Affectionately nicknamed “heaven”, Harlem is one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations with its artsy vibe and buzzing music scene—but that’s not all! Harlem is the perfect place for hosting events, thanks to its prime New York location.
Do you believe that every craft cocktail lounge should come with a private mixologist? That every studio should have fun selfie setups? When it comes to choosing an event space, there’s no detail too small. Our properties have been meticulously designed with partygoers in mind, so the guest of honor is sure to feel like a celebrity no matter where you wind up.
When venue shopping, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the cost of renting from big corporate event centers, not to mention all the add-on fees hidden in the fine print. Giggster can ease your stress—we offer transparent pricing across the board and have plenty of properties to suit any budget.
Seeking awe-inspiring venues for upcoming gatherings? Simply browse through the Giggster app’s incredible collection of private event spaces in Harlem and pick your fave—we will take care of the rest.
Harlem Event Spaces Curated by Giggster
Whether you’re on a mission to plan a year’s worth of corporate events or a single family function, choosing an event space can be overwhelming. Thanks to Giggster, you never have to settle for the same old, same old. Here are just a few of the dynamic property types you can rent with us:
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Embrace your inner music exec with some play time at a real-life music production studio. These entertainment offices are sure to make your DJ dreams come true!
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Luxurious, home-style venues ranging from swanky lofts to famous brownstones are sure to dazzle your guests while offering a sense of comfort.
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Planning a group fitness class for your next corporate event? We have a selection of outdoor properties with spacious lots and specialized indoor studios that would be ideal for group classes and team building.
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Is feeding friends and family your love language? Throw your next dinner party at a chef-worthy kitchen studio. Top-of-the-line appliances and gorgeous dining areas coupled with your culinary skills will beat heading to a restaurant any day!
51 Amazing Event Locations in Harlem
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Exceptional Variety & Quality: Take your next party from ordinary to extraordinary with Giggster. Level up your special occasions with one of our radically unique spaces, from historic houses to exclusive art galleries.
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Hassle-Free Booking: Being a primo host is a GIANT responsibility so we’ve perfected our platform to help you along the way. But don’t take our word for it! Read through our rave reviews and you’ll see that our responsive staff, budget-friendly spaces (starting at just $38/hour), and ultra-transparent booking details make hosting as easy as pie!
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24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Can’t make up your mind? Our platform offers plenty of client-focused features like free cancellations up to 24 hours before your event because in this business, being flexible is everything.
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Platform Protections: Even the best-laid plans are susceptible to mishaps. Don’t let disruptions, damage or liability concerns dampen your next event! Our optional protection plans will ensure that you can enjoy top-of-the-line event venues like Stately Victorian Romanesque Building without all the fuss.
Pros and Cons of Events in Harlem
Venturing into Harlem specifically for your event? You may want to brush up on local know-how to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are a few Harlem pros/cons to keep in mind while planning your New York party:
Advantages
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Harlem has fantastic subway access, so snag a Metrocard first thing after you arrive. Whether you need a quick trip from point A to point B or you want to stay connected to the rest of NYC during your stay, this is the most reliable transportation option.
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Come prepared to dance the night away because Harlem's nightlife scene is bumpin'.
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The food in Harlem is next level. From street vendors to trendy bistros, the multicultural influences bring the foodies flocking.
Disadvantages
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You’re going to need a good pair of running shoes. While the city’s walkability is a bonus for some, for others it can be a bit of a chore.
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Like any NYC destination, you'll want to be mindful of tourist scams and try not to venture out alone after dark.
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The noise from the streets can be a bit too much, which can interfere with your event if you're renting a venue on the ground floor.
The Best Type of Venue for Your Event in Harlem
From one-of-a-kind pop-up shops to pretty-in-pink baby showers, Harlem, New York, is a popular destination for various events. And the key to making these a success? Well, it’s a stunning event venue, of course!
Portrait Studios – The Content Creator’s Playground. Hosting a corporate branding event and need some sweet stills for your socials? Want to play around with your Instagram-famous friends and take the hottest birthday photos of all time? Harlem photography studios are the answer. With us, you can choose from bright white portrait studios with professional photography tools like softboxes and reflectors, or one of the quirkier options with fun backdrops and dramatic lighting.
Art Galleries – A Museum-Worthy Setting. Get in touch with your inner art critic and host your next event in a gallery or showroom. You can completely forget about decorating with walls dripping in paintings, and take advantage of the inherent sophistication that comes with a gallery venue. It’s high class made easy!
Historic Homes – The Secret to Planning an Exclusive Evening. Plan a night your guests will never forget with a classy New York house party. These luxurious townhomes are straight out of the Victorian Renaissance with ornate furniture and twinkling chandeliers—some even have balconies with riverfront views! Put on your finery, curate an exquisite menu, and party like society’s elite.
Cocktail Lounges – Host the City’s Hottest Happy Hour. Get ready to take it old-school and embrace your inner Gatsby. These dark and moody speakeasies are where all the cool kids host Harlem parties. Can you see it? Lounging across a velvet chaise and sipping bubbly from a thin-stemmed coupe—it’s straight out of your art deco dreams.
How to Plan an Event in Harlem
Hosting a special occasion can be a headache, whether you're a first-timer or a regular Martha Stewart. Don't get caught in the weeds: use these pro tips to make your Harlem soiree a success:
Pick a Venue with Your Guests in Mind – Should you go for a bright and cheerful brunch party or a moody nightclub atmosphere? Do you need to serve vegan food options? Your guests will provide the best insight. You may want to filter out properties that have no accessibility features, unresponsive hosts, or an overly restrictive maximum capacity.
Embrace the Local Community – Don't forget to infuse your party with the "Harlem Charm". Serve some grub from popular soul food vendors or groove to the tune of a snazzy jazz bandᅳyour event will be better for it.
Explore Transportation Options for Guests – Do your guests the ultimate courtesy and find out the best ways to navigate central Harlem ahead of time. Be as comprehensive with directions as much as possible. Can they park somewhere nearby that's not too expensive? Is there a subway stop that commuting guests can access? If being late is your personal pet peeve, doing this will save you some strife.
How to Save Money on Your Event in Harlem
When it comes to hosting in Harlem, the cost of a prime location is sure to eat into your budget, but rent isn’t the only expense to consider during your planning process. Here are some helpful ways to save instead of spend:
Consider the cost of DIY.
When trying to keep costs to a minimum, it can be tempting to do everything by yourself. But there are often a lot of hidden costs in making your own decorations, baking a cake, or printing up your own invitations. Be sure you fully price out every ingredient, material, and a little extra to account for mishaps, before going the DIY route. You may realize it’s basically the same cost (or more!) as hiring a professional.
Hire local.
If you’re planning on hiring a wide range of vendors for your event—photographers, caterers, DJs, etc.—remember that many of these services will tack on travel fees outside of a local radius. The closer you are to your vendors, chances are, the lower their estimates will be. In some cases, venues may even have discounts available with in-house vendors.
Keep things short and sweet.
You don’t need your event to run all night long. Choosing a set activity or capping the event at a couple of hours will help manage costs. Most rentals charge by the hour, which is an obvious added cost, but a longer event will also mean more food and drinks need to be built into the budget.
Harlem Events with Giggster
Ready to plan the perfect NY party? Giggster has the inside scoop on all of Harlem’s hottest event spaces. From snazzy speakeasies to professional photography studios, renting a great space to celebrate has never been this easy.
