By The Nancy Kennedy Team
Croton-on-Hudson has attracted artists, writers, and musicians for well over a century, and that creative energy still shows up throughout the village today. From a community arts council founded by a working poet to a historic manor hosting seasonal spectacles, there are more ways to enjoy the arts in Croton-on-Hudson than a single weekend can cover. Here's where to start.
Key Takeaways
- The Croton Council on the Arts was founded under the leadership of poet Ruth Lisa Schechter and continues organizing exhibitions, theater, dance, and poetry readings today.
- Croton Point Park hosts the Clearwater Festival, founded by Pete Seeger in 1966 and now America's oldest and largest environmental music festival.
- Van Cortlandt Manor, built in 1665 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, offers immersive tours and the seasonal Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze.
- The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts operates as Upper Westchester's largest music school, offering private lessons and hosting community performances throughout the year.
Croton Council on the Arts: The Community's Creative Hub
Croton's arts scene has a genuine organizing force behind it in the Croton Council on the Arts. Founded under the leadership of poet Ruth Lisa Schechter, the council has spent decades weaving creative programming into everyday village life.
What This Organization Actually Offers
- Early programming under Schechter's leadership included theater and dance productions, painting and sculpture exhibitions, photography shows, and poetry readings
- The council continues hosting an ongoing lecture series exploring the lives and work of major literary figures, from Virginia Woolf to Langston Hughes
- These talks often take place at Symphony Knoll, a longtime gathering spot for the village's literary community
- Programming is designed to be accessible to residents of all backgrounds, reflecting the council's original mission of nurturing local creative life
For anyone new to Croton, following the council's calendar is one of the simplest ways to plug directly into the village's arts community.
The Clearwater Festival: America's Oldest Environmental Music Festival
Few small villages can claim a festival with the pedigree of the Clearwater Festival. Held annually at Croton Point Park, this celebration of music and environmentalism has run continuously since 1966.
Why This Festival Remains So Significant
- Folk legends Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi founded the festival, officially known as the Great Hudson River Revival
- The lineup spans jam band, rock, jazz, blues, and folk, drawing performers and attendees from well beyond Westchester County
- All proceeds benefit Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River
- The festival's continuous run since 1966 makes it one of the longest-standing music festivals of any kind in the country
Attending even once gives visitors a real sense of how deeply environmental advocacy and musical tradition are intertwined in this community.
Van Cortlandt Manor: Living History and Seasonal Spectacle
Just above the confluence of the Croton and Hudson Rivers, Van Cortlandt Manor blends serious historic preservation with genuinely theatrical seasonal programming. This 17th-century estate offers a different kind of artistic experience than a gallery or concert hall.
What Makes a Visit Worthwhile
- Built in 1665, the manor earned National Historic Landmark status in 1961 and sits on both the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places
- Operated today by Historic Hudson Valley, the site offers immersive tours and live period reenactments depicting colonial and early American life
- The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze transforms the grounds each fall with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins arranged into elaborate illuminated displays
- The manor also hosts community gatherings, including music and barbecue events held right on the historic grounds
Few historic sites manage to feel this alive, and that's largely thanks to programming that treats the space as a living stage rather than a static museum.
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts: Music Lessons and Community Performances
For residents who want to actively participate in the arts rather than just attend as a spectator, the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts offers a genuine home base. The school has grown into the largest music program in Upper Westchester.
What This School Brings to the Community
- CSPA offers private lessons on all instruments and voice, serving students of every age and skill level
- The school is home to the Westchester Women's Chorus, established in 2019 and active in community performances ever since
- Students have performed in large-scale collaborative concerts, including a show at the Paramount Theater in nearby Peekskill featuring over 250 young performers
- The school partners regularly with local organizations, from chamber of commerce events to charity fundraisers supporting Hudson Valley children
Whether your interest is picking up an instrument for the first time or watching a hometown talent showcase, this school connects Croton's creative community across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Clearwater Festival open to the general public?
Yes. The festival is held annually at Croton Point Park and welcomes attendees from across the region, with all proceeds supporting Hudson River conservation.
Can visitors tour Van Cortlandt Manor year-round?
The manor offers tours and programming throughout much of the year, with special seasonal events like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze drawing especially large crowds each fall.
Does the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts offer lessons for adults?
Yes. The school serves students of all ages, from beginners to advanced musicians, alongside its youth programming.
Find Your Place in Croton-on-Hudson's Creative Community
Guiding people north of NYC for over 35 years, The Nancy Kennedy Team at Houlihan Lawrence is top-producing in Westchester and Putnam. We've been doing this for decades, and we've seen every situation and solved every kind of problem. From the first phone call until closing day, we don't stop working for you, and whether you're buying or selling a home or a luxury condo, we consider you a customer for life. If Croton's arts scene and creative community have you thinking about calling this village home, we would love to help.
