1776-2026 =Happy 250th to the USA!!

View the local Calendar of Events for the 250th patriotic celebrations in Exeter, NH, the “Revolutionary Capital of NH.” Join in the fun and immerse yourself in displays of national pride and historical significance.

This short video gives you the flavor of our town…

Ready to Time Travel to 1776?

“Gratitude in Granite”

10-minute video celebrating Black Patriot, Pvt. Jude Hall, held at the American Independence Museum on Juneteenth 2023. Features music by Piscataqua Rangers Jr. Fife & Drum, muskets salute by First NH Regiment, and speech on Jude Hall by US Congresswoman, Maggie Hassan.

Events & Calendars

click on each name/link to go to their website

American Independence Museum & Folsom Tavern

Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 35th American Independence Festival on Saturday July 12th in downtown Exeter, NH.

2025 AIM Festival Highlights included…
~The arrival of the Declaration (on horseback).
~Viewing of the original that was brought here in 1776.
~Live reading by Gilman descendant.

~ 18th Century Artisans village, with colonial skills, games, dance and music.
~ Pedestrian-only street fair.
~ AIM building, galleries, artifacts, and historic tavern.
~Character actors: George Washington, Ona Judge, Mumbet, and people of the past.
~Drink a local brew in the AIM beer garden.

The historic Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of 30+ Revolutionary War soldiers, including Jude Hall.
Come visit anytime.

(map courtesy of the Exeter DAR)

Exeter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Events in 2025 include:

Events in 2024 included: The NHSODAR Kicked off the NH statewide celebrations of the 250th by placing an “America 250!” signage at the Winter Street Cemetery and American Independence Museum on Nov. 2, 2024. See Exeter TV’s 3-minute recap video here.

Town of Exeter 250th Celebration Commission has a calendar of events here.

Exeter Historical Society Hosting lectures and programs on various timely topics. See their calendar page here.

Exeter Town/Parks & Rec Hosting programs and concerts for all ages. See their calendar link here.

Schedule a Visit

Enjoy a cozy stay and unwind

Exeter hotels include: Exeter Inn and the Inn at the Bandstand (both downtown). The Fairfield Inn and Hampton Inn are a little further away on Portsmouth Ave.

Explore Downtown Exeter

Staying in town? All the below are walkable in the heart of downtown (Water & Front Streets).

Downtown eateries include: Sea Dog, Cornicello, Oba Noodle, Big Bean, Czar’s BrewPub, Otis, Otto Pizza, Vino e Vivo. Enjoy the new cocktail bar Exeter Apothecary!

Downtown galleries include: Seacoast Artists Association, Exeter Fine Craft Guild, Foundation Art Space, Town Hall.

Downtown coffee shops include: Me & Ollie’s, St. Anthony’s, Cascade du Chocolate, Big Bean.

Downtown bookshops include: Water Street Bookstore, A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words, Colophon Bookstore, Phillips Exeter Academy Bookstore. (Literary tour walking maps for download at ExeterLitFest.com)

More: Visit lots of boutique shops. Relax in Soleil’s Salt Cave. Stroll along the river on Swasey Parkway. See the beautiful campus of Phillips Exeter Academy.