Portsmouth’s proximity to the sea has been inspiring shanty songs and other folk tunes for centuries. The 11th annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival will celebrate that tradition with downtown street performances and indoor concerts by numerous musicians from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 24 to 26.

It all begins with a weekly Friday gathering that has been upheld at The Press Room for more than 25 years—the Traditional Music Session from 4 to 9 p.m. The festivities continue with a new feature on Saturday morning, when a roving shanty group will set up in Market Square at 10:30 a.m. and slowly make its way to Prescott Park, just in time for the N.H. Fish and Lobster Festival.

Other events follow at 10 different downtown locations throughout the weekend, ending with a Shanty Blast Finale in Market Square at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Featured performers will include David Coffin, Bob Webb, Ken Sweeney and more than a dozen others.

All the events are free, although donations will be accepted. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.newenglandfolknetwork.org and click on the link for “Folk Festivals.”