new york city

24 Unique Event Venues in NYC for Big Gatherings

New York City ” it’s home to a whole lot of history, the nation’s best pizza (sorry Chicago!), the Empire State Building, and no shortage of incredible events. Thinking about adding your event to that list? We’ve rounded up 25 unique event venues in NYC that are sure to wow your attendees with everything from impeccable rooftops to stunning aesthetics and beyond.

What does your ideal location need to deliver a top-notch event in your guests’ eyes?

Find the top venues in NYC for your next big event:

1. The Liberty Warehouse

Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn

Capacity: 1,000 standing / 450 seated

Why we love it: As Director of Catering Jeffrey Torem notes, “The Liberty Warehouse is NYC’s most unique event space, located directly on New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty prominently displayed with her facing forward. We feature the finest of foods, beverages, and service in the business today, catering to the individual rather than the masses… there is not another facility to match the combination and individualization we offer.”

Fun fact: Beyonce & Jay-Z have been spotted dining here!

2. Tavern on the Green

Location: Central Park, Manhattan

Capacity: Anywhere from 40 to 2,000

Why we love it: No shocker here, this iconic NYC venue simply had to be included on this list. The sit-down nucleus of Central Park offers unrivaled flexibility and scenery amidst its neighboring urban jungle. Beautiful both inside and out, it’s probable that a number of your favorite, cheesy love songs were written right on the remarkable outdoor patio of the Tavern on the Green.

Fun fact: The Tavern was originally built to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park in the 1800s.

3. The Beekman

Location: Financial District, Manhattan

Capacity: 225 guests

Why we love it: On the other side of the big apple, The Beekman awaits to wow your attendees. If its sleek and sophisticated interior doesn’t grab your attention, the culinary prowess that this space offers surely will. The Beekman offers a variety of charming event spaces, the largest of which is the entire lower level.

Fun fact: In the Victorian era, the building was called Temple Court and was home to law offices.

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4. Chelsea Piers

Location: Chelsea, Manhattan

Capacity: 750 standing / 2,000 seated

Why we love it: Throw away the driving moccasins and slip into that fresh pair of boat shoes. Chelsea Piers is here to shake-up your next event in the best way possible. Whether your guests are interested in a modern cocktail hour or a quick game on the beach volleyball court, the facilities at Chelsea Piers are an event planner’s dream.

Fun fact: The Titanic was scheduled to arrive at Chelsea Piers in 1912.

5. Convene

Location: Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown, and more

Capacity: Up to 500

Why we love it: Convene is the multi-stop shop for an inviting alternative to the average event. Why? As VP of Marketing Ray Cheng puts it: “We currently offer 6 purpose-built corporate event venues in New York City, with 2 more opening up in the next few months, while rapidly expanding in Philadelphia, D.C., and other cities across the US.”

Fun fact: Over 65% of Fortune 100 companies partner with Convene for all types of meetings and events, both large and small.

6. Pier A Harbor House

pier a harbor house event venue in nyc

Location: Battery Park, Manhattan

Capacity: Up to 650

Why we love it: Bringing together the best of two distinct New York City neighborhoods, the Pier A Harbor House offers some of the most memorable waterfront views in Manhattan. With 28,000 square feet of unique meeting space and a vast look out onto the Hudson River, this certified NYC landmark can easily play home to a variety of events.

Fun fact: Pier A is a true historic venue and registered NYC landmark.

7. The Chatway New York

Location: Midtown Manhattan

Capacity: 120 guests

Why we love it: A more upscale vibe for your next event can be found at The Chatway New York, where the decor and ambiance will transport you back to the 1930s. Available for up to 120 guests, this location’s rich, warm spaces make it easy to hunker down and get things done without getting stir-crazy. Pictured above is the Stanford White Studio, ready to accommodate 40 guests in a theater setup.

Fun fact: The hotel was originally built in 1905 and restored with a modern/art deco style in 2010.

8. New York Paley Center for Media

event at paley center for media in nyc

Location: Theater District, Manhattan

Capacity: 200 seated / 225 standing

Why we love it: Give yourself some options! At the New York Paley Center for Media, you can arrange your next event in a number of modern ways. Here, you’ll have full access to a number of screening rooms to mix things up. Plus, between a slew of galleries and theaters, you will have plenty of options to spice up your latest presentation and give your attendees lots of options for breakout rooms.

Fun fact: The center is named for William S. Paley, who founded CBS.

9. SPiN

Location: Flatiron District, Manhattan

Capacity: 500

Why we love it: Time to get active! Keep the energy of your next event flowing at SPiN, NYC’s favorite table tennis bar. Between your choice of a quiet sit-down or rambunctious rally to 21, SPiN provides an experience unlike any other on our list! It makes a great choice for corporate affairs ” a little “friendly competition” is always a good thing!.

Fun fact: If you want to continue the fun, join the 9-week social league and play every Monday.

10. The NoMad

An event setup at the NYC venue the Nomad

Location: Nomad, Manhattan

Capacity: 125 – 200

Why we love it:Feast your eyes on New York City’s premier private dining space. Although you’ll be amidst Manhattan’s bustling crowds outside, The NoMad is more than capable of removing you and your attendees from the noise and into luxury. Their 4,000 square feet of meeting space will allow you to get creative and build your event’s brand, capped by specially catered menus from super-chef Daniel Humm.

Fun fact: Every weekend, the NoMad hosts “The Magician,” which it calls “an intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception.”

11. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

230 fifth rooftop bar event venue in nyc

Location: Flatiron District, Manhattan

Capacity: Up to 1,200

Why we love it: Are you a fan of rooftop gardens and lounge music on summer nights? Here’s your venue! 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar creates an atmosphere for a laid-back ambiance. Your guests will admire the scenic view over the city and iconic buildings like the Empire State Building.

Fun fact: In the winter, the venue puts up transparent, heated “igloos” where guests can drink and enjoy skyline views.

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12. Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts

angel orensanz foundation for the arts event venue in nyc

Location: Lower East Side, Manhattan

Why we love it: The timeless architecture of the Angel Orensanz Foundation embodies the lasting impression of all of the amazing events held here over the years. It’s well suited to all kinds of events, from fashion shows to big fundraising dinners. Its visual effects and unparalleled art will create memories that last long after the event is over.

Fun fact: The structure was formerly the Ansche Chesed Synagogue.

13. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

event space at the brooklyn botanic gardens

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Capacity: Up to 250

Why we love it: Originally built in 1917, the contemporary glass-domed conservatory of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, known as the Palm House, has hosted numerous exclusive ceremonies. The glass and steel smoothly form an organic shape to create a feeling of paradise. And that’s just the beginning at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: A lavish 52 acres with rare tropical plants and floral gardens will embrace your guests, along with two impeccable atriums.

Fun fact: The gardens are home to more than 18,500 kinds of plants! You can see which are in bloom on their website.

14. Mandarin Oriental

event setup at the mandarin oriental in new york city

Location: Columbus Circle, Manhattan

Capacity: Up to 900

Why we love it: Conveniently located on the edge of Central Park, Mandarin Oriental offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River. Inside, you’ll find function rooms and event facilities to delight the most prestigious of guests. From business events to balls, stylish notes will add exquisite flavor to your big day.

Fun fact: The hotel is inside the Time Warner Center, which also includes many upscale restaurants, a five-star spa and more.

15. Canoe Studios

natural light flooding the event space at canoe studios in nyc

Location: Chelsea, Manhattan

Capacity: 150 seated / 300 standing

Why we love it: Versatility and breathtaking views make Canoe Studios a premier choice amongst unique NYC event venues. Elevated 14 stories above the Hudson River, the venue offers multiple event spaces ready to be tailored to dinner parties, weddings, cocktail hours, galas, meetings, and more. Collapsible walls allow the spaces to be connected, meaning you can use as much or as little of the 23,000 total square feet as your group needs.

Fun fact: Celebs like Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Chrissy Tiegen have attended events at Canoe Studios.

16. Pier 15

A Hornblower cruise vessel serving as nyc event space at pier 15

Location: Manhattan

Capacity: Up to 3,000

Why we love it: It’s getting more and more trendy to host events on the waterfront, and Pier 15 might just be the NYC jewel of them all. Hornblower allows you to bring up to 3,000 people for day or night cruises, champagne-popping parties, or elevated corporate affairs that offer exquisite views over the Brooklyn Bridge. Plus, you’ll enjoy a seasoned team of event pros at your beck and call.

Fun fact: The cruise shop company also offers tours in the San Fransisco Bay Area and at Niagra Falls.

17. Villa Barone Manor

villa barone manor event space in nyc

Location: Throgs Neck, the Bronx

Capacity: Up to 1,200

Why we love it: For 30 years, the Villa Barone Manor has delighted its guests with gorgeous aesthetics and unparalleled catering services. The elegance and dedicated staff make the venue a dream choice for those scouring for unique event venues in NYC. The Villa hosts up to 1,200 guests for large charity events, board meetings, and family celebrations.

Fun fact: The design was inspired by a mix of American sophistication and European elegance.

18. Gotham Hall

A corporate event setup at the unique NYC event venue Gotham Hall

Location: Midtown Manhattan

Capacity: 800 seated / 1,200 standing

Why we love it: Flecked with style and sophistication, Gotham Hall hosts the most elegant of events, whether they be corporate gatherings, gala dinners, or impeccable receptions. The professional team takes care of every element of decor prior to your big day, and the grand ballroom with its 3,000 square feet, and its stained-glass ceiling will appease any taste. Plus, since Gotham Hall only hosts one event at a time, you can rest assured you’ll get the staff’s full attention ” from security to a picture-perfect setup.

Fun fact: The building was constructed in the 1920s as the Greenwich Savings Bank, which is why the outside looks quite Roman.

19. Studio 450

event setup at studio 450 in nyc

Location: Chelsea, Manhattan

Capacity: 250 seated / 300 standing

Why we love it: Studio 450 is a one-of-a-kind loft space situated on a stunning Manhattan rooftop. This unique venue with a terrace offers fantastic views of the city, setting you up for an equally fantastic celebration. Located between 9th and 10th avenue, the space is ideal for media events, product launches, cocktail parties, or even fashion shows.

Fun fact: Since the studio has rooftop access, you get 360-degree views of the city.

20. Gustavino’s

gustavinos unique nyc event venue

Location: Under the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan

Capacity: 150 – 400

Why we love it: Gustavino’s offers 15,000 square feet of unforgettable event space characterized by impeccable design and architecture. Arches and a vaulted tile ceiling set the tone for sophisticated gala dinners, weddings, cocktail receptions, and corporate affairs that leave mouths as wide open as the flowing space. Boasting a gorgeous garden and custom-crafted menus from their renowned executive chef, the venue is known for transforming itself for almost any event.

Fun fact: The space is named for Rafael Guastavino, an architect from Barcelona who designed the canopy of tile vaults.

21. 620 Loft & Garden

620 loft & garden rooftop event venue in nyc

Location: Midtown Manhattan

Capacity: 120 guests

Why we love it: The impeccable view of Fifth Avenue and St. Patrick’s Cathedral set the tone for an inspiring event space at 620 Loft & Garden. Tented space makes sure that the venue is available year-round. Complete with a sparkling reflective pool, there’s not a whole lot more you could ask for from one of New York City’s most unique rooftop venues.

Fun fact: If you’re looking for views, this is the place. From the rooftop, you can see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and more.

22. 501 Union

natural light flooding the indoor event space at 501 union in New York City

Location: Brooklyn

Capacity: 140 – 300

Why we love it: At the cross-section of five Brooklyn neighborhoods lies the ideal choice for parties, conferences, pop-up markets, and more: 501 Union. Choose from the open-air courtyard, a swanky cocktail lounge, or the reception hall that floods with natural light ” all are paired with the impeccable service that has made 501 Union a premier event destination.

Fun fact: Once a classic car restoration shop, this 1916 building became the backdrop for incredible events in 2003.

23. 3 West Club

Location: Midtown Manhattan

Capacity: Up to 350

Why we love it: Imagine hosting an event just steps away from Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and The Museum of Modern Art. Well, that’s a possibility at 3 West Club. This space is a nine-story building with over 7,000 square feet of meeting space, including 27 main hotel rooms and two suites. Whether you need a well-appointed space for an elegant wedding, corporate seminar, or private party, 3 West Club can provide you with on-site catering, AV equipment, and more.

24. New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

A large meeting space at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Location: Downtown Brooklyn

Capacity: 1,800

Why we love it: With a whopping 47,000+ square feet of event space, the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is ready to accommodate any New York business affair. Plus, attendees will be able to explore the best of Brooklyn while being just across the river from the sights and sounds of Manhattan.

Fun fact: This is the largest hotel in Brooklyn.

Can’t quite see your event happening in the Big Apple? We have venue roundups for other great cities that might be on your list:

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