Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of 7 outdoor dance venues and events in New York City you’ll love experiencing in the NYC fall of 2021, including liberating and energizing sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
7 of the city’s best outdoor dance venues and events right now
At the end of summer, we’re in the mood to while away the days and dance. Unfortunately, it seems like the C-word is not totally cooperating by going away forever. But as New Yorkers do, we find a way to adapt. Enter the city’s best outdoor dance venues and events which are sure to rival any night out in pre-pandemic times.
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We’ve been to most of the spaces and parties on this list and there’s something about dancing outdoors that always feels natural, inclusive and joyful. It’s less velvet rope and private banquettes and more communal, open air concert.
outdoor dance venues and events in New York City you’ll love experiencing in the NYC fall of 2021
And for those of us who can’t stay out until 4am anymore, many of these events end before midnight, so you can still be a fully functional adult the next day.
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So get on those dancing shoes — which can absolutely be Birkenstocks or sneakers, by the way. And join in on these best 7 outdoor dance parties happening right now.
7 of the city’s best outdoor dance venues and events right now
1. Hot Honey Sundays @ Greenpoint Terminal Market
It’s free. It offers stunning waterfront views of Manhattan. And it’s expansive enough to socially distance from that stranger. Every Sunday at 2pm until October 31st, get down with Resident DJs @JKriv, @DeoJorge, and @AnnaCollecta at the Greenpoint Terminal Market. If you can tear yourself away from the dance floor, there’s plenty of shopping and eating options from local artisans and food vendors.
The city’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Hot Honey Sunday’s. Courtesy Photo.
2. Knockdown Center
Open air parties are practically synonymous with the Knockdown Center out in Maspeth, Queens. The space itself — a 50,000 square foot campus, was first used as a glass factory but now hosts programming of diverse formats and media. The outdoor events take place in their backyard space, “The Ruins.” The lineup includes an eclectic collection of artists, specially curated to honor club music’s past, present, and future.
The city’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Knockdown Center. Courtesy Photo.
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3. The Brooklyn Mirage @ Avant Gardner
Avant Gardner is the 80,000 square foot venue that occupies an entire city block of industrial East Williamsburg. For dancing in an open-air sanctuary, you’ll want to head to the party at The Brooklyn Mirage, a courtyard within this complex. In addition to the stage and courtyard which serve as the main dance area, there are multiple terraces to chill and take in the views. It’s a truly immersive experience that will make you forget you’re in a concrete jungle.
The city’s best outdoor dance venues and events: The Brooklyn Mirage. Courtesy Photo.
4. Elsewhere
The rooftop at Bushwick’s Elsewhere is open for dancing to the best in emerging music, with DJs and live music every day Monday through Sunday. There’s a community-minded vibe that’s evident in their choices from the inclusive programming to food that’s served from a local family-owned Guatemalan restaurant. And there’s nothing like dancing on a rooftop that offers up views of the entire Manhattan skyline.
The NYC’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Elsewhere. Courtesy Photo.
5. Warm up @ MoMA PS.1
The Museum of Modern Art’s PS. 1 location in Long Island City is into its 24th season hosting its summer party in the museum courtyard. Dance amongst the outdoor art installations to a lineup of established DJs, underground experimentalists and rising rap stars. The fashion and people watching at these parties are almost as fun as the dancing.
The city’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Warmup. Courtesy Photo.
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6. Nowadays
Nowadays is a laidback event space — so laidback, that even kids are welcome at some events in their lush backyard in Ridgewood. Owners Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter are the longtime resident DJs and organizers of Mister Saturday Night and Mister Sunday, community-minded events that have earned a cult-following. As a bonus, the food here is top notch and the tap room serves beer from Evil Twin Brewing NYC.
The NYC’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Nowadays. Courtesy Photo.
7. Industry City
Industry City is a one-stop destination of experiences built on 35 acres of repurposed industrial space. There’s public art, retail stores, offices, eateries and… plenty of room to dance. This summer, there are salsa nights, live bands of every genre, and DJs. And no need to finish the night at a greasy diner when the complex is packed with vendors selling gourmet food and treats from all around the world.
The city’s best outdoor dance venues and events: Industry City. Courtesy Photo.
7 of the city’s best outdoor dance venues and events right now
Before you go, make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest vaccination requirements. At the time of writing, you must show proof of your vaccination status to join in on the party. Dance on and stay healthy and safe out there, dear reader.
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
