Lower Manhattan has witnessed four centuries of history. From the arrival of the first Dutch settlers and the inauguration of George Washington as America’s first president, Downtown went on to new heights of importance as it became America’s leading 19th-century shipping port and eventually the premiere business center it is today. Few neighborhoods in the nation can rival Lower Manhattan’s collection of historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks.

Today, New York’s most historic neighborhood continues to evolve. Ambitious rebuilding projects are transforming the neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. New skyscrapers and grand transportation terminals are rising. The restaurant scene is thriving, new shops and businesses are opening every month, and thousands of residents are putting down roots.

That sense of energy and momentum has also fueled the extraordinary growth of Downtown’s arts community. Lower Manhattan has become one of New York’s most vibrant destinations for arts and culture—a place that celebrates new ideas, bold concepts, and boundless imagination. This is a neighborhood on the cutting edge.

It all comes together in the River To River Festival, the largest summer-long free arts festival in New York City’s history. Lower Manhattan’s architectural jewels and its glorious waterfront provide an incomparable stage for hundreds of thrilling performances. Join us this summer— learn about our past and become part of our future. There’s nonstop excitement from River To River.