Summer in Exeter brings a familiar rhythm to town. Lawn chairs spread across the grass, neighbors greet one another by name, and music drifts through the air from the historic Exeter Bandstand. Located in the heart of downtown, the Bandstand has long been a gathering place for community celebrations, seasonal festivals, and the beloved Exeter summer concert series. The Exeter Brass Band concerts create a one-of-a-kind small-town New England experience. For anyone searching for authentic things to do in Exeter, NH, an evening of live music in Exeter belongs high on the list.
The concerts are also a perfect starting point for discovering more of what makes this Seacoast town so appealing. Before the music begins, spend the afternoon browsing local boutiques or taking a historic walking tour in downtown Exeter. Downtown’s dining scene offers everything from elevated New England cuisine to casual cafés and breweries, making it easy to turn a concert night into a full evening out. Seasonal farmers’ markets and other events in Exeter add even more reasons to plan a visit during the warmer months.
After the final song fades and the crowds head home, retreat to the refined comfort of our boutique Exeter hotel, steps away from the Exeter Bandstand. Our boutique property places guests within walking distance of Exeter’s most popular attractions while offering a more elevated and intimate alternative to larger hotels in New Hampshire. Thoughtfully designed guestrooms combine historic character with modern comfort, creating a welcoming place to recharge after an evening downtown. Book your getaway today!
Discover the Tradition of the Exeter Bandstand Summer Concerts
Few summer traditions are as beloved in Exeter as the Exeter Brass Band concerts, held on Monday nights in July at the Exeter Bandstand. Generations of locals and visitors gather at the Swasey Pavilion, located at the intersection of Front and Water Streets, to hear the sounds of this historic community band perform in the center of downtown. Lawn chairs line the sidewalks and green spaces surrounding the bandstand, while music echoes through nearby shops and restaurants, creating one of the most memorable events in Exeter each summer.
The Exeter Brass Band traces its roots back to 1847, when community brass bands became popular across the country as a form of wholesome entertainment. Originally known as the Piscataqua Band, the group later became the Exeter Coronet Band before officially adopting the Exeter Brass Band name in the late 1800s. The band once marched through town for celebrations and civic events before transitioning into the concert tradition visitors experience today. Throughout its long history, the band has remained closely connected to Exeter, including performing at the bandstand on the night World War I ended as residents gathered downtown to celebrate.
The concerts themselves offer more than live music at the Exeter Bandstand. They also provide a chance to experience the remarkable history surrounding the Swasey Pavilion. Built in 1915 through funding from Ambrose Swasey, whose name also lives on at our Hotel’s restaurant, the structure was designed by Henry Bacon, the architect behind the Lincoln Memorial. Visitors can admire the intricate mosaic details on both the floor and ceiling while listening to musicians who travel from communities throughout the Seacoast to perform these summer concerts.
For those interested in learning more about the band’s history, the Exeter Historical Society houses vintage uniforms, original sheet music, and historic instruments connected to the group’s long legacy. Attending this unique Exeter summer concert series is an easy addition to any visit downtown, especially for guests already exploring local restaurants, shopping, and other things to do in Exeter, NH.
After the concert ends, our boutique inn offers an equally memorable experience just steps away from the Swasey Pavilion. From the Hotel’s curated art collection and historic architectural details to its close connection with the iconic Exeter Bandstand, the inn reflects the same sense of heritage and craftsmanship that continues to define downtown Exeter today. Each guest room is individually designed with comfort and sophistication in mind, blending elegant details with modern amenities, such as fine linens, private bathrooms, and complimentary Port wine.
At our New Hampshire Hotel, guests begin their morning with a thoughtfully prepared à la carte breakfast. Dinner is easy, too, with one of the top-rated Exeter restaurants right here on-site. With Ambrose Restaurant, guests can enjoy an exceptional meal before taking just a short walk to the Exeter Bandstand for an evening of live music. Book your stay at one of the best hotels in New Hampshire today!