New York City, always bustling, always filled to the brim with activities left and right. But as a first-class city, it’s hard to find free or low-cost venues where you can host your event. Fortunately, we have listed down 9 venues in the Big Apple where you can set up a party, meeting, or a small get together with friends and family without costing you very little.
With 4 miles, Hudson Bridge Park is truly an oasis for New Yorkers and visitors alike. It can host a variety of events, either small or large; all you need is to get a permit for your event so you can host it at any unique location of the park. Special events or commercial activities include performances, athletic events, or even small picnic gatherings.
Location: Between Battery Place and West 59th Street, West Side, Manhattan, New York City
Capacity: more than 20 people (special events), less than 20 people (commercial activities)
Price: £19 for the permit
Travel: Nearby West St/Christopher St Bus Stop
Brooklyn Bridge Park is another low-cost venue with plenty of space to offer in New York City. It has 85-acres of world-class waterfront, rolling hills, lush gardens, and breathtaking city views. There are plenty of outdoor activities that can be hosted here, such as movie nights, Zumba, or smaller events such as arts and culture or poetry reading. All you have to do is get a permit for your event, and you are good to go.
Location: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY
Capacity: Can accommodate people for all types of events, either big or small
Price: £19 for permit, £1.00 credit card processing fee
Travel: Nearby Fulton Ferry Landing Bus Stop, High Street Subway Station, or via the Governors Island Ferry
The Verlaine Bar & Lounge features 17-foot ceilings paired with minimalist designs; it has a luxurious atmosphere, making it suitable for formal events. For smaller events, there is a lounge that can accommodate up to 50 people, and you can also rent the whole space out for more significant events accommodating up to 150 guests. It’s the perfect place for lounging or catching up with friends and family, especially in the cosy section of comfy sofas.
Location: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY
Capacity: Up to 150 people
Price: £22 to £92/event or £10 to £19/person
Travel: Nearby Essex St/Delancey St Bus Stop or Delancey St · Essex St Subway Station
4. White Horse Tavern – Financial District
The White Horse Tavern offers a 1,400 square foot floor that can accommodate up to 100 guests; the bar and lounge are also available for exclusive events or meetings on the third floor and includes a full bar, a comfortable booth and banquette seating. Moreover, it also has plenty of for guests to dance and mingle. While they offer an array of buffet options, they are also ready to customize their menu to your taste and budget.
Location: 25 Bridge St. New York, NY
Capacity: Minimum of 30 to maximum 100 people
Price: £36 to £73/event or £9 to £35/person
Travel: Nearby Water St/Broad St Bus Station or Bowling Green Subway Station
This very affordable event space is spacious and has a great second-floor window view of New York City, suitable for meetings and parties and for photoshoots or video shoots that require proper and natural lighting. It also offers plenty of amenities such as free wifi, a sound system, chairs, tables, mirrored walls (suitable for rehearsals), and a piano. The space is available for rent from Monday to Sunday, 24/7, and If you’re travelling in a private vehicle, there is a nearby parking garage by 9th Avenue.
Location: 8th Avenue, Midtown, New York, NY
Capacity: Up to 40 people max
Price: £40/hour, minimum of 3 hours
Travel: Nearby 34 St – Penn Subway Station
6. Williamsburg 21+ Bar and Event Space with Full Kitchen
A bar/restaurant can accommodate different events and gatherings, including small weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation parties, baby showers, corporate meetings, and more. It’s considered a private backroom lounge with 2 rooms, a versatile back lounge, and a spacious front bar room. There are 20 to 40 chairs, 6 booths, 10 tables, and 1 large communal table to fit 74 people. The host also offers additional equipment that you can use for your event, such as a projector, microphone, working disco ball, dance lighting, and others for rent.
Location: Grand Street, Williamsburg, Kings County, NY
Capacity: Up to 74 people max
Price: £55/hour, minimum of 3 hours
Travel: Nearby Grand Street Subway Station
The Brooklyn Party Space is a hidden gem. It’s a club-style event space with a 3,000 sq ft area; it carefully balances chic and elegance to accommodate a wide range of event types. Some of the occasions suitable for the rental space include birthdays, baby or bridal showers, small weddings, anniversary parties, or even fashion shows; whatever the event, just let the team know so they can set up the space as required.
Location: 833 Dean St Ground Floor Brooklyn, NY
Capacity: Up to 125 people max
Price: Starts at £/hour
Travel: Nearby Clinton/Washington Subway Station
The QED Astoria has 1,200 square feet of space fit for various events; it is considered an after-school for grown-ups who wish to spend time with their friends and family through a wide variety of events. It comes complete with stage equipment such as lighting, microphones, etc., and offers customizable seating arrangements according to your event. There are also plenty of nearby restaurants that are available to hire for catering services.
Location: 27-16 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
Capacity: Up to 60 people max
Price: Starts at £55/hour
Travel: Nearby Astoria – Ditmars Blvd Subway Station or Ditmars Blvd/28 St Bus Stop
Like the other two parks mentioned previously, Prospect Park boasts a large area of up to 585-acre, filled with scenic views and recreational activities at different parts of the park. Events can be hosted in many parts of the park, including the Boathouse, Picnic House, Carousel, Lefferts Historic House, and more.
Location: Prospect Pk W, Flatbush, Parkside, Ocean Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Capacity: More than 20 people events will need permits
Price: £19 permit (please see website for specific events rate)
Travel: Nearby Prospect Pk Sw/11 Ave Bus Stop and 7 Ave Subway Station
New York City is enormous. While you have many options, it’s often really overwhelming when looking for a budget-friendly venue for your event. With the list above, we hope you can find the right place to host your fantastic parties, memorable weddings, or productive meetings in the Big Apple.
