About New York
New York or NYC, as it is lovingly called, has some incredible views, top-notch parties, and fabulous events. It is also the center of culture, entertainment, politics, business, and international finance. The city also hosts some fabulous festivals, cultural drives, international conferences, and more.
The city has more than 8 million people working in and living there, and it attracts upward of 30 million tourists annually. Its area is just over 300 square miles. The city is made up of five boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Each borough, except for Staten Island, has a population of at least one million.
The Big Apple's diversity and culture attract people from different walks of life every day. The migrant population has brought with it diverse food, art, and cultural representations. This also makes a New York outdoor event venue easier to find.
Most venues here have sweeping views, a garden, or a patio outside, and can accommodate guests comfortably. Outdoor event spaces usually have easy access to and from public transportation. Since the public transport system is quite advanced, guests can easily travel to popular outdoor spaces for birthday parties, intimate gatherings, bridal showers, and more.
With the entirety of New York City as a blank canvas, hosts, and organizers can plan stunning summer event spaces without worrying about the suitability of outdoor event venues.
Outdoor Event Options in New York
Despite how large New York is, there are still outdoor event spaces where you can enjoy the city. Hosting an outdoor event venue in New York might be just what you are after, and the city is full of professionals who can help.
- Planner
Planning an outdoor party or event can be stressful no matter where the venue is. Finding an outdoor venue in New York City isn’t a simple task, and planning something in a city so huge comes with its own challenges. If you decide to go with a professional to plan everything then you can focus on something else like finding venues for rent that fit your budget.
- Decorator
Even an outdoor venue could benefit from a few decorations, depending on the kind of style or theme you are going for. If you decide to hire an NYC decorator then they can work with you no matter how much decor help you will need. They can add tropical plants, lush greenery, and more, depending on your requirements.
- Entertainment
New York is a city packed with entertainment, and this can help you take your next outdoor event to the next level. There are countless musicians and performers that you can hire to entertain your guests, whether at a large party, and intimate bridal shower, or a small dinner event. With all of the options, you’re bound to find the right entertainment that fits into your budget.
- Refreshments
Any kind of outdoor event you throw can’t go wrong with some refreshment options. It doesn’t have to be much more than drinks and a few finger foods to keep your guests happy. With the diverse food scene in New York, you won’t have any trouble finding the right service.
Outdoor Event Companies in New York
Your New York outdoor event venue may need some sprucing up even though it is outdoors. There is nothing wrong with a few decorations and some props or furniture to make it an unforgettable outdoor event space. Check out some of the local event companies that cater to the best outdoor venues in the city.
- ShimmerNYC
ShimmerNYC has been a premier event planning company in the city since 2012. They are known for working with each client in order to design a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Their design and planning professionals have experience with a number of events, both big and small. They can help with outdoor party venues, birthday parties at an outdoor terrace, planning a summer party at an outdoor space, and a rooftop terrace party.
- City Catering & Cafe
This catering service and cafe has experience in various types of events, including corporate gatherings, intimate parties, and weddings. City Catering & Cafe is one of the most budget-friendly options in the city, and they have a flexible scheduling and planning process. They can set up a buffet or a la carte in an outdoor area in minimal time and work with whatever the venue offers for furniture and space. among the venues in NYC, City Catering and Cafe is well-known in the Upper East Side and at open air venues.
- Umoja Events
This locally owned event planning company has been serving Brooklyn, venues in New York, and nearby areas since 2009. They can plan and design corporate events in an outdoor space and have additional services such as photography and videography for an outdoor party. Umoja Events lets you handle everything online from the comfort of anywhere.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Events in New York
New York doesn’t have all of the outdoor party venues of other cities, but there are several reasons that make it a great location for your next event. Make sure you consider the pros and cons before making a final decision about your outdoor parties.
Advantages
- Culture
It has a rich culture thanks to its diversity, and the city is full of cultural institutions anyone can visit. There’s Broadway, the NYC Ballet, museums, and more to explore. In addition to more major destinations, you can also find small theater and dance groups performing at some of the most popular outdoor spaces in the city.
- Culinary mecca
It is home to the best food and fine dining. With many restaurants that serve brunch, lunch, breakfast, and dinner – you will definitely enjoy the ambiance, making it the perfect venue for a memorable event. So make sure you bring your loved ones and enjoy a hot meal if you ever find yourself in the city for an event – anywhere from Harlem to the Lower East Side.
- Activities
There is something for everyone in New York City, and countless activities are happening all around the city. Since it’s known as the city that never sleeps, you can find something fun to do 24/7, like attend a rooftop terrace event, a birthday party in an open air space with stunning views, a drinks and cheese event in a garden with a patio, and more.
- Great public transport
Despite how large it is, NYC is relatively easy to get around in. There are several options for transportation that run 24/7, and many people just opt to walk. It’s likely no matter where you stay in the city you can walk to a number of restaurants and fun hang-out spots.
- Tons of outdoor venues
If you are looking to host in an amazing space like an outdoor garden, a music venue, or a chic, unique venue with exposed brick and fairy lights for a corporate cocktail hour, the best outdoor party venues in New York City will provide you with a perfect outdoor space for parties, photo shoots, and stunning city views.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
There are definitely low-cost or free things to do in New York, but the city has a reputation for being expensive. Booking a venue and paying for catering or event planning is likely to cost more in NYC than somewhere else. Sometimes, the rent in New York is more costly than trying to accommodate or host your guests.
- Long winters
While New York City is a nice place to experience all four seasons, the winters are known for being long and brutal. Anyone who isn’t a fan of the cold likely won’t enjoy living through a New York winter.
- Limited green space
New York is a concrete jungle and because of that, you won’t find many green or garden spaces in the city. There are urban parks, and Central Park is a huge tourist attraction, but it can be harder to connect to nature in NYC. Although there is limited green space, the natural light and filter that New York gives to its photos from rooftops and outdoor terraces is unique for event photos and enough to make it an unforgettable event.
Famous Locations in New York
- Wall Street
In Lower Manhattan’s financial district visitors can see Wall Street. The street is almost a mile long and holds the New York Stock Exchange. Visitors can also find the iconic sculpture of a charging bull, meant to represent the bullish market. Wall Street offers a sense of space that is not common in other cities.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Right across from the famous Rockefeller Center, visitors to New York City can find the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral sees visitors and guests every day just coming to sit or light candles. The incredible architecture and artwork inside are both worth a visit.
- The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the highest points and most popular locations in the city and in the world. If you are going to do a tour, you might want to add this location to your list. However, the lines can get quite long so expect a long wait before you can climb up.
- McCarren Park
McCarren Park in NYC is one of the few places where people can enjoy lush green spaces in the city. It has 35 acres and is situated in the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods in Brooklyn. There are fields, flower gardens, trees, and archways to be enjoyed throughout the park. If you are looking for an event space or outdoor venue that is not Central Park, this park can make an excellent outdoor party venue for a simple birthday party or casual corporate event. However, if you are looking for something more high-end for your engagement party, baby showers, or wedding, NYC has tons of unique outdoor venues that'll provide the perfect setting for your next gathering.