The River To River Festival returns this summer to Lower Manhattan this summer with another season of free performances, exhibitions, and public events running from July through September. Organized by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the festival takes place across waterfront spaces, parks, public venues, and Governors Island.
Experience River To River Festival in 2026
Now in its 25th year, River To River continues its focus on music, dance, visual art, and live performances. The festival was originally created in the aftermath of 9/11 and has remained tied to the downtown arts community ever since.
This year’s schedule includes My Tongue Is a Blade, a large-scale movement performance from Okwui Okpokwasili and Peter Born on Governors Island. The Obie Award-winning CATCH performance series also returns during Fourth of July weekend with another downtown performance party.
Leslie Wayne’s exhibition The Unintended Blues opens in late July at The Arts Center on Governors Island. The work focuses on rising sea levels and Arctic ice melt through landscape painting and multimedia pieces.
The season also includes a free August concert from Esperanza Spalding at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, plus a new world premiere from Bill T. Jones scheduled for September in Lower Manhattan.
All River To River events are free and open to the public. Experience these events while exploring Lower Manhattan and Governors Island during the summer season.
The Event Planner Expo is just a few months away. It’s never too early to start planning your visit. Connect with industry leaders and network with other planners and event services to grow your business. Grab your tickets today!
