venues

The Knitting Factory at Baker Falls is the perfect resurgence of the beloved Brooklyn Knitting Factory outpost meeting the downtown Manhattan rock scene. Located in the former Pyramid Club, the venue has something for everyone and honors the storied history of the space (home to the first Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers shows). Outfitted with a cafe that operates during the day, performance space, full bar, and lounge, The Knitting Factory at Baker Falls draws folks from all walks of life into its inclusive, exciting realm. Be sure to check out the eccentric lounge downstairs after the show, a great spot to hang and keep the vibes going.

Superior Ingredients is a unique multilevel music venue with a focus on the dance/house scene. Enjoy the skyline view from the glass encased roof, or vibe in the club inside.

Hosting their first show in the early 70s, the Central Park SummerStage has been home to countless festivals, spoken word, and dance events. The majority of performances here are either benefit shows or free admission that typically span from June to October. Grab your sunglasses and head to the park for some epic outdoor dancing.

An awesome outside venue in the heart of Queens where you want to see a big show in the summer or early fall. There’s both GA standing and stadium seating, so you can choose your own adventure. You can find lots of food and drink options inside the stadium, and the staff is super helpful and friendly.

The Sultan Room has quickly become one of our favorite venues. It’s a great spot for a smaller show inside or a sunset show on the roof. The wall behind the stage downstairs features an epic light display that we didn’t know we needed, but we do. The roof has a chiller vibe and smaller stage with room to sit or dance. If you’re hungry, there’s an awesome sit down restaurant, The Turk’s Inn, that’s decorated like the inside of your quirky great-aunt’s house. For a faster bite, the Döner Kebab takeout window never disappoints.

Knockdown is an awesome space that hosts a range of awesome artists and events. There’s the indoor space where you’ll be most winter, “The Ruins” space outdoors where you’ll be groovin’ during the summer and fall, and “The Basement” club where you’ll be year-round in the wee hours of the morning.

One of the most quintessential venues in NYC, right in the heart of midtown. Catch the legendary marquee sign on your way into the Art Deco-inspired theater, which is beautiful on the inside and has great sound.

The historic Kings Theatre features a brightly-lit marquee sign and immensely high walls and ceilings, every inch of which are decorated with intricate gold moldings and ornate hand-painted artwork. Although it’s a seated venue, it’s got a solid soundsystem, and you’ll find most people up and dancing at shows here, especially in the pit.

Elsewhere is a unique venue in the heart of Bushwick. There are several different stages (The Roof, Zone One, The Hall and The Loft) to host all types of artists, parties, club nights, & more. Our favorite stage is the roof with its wavy lights and cheeky view of the city skyline.

A smaller venue in the heart of the Lower East Side that has a dive bar and an intimate vibe. It’s where you’ll catch artists early in their careers as they are coming up. A lot of notable acts play their first NYC show here!

While newer to the Bushwick live music scene, Brooklyn Made is becoming a neighborhood staple, and once you go, you’ll see why. It’s an all-in-one venue with a sick stage and a lounge area with a pool table. There’s also Cafe Mezcal, the connected mezcal bar & restaurant that’s great for pre or post show, or both. We also appreciate that they sell earplugs for $1 a pair.

Touting some of the best sound quality in New York, any show at the beautiful Beacon Theatre is always a good time. The theater is technically seated, but you’ll be dancing in front of your seat quickly.

Music Hall of Williamsburg is a great venue right in the heart of Williamsburg, always bringing an eclectic lineup of artists who span multiple genres. The sound inside is solid, and so many artists play here right before they blow up. Pro tip: the elevated platforms on either side of the dance floor are typically less crowded and have a great vantage point.

Brooklyn Steel is one of the most beloved venues in all of NYC, which speaks volumes considering it burst onto the scene in 2018. Steel hosts a range of artists for all musical tastes, has a dope sound system, and is a guaranteed good time.

This iconic, award-winning Beaux Arts venue has been a Manhattan staple since the late 90s. We love it because t’s intimate, and the sound quality is great. Many punk rockers have made history here over the years, and in recent times, the venue caters to a range of genres.

Blue Note is one of the prime spots for jazz and more in NYC. A classic, intimate and seated venue. Artists often come for multi-night stints, and two shows a night, so we get plenty of opportunities to see artists from Robert Glasper and Galactic to Tank and the Bangas. They’ve got table service offering food and/or drinks (but you have to meet the $20pp minimum). Pro tip: arrive on the early side to get a good spot!

Right off the Williamsburg bridge, this independent Brooklyn institution features a small but electrifying stage lit up by a backdrop wall of color-changing lights, a great bar, Mexican food, and a lounge area. Catch artists of all genres and styles here with its 60s living room meets NYC venue vibes.

One of the bigger standing venues in NY (not a stadium or theater) and about 10 mins from the Jefferson L, Avant Gardner is composed of three stages: the Great Hall and the Kings Hall (both inside) and the Brooklyn Mirage (outside).). All stages can fit a substantial crowd, often in costume, and some of the best electronic musicians make regular stops here. Brooklyn Mirage boasts a curved, 200 foot wide 15K resolution video wall. This year, DJ Mag voted Avant Gardner as North America’s ‘Best Large Club.’

Much more than a music venue, Brooklyn Bowl includes a sixteen lane bowling alley along with a full bar and a restaurant by Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group (don’t sleep on the Rock. And. Roll. fries). Complete with a fantastic sound system and a disco ball, read on to hear more about why this is one of our favorite venues for a great night out.

On August 21st, The Knitting Factory Brooklyn had their last show in their legendary Williamsburg location after 13 years on Metropolitan Ave. The show headlined Hannibal Buress, paying homage to the venue’s history. The comedian had several gigs at the Knitting Factory BK early in his career and returned this summer for a final goodbye.