NYC party venue that can accommodate an aerialist and a fire performer?

October 14, 2015 4:11 PM

Asking for a friend: Do you know of a good venue in NYC (preferably Brooklyn!) for a party that will include a screening, two live bands and DJs, aerial silks, a fire performer, and a custom cocktail bar?

My friend is planning a large party (100-300 people) in New York in about a month (11/14) and has had difficulty finding an event venue that can accommodate all of his needs. He can spend $2-3K. He has a backup that can accommodate everything but fire performance and aerial silks. Do you know of any places that can accommodate everything?

Bonus question: He has a fair amount of experience throwing large parties, but he might be in the market for a party planner to help out with some details. Can you recommend anyone or a way to find someone?

posted by (Over) Thinking to Grab Bag (8 answers total)

So. I've thrown giant parties with all kinds of performers- it was my job to do so for a few years- and that is going to be really tough.

The fire-breathing thing is out- it's illegal to have fire performers inside (unless statutes have changed in the last year- but I feel like it hasn't) give it up or add an out door space to your needs.

You need high ceilings and certification that the structures that are used for the areal performance are safe or you're looking at a night mare if someone gets hurt. You may want to google for venues that already have done similar performance. It's less hassle to use a place that is already proven safe.

I'd advise him to be careful at such a low cost. I know of a few illegal venues at that price- but it's not worth the risk.
posted by Blisterlips at 4:44 PM on October 14, 2015

That's going to be very tough on that budget.

The New York City fire code requires fire department permits for any open flame in a gathering space of that size (more than 25 people) and for fire performance you will also, I think, need a special effect permit.

Places that are willing to do all that for you in NYC at that budget and for the amount of time you're suggesting (given the activities planned) and assuming the "guests" aren't actually expected to pay for the venue by ordering expensive meals (e.g. $50/person) from the venue. I just don't think this is possible.
posted by Jahaza at 4:51 PM on October 14, 2015

Even without the fire/aerial performance aspect, this will be very difficult if you need the venue to have a liquor license (especially on short notice). If your cocktail bar is going to be run by a caterer with a catering license you may be able to pull this off, assuming the cost of the catering is separate from the venue rental budget.
posted by Jahaza at 4:54 PM on October 14, 2015

Flambeaux Fire has done indoor fire shows in Brooklyn, maybe they would know of a venue.
posted by Sophont at 5:18 PM on October 14, 2015 [3 favorites]

Looks like they performed at The Muse which may fit your criteria.
posted by Sophont at 5:23 PM on October 14, 2015

That's a very tiny (I dare say impossible) budget both for a party of that size in NYC and for an event planner. The amount he's prepared to spend for this party could easily be what a planner would charge you.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 6:24 PM on October 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Just to clarify - that budget is just for the venue rental, not liquor/performers/anything else
posted by (Over) Thinking at 6:36 PM on October 14, 2015

For that price, everyone asks The Bell House first.

Then you hit the EventUp search page. Mmm, Red Hook Labs might be nice! There's a million places now.
posted by RJ Reynolds at 6:24 AM on October 15, 2015