By Alexandra Pecci
Correspondent

The Fourth of July might be behind us, but the music and events at Prescott Park are just heating up. Up next is this weekend’s Americana Festival, which brings top folk and country acts to the pretty seaside venue.

There’s something fitting about listening to classic music at a quintessentially New England locale like Portsmouth’s Prescott Park, and that’s exactly what visitors will get at the Americana Festival, which provides something for every type of folk music lover.

The festival will feature John Gorka, a folk icon in the classic tradition of acoustic performers. Also performing is Ellis Paul, whose singer-songwriter pedigree propelled him to fame from Boston’s folk music scene. The Makem & Spain Brothers bring traditional Irish folk music to the festival, while Roy Davis and the Dregs performs music with an alt-country twist. And concertgoers can bring the entire family.

“It’s the ultimate family experience,” said Ben Anderson, executive director of the Prescott Park Arts Festival, the organization that runs the summer long series of events. “All of the events that we present are for families.”

And all of them are free, although there’s a suggested donation of up to $10 per person.

“We work hard to secure sponsors who fund the festival,” Anderson said. “People give what they can, and that’s important to us; that it’s affordable entertainment for everybody.”

Festivalgoers can spread out on a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the music, but they can also reserve a table ahead of time on the website, prescottpark.org. Visitors can reserve a VIP table and four chairs for $25. They can also order one of five boxed lunches from the Common Man restaurant for $10, with 50 percent of the cost going back to the festival.

The Americana Festival is just one of the many concerts, festivals, and events being held at Prescott Park this summer. The River House Restaurant Concert Series is held there every Wednesday night at 7 p.m., featuring acts such as Judy Collins on Aug. 4 and Livingston Taylor on Aug. 11. The 6th Annual WOKQ Country Festival is on Aug. 7, and the Rhythm and Roots Festival is on Aug. 14.

“It’s a gorgeous park, it’s affordable, it’s great entertainment, and it’s quality family time,” Anderson said.

If you go:
What: Prescott Park Arts Festival.
Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth.
Cost: Free, suggested donation of up to $10.
Contact: 603-436-2848 or www.prescottpark.org; Check the Web site for dates, times, and info about other events, including dance, theater, and activities for kids.
Summer Highlights at Prescott Park:
Americana Festival: Saturday, July 31 from 1 to 5 p.m.
River House Restaurant Concert Series: Every Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
6th Annual WOKQ Country Festival: Saturday, Aug. 7.
Rhythm and Roots Festival: Saturday, Aug. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
New Hampshire Fish & Lobster Festival: Saturday, Sept. 25.
21st Annual WHEB Chili Cook-off: Saturday, Oct. 9.