities for families at the festival?
A: Yes, there are free activities for kids of all ages.

Q: Who organizes the Market Days Festival?
A: Intown Concord, a nonprofit group, organizes the festival with help from volunteers and local businesses.

Q: What special events are planned for the 50th anniversary?
A: Special events include a short video about the festival’s history and a special 50th Anniversary beer from Concord Craft Brewing.

Q: Can I buy souvenirs at the festival?
A: Yes, special 50th Anniversary items like t-shirts and posters will be available for purchase.

Q: What are the future dates for the Market Days Festival?
A: The 51st Annual Market Days Festival is scheduled for June 26-28, 2025.

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