The Top 25 Event Venues in NYC for 2020
Skift Take
New York City is the city that never sleeps. Could it be because some of the best event venues in the world are found here? Based on these top 25 New York City event venues, we’re not surprised.
Keep reading if you want to discover:
1. The Best Cheap Event Spaces NYC
2. The Best Corporate Event Venues NYC
3. The Most Creative Meeting Spaces NYC
5. The Best Large Event Spaces NYC
6. The Best Private Event Venues NYC
7. The Best Small Event Spaces NYC
THE BEST CHEAP EVENT SPACES NYC
Midtown Loft & Terrace
WHY IS IT COOL? Midtown Loft & Terrace is a budget-friendly, industrial-style loft in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood with expansive views of 5th Avenue. It offers high ceilings, hardwood floors and an outdoor terrace that can be booked with the loft or separately.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 5,000 square feet of indoor event space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Subway, street and garage parking
Convene at 101 Greenwich Street
WHY IS IT COOL? Convene’s three-floor location at 101 Greenwich Street features over 58,000 square feet of “beautifully appointed amenities” including private office spaces, coworking desks, and on-demand meeting and event spaces for up to 120 people.
With a range of amenities from furniture and technology to catering and staffing, the space can accommodate a range of small-to-medium events. In fact, we recently conducted one of our EventMB Innovation Labs at this location.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Internal training workshops, board meetings, mixers, galas, town halls, or interviews
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Meeting hubs and gallery spaces can accommodate up to 120 people and boardrooms seat up to 14.
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: Catering can be arranged through Convene
TRANSPORT: One block from Wall Street and minutes to the 1, 4, 5, R, and W subway lines
More than just a professional setting, corporate events require state-of-the-art technology, user-friendly design, and maximum flexibility. The following three corporate meeting venues NYC incorporate all the above, with a touch of wow factor.
THE BEST CORPORATE EVENT VENUES NYC
Tavern on the Green
WHY IS IT COOL? Tavern on the Green is an iconic destination located in Central Park. It features charming architecture and décor, large windows and fireplaces, and a beautiful courtyard. Tavern on the Green offers several indoor and outdoor spaces for rental, including private dining rooms, a tented patio space, and the courtyard.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, cocktail receptions, meetings, client events, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 11 indoor and outdoor spaces for groups as small as 8 and as large as 500
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway, discounted garage parking
The Beekman Hotel
WHY IS IT COOL? The Beekman Hotel is located in lower Manhattan and was named the best hotel in New York City by Conde Nast Traveler. The red brick building was constructed in 1881 as one of New York’s original skyscrapers. The Beekman Hotel blends the building’s original architectural details with a modern sensibility to create a beautiful and interesting space.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, parties, meetings, board meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 5,000 square feet of events space across 4 function rooms: the Clinton Hall Room can seat 100 guests, and the Lower Level can be booked for cocktail receptions with up to 225 guests
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: Thompson Hotels practices sustainability through its program to reduce plastic waste.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway, Valet and garage parking
Paley Center for the Media
WHY IS IT COOL? The Paley Center for the Media’s New York location gives event planners the space and technology to create unique events. It features event spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes. This culturally significant venue offers cutting-edge media and event technology, flexible event rooms, and a full suite of meeting services.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, galas, meetings, performances
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 12,521 square feet of event space across 5 meeting rooms; theaters, auditoriums, and screening rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Meeting and projection AV available in-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway
620 Loft and Garden
WHY IS IT COOL? Sitting high above 5th Avenue, 620 Loft and Garden has a view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This all-season event space has a rooftop garden with reflecting pool and a whitewashed indoor loft space that can be customized to fit your event.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, galas, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 2,532 square feet of indoor event space and 684 square feet of garden space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to via subway (equidistant from 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center Station, 5 Avenue-53 St Station, and 51 St Station), street and garage parking
Conrad New York Downtown
WHY IS IT COOL? The Conrad New York Downtown is a 5 star hotel convenient to Financial District in Lower Manhattan. This ultra-modern hotel was constructed in 2012 and has great views of the Hudson River.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 30,000 square feet of event space across 25 function rooms; the Gallery Ballroom can seat 600 theater style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: The Conrad New York Downtown practices sustainability through the use of its green roof, Energy Star kitchen appliances, and LED lighting in 60% of the hotel.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Convenient to train and subway (Chambers Street Station, Park Place Station, and others); street and garage parking
If you Google ‘free event space NYC’, you’ll probably find a handful of places that compromise on amenities. There is a fine line between budget-friendly and inferior quality. These New York City venues for events have achieved the perfect balance—affordability without the compromise.
THE MOST CREATIVE MEETING SPACES NYC
Project Farmhouse
WHY IS IT COOL? Project Farmhouse is an event venue featuring a whitewashed, open-concept, multi-use space, test kitchen and living plant wall. Project Farmhouse is a venture from GrowNYC, which provides environmental services and education throughout the city. The fees generated from venue hire support the Farmhouse project and GrowNYC.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Small conferences, meetings, galas, banquets, brand activations, tech events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3,500 square feet, space for 100 seated banquet style and 205 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Complimentary WiFi, built-in projection system, and sound system with wireless microphone
SUSTAINABILITY: Project Farmhouse was built as a free resource that fosters sustainability in NYC. The center offers a wide range of programming to “gets hands dirty, plant ideas and foster healthier, greener decisions and actions.” Moreover, the building itself is also green. For example, it’s powered using renewable sources.
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (14 St-Union Sq Station); street and garage parking
M Studio
WHY IS IT COOL? This West Village loft offers 8,000 square feet of studio space, beautiful wood floors, and amazing views of the Hudson River.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 8,000 square feet of open-concept space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (34 St-Herald Sq Station); street and garage parking
Center 415
WHY IS IT COOL? Located near Manhattan’s Bryant Park, Center 415 is a large open-concept event space with the infrastructure for creating customized events and experiences. Center 415 is also unique in that it can accommodate cars on its ground floor.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 30,000 square feet of open-concept event space across 2 floors
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Rigging grid and high-speed internet
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (34 St-Herald Sq Station); street and garage parking
Tribeca 360 + Tribeca Rooftop
WHY IS IT COOL? Tribeca 360 + Tribeca Rooftop is a multifunctional venue in the heart of Manhattan’s hip Tribeca neighborhood. This venue features chic, industrial style and a large, open, and customizable floor plan. It also offers views of Tribeca and the Hudson River.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, lectures, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,000 sq ft interior and 14,000 sq ft rooftop space; indoor seated capacity for 400 and reception capacity for 720
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: High-speed internet, in-house AV
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (Canal St Station); street and garage parking
Lightbox
WHY IS IT COOL? Lightbox is a high-tech venue that allows you to use light and projection to create unique immersive experiences for your guests. Located in New York’s Garment district, Lightbox offers a large customizable space, 360 degree stage, and a full service planning team to help create your event.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, lectures, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3,335 square feet of open-concept event space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (34 St-Penn Station); street and garage parking
When organizing a small-scale event, you want a space that caters to intimate conversation but still offers maximum flexibility. These three small event venues NYC set a leading example.
THE BEST GALA VENUES NYC
501 Union
WHY IS IT COOL? Located in Brooklyn, 501 Union is a trendy, open-concept event space. It features a large skylight, modern chandeliers, and other interesting architectural features. It’s a perfect venue for a hipper, trendier gala crowd.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, cocktail receptions, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Seated capacity for 250 in the main space and 144 in the covered atrium
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house beverage; outside catering
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (Union St Station); street and garage parking
Gotham Hall
WHY IS IT COOL? Located in Midtown Manhattan in what was once the Greenwich Savings Bank, Gotham Hall is a large event space with 70 ft ceilings, a massive, domed stained glass skylight, and large ballroom space perfect for galas and banquets.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, large parties, banquets
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 17,000 square feet of event space across 5 function rooms, including a Grand Ballroom that can seat 650 banquet style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (34 St-Herald Sq Station); valet, street, and garage parking
The Rainbow Room
WHY IS IT COOL? The Rainbow Room is an iconic New York destination. Opened in 1934, The Rainbow Room was home to a former night club that saw the likes Rat Pack and Joan Crawford. Renovated and reopened in 2016, this large event space sits at the top of Rockefeller Center and provides incomparable views of New York City, a revolving parquet floor, and a spacious pre-function area.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, large cocktail receptions, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 4,464 square feet of event space; can accommodate 300 seated banquet style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center Station; street and garage parking
583 Park Avenue
WHY IS IT COOL? Located near Central Park on Park Avenue and 63rd Street, 583 Park Avenue was designed by Delano & Aldrich in 1923 and originally used as Third Church of Christ Scientist.
Meticulously restored by The Rose Group in 2006, the space features original fixtures, such as the 2500 lb chandelier and hand-blown Dutch glass window panes. With the storied Colony Club & Knickerbocker Club just around the corner, 583 Park Avenue is couched in the cultural fabric of the Upper East Side. With a grand pre-function space, the Arcade, the Ballroom and the Balconies, 583 Park Avenue offers a great experience for all types of special events.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, large cocktail receptions, product launches
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 10,000 square feet of event space across 3 function rooms, with seated capacity for 700
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (Lexington Av-63 St Station); street and garage parking
These NYC meeting venues offer event planners out-of-the-ordinary characteristics that facilitate the creation of a unique or innovative experience.
THE BEST LARGE EVENT SPACES NYC
Metropolitan Pavilion
WHY IS IT COOL? Metropolitan Pavilion is a very large warehouse-style event space with smaller upper floors for additional or standalone use in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Its open concept and whitewashed walls make it the perfect venue to create a truly customized guest experience.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 50,000 square feet of event space across 4 function rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: in-house catering
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house coordination of outside catering
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (18 St Station); street and garage parking
Tao Downtown
WHY IS IT COOL? Tao Downtown is a trendy, iconic New York restaurant. It features highly rated food, large-scale art and murals, and private dining available for groups of all sizes.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, team dinners, cocktail receptions, banquets
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Seated capacity for 1,500 with a full restaurant buyout
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (14 St Station); street and garage parking
New York Marriott Marquis
WHY IS IT COOL? The New York Marriott Marquis is a very large conference hotel located in the heart of Times Square and offers a full range of meeting services, including in-house AV infrastructure and onsite support and specific spaces for a variety of meeting objectives (conference rooms, theaters, a ballroom, etc.).
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, large parties, cocktail receptions, board meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 124,755 square feet of event space across 48 function rooms and a capacity of up to 2,800
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house AV and onsite support, complimentary high-speed wifi
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Centrally located, conveniently close to the subway (49 St Station or Time Sq-42 St Station); street and garage parking
Chelsea Piers
WHY IS IT COOL? Chelsea Piers is situated directly on the Hudson River and offers event spaces for groups of all sizes, ranging from smaller meetings to large industrial-style spaces. Adjacent to Chelsea Piers is its more formal event space, Pier 60. Pier 60 has 20,000 square feet of column-less event space and offers fantastic views of the Hudson River, Freedom Tower, and the Statue of Liberty.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, galas, banquets, parties, cocktail parties
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Chelsea Piers offers 10,650 square feet of event space across 5 rooms; Pier 60 offers 20,000 square feet of event space across 6 function rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: Chelsea Piers’ sustainable practices include purchasing 100% of its power from renewable sources and hosting on-site recycling
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (23 St Station), on-site parking
Whether you’re after an intimate, customizable space or a food and celebration focused venue, these four meeting venues in New York City excel at hosting private events.
THE BEST PRIVATE EVENT VENUES NYC
The NoMad Hotel + Rooftop
WHY IS IT COOL? The NoMad is a boutique hotel located in New York’s Flatiron district. It offers 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a tented private dining room on its rooftop.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, parties, cocktail receptions, client events
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 4,000 square feet of event space across
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State-of-the-art audio and visual equipment
SUSTAINABILITY: The NoMad Hotel is LEED Gold certified.
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (28 St Station); valet, street and garage parking
Buddakan
WHY IS IT COOL? One of New York City’s best restaurants, Buddakan’s offers excellent food and cocktails and capacity for 50 people in a private dining room. Its interior blends 16th century Paris with Asian art and architectural details to provide a private, intimate atmosphere.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Client events, cocktail parties, team celebrations, banquets
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 50 seated in the private dining room; can accommodate 300 seated in a full buyout
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: In-house
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (14 St Station); street and garage parking
THE BEST SMALL EVENT SPACES NYC
Peterson House
WHY IS IT COOL? Originally constructed in 1854, Peterson House is a beautiful Greenwich Village townhouse that combines original architectural features with modern style.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, small conferences, and meetings
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Over 1,200 square feet of event space across 3 function rooms
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Conveniently close to the subway (9 St Station); street and garage parking
The Gramercy
WHY IS IT COOL? The Gramercy is a townhouse located on Gramercy Park South. This two story event venue features tall, coffered ceilings, a fireplace, an open floor plan and a patio garden with a fountain.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 4,000 square feet of event space across 2 floors; can accommodate 85 seated banquet style and 125 reception style
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Street and garage parking
Ramscale Penthouse
WHY IS IT COOL? Ramscale Penthouse is a loft-style penthouse located in the West Village. This whitewashed modern studio and terrace space has sweeping views of the city and the Hudson River. It features floor to ceiling windows and lots of natural light.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3,000 square feet of event space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Rigging pipes
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Street and garage parking
Witness Apt NYC
WHY IS IT COOL? Witness Apt NYC is part loft space and part boutique shop. This light-filled Chelsea loft apartment features gorgeous mid-century modern decor and can be rented for small meetings, photo shoots, intimate dinners, and more.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Small meetings, photo shoot, intimate dinners, brand activations
GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 2,200 square feet of event space
AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A
SUSTAINABILITY: N/A
CATERING: N/A
TRANSPORT: Street and garage parking
IN CONCLUSION
From corporate event venues to small private spaces, New York City clearly excels at more than just thin crust pizza. With each coming year, event professionals search for more novelty, more technological advances, and more wow factor when choosing an event venue, and NYC remains at the forefront of these innovations. It’s no wonder that NYC event venues are a top international choice for conventions, performances, and celebrations. For answers to Google searches ranging from cheap event space NYC to creative meeting space NYC, these 25 choices are the top picks for 2020.
Now onto you: