New York and glitz or glam go hand in hand, with corporate fundraising events being no exception. As a New York event planner, fundraising events can be magnificently daunting. The goal is to have a cohesive event team, seamless vendor relationships, and thoughtful details. The venue choice, in particular, is the foundation of a successful gala or corporate fundraiser, and we have the top 12 venue recommendations for this next event season.
1. NEBULA
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, NEBULA is a premier NYC event space that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with sleek, modern design. This versatile venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, creating an immersive atmosphere for any corporate gala or fundraiser. NEBULA's modular layout allows for dynamic event configurations, whether you're planning an intimate gala gathering or a grand charity fundraiser. Perfect for New York event planners looking to add a futuristic and sophisticated flair to their event, NEBULA promises to leave a lasting impression on attendees.
2. Hard Rock Hotel NYC
Bringing iconic energy to Midtown Manhattan, the Hard Rock Hotel NYC combines timeless elegance with rock-and-roll-inspired design. Featuring stunning event spaces like the Rock Star Suite and The Venue on Music Row, this hotel offers flexible options for galas and fundraisers with a capacity of up to 600 guests. The hotel’s built-in stage, premium AV capabilities, and rooftop views make it a standout choice for events that demand both style and substance. For New York event planners seeking a venue with bold character and impeccable service, Hard Rock Hotel NYC delivers an unforgettable experience.
3. Terminal 5
Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, Terminal 5 is, at its core, a music venue. It has a capacity of up to 3,000 people and features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Three floors high and equipped with a bar on each, guests can be as close to the entertainment or lounge options as they wish. Owned by Bowery Presents, this venue regularly holds sold-out concerts and shows. Terminal 5 is nothing short of show-stopping and is perfect for those New York event planners looking for an underground warehouse vibe with a music-centric focus.
4. Brooklyn Steel
As the name implies, Brooklyn Steel brings industrial history to a versatile and unique venue option. Advertised as a cocktail and concert venue, Brooklyn Steel features stage, sound, and lighting, as well as a VIP lounge, balcony, and three cocktail bars. The load-in and load-out logistics are relatively easy, considering its location, and the floorplan can easily accommodate up to 1,800 people.
5. Somewhere Nowhere NYC
Somewhere Nowhere NYC is an incredible 5,516 square foot, two-level indoor and outdoor venue. This incredible location is at the top of the Renaissance Chelsea Hotel on West 25th Street and offers curated catering, integrated technology, and an open-air rooftop pool. If you need a gala or fundraiser during the holidays and colder months, this rooftop pool transforms into an enclosed space perfect for showcasing rooftop city views. Great for slightly more intimate events, this venue’s capacity limit is 500 people.
6. SECOND
For galas and fundraisers that would benefit from a more botanical influence, SECOND is a great option for a bespoke yet seamless event backdrop. As a venue, this space is minimalistic to maximize its usable space while remaining warm and welcoming to event guests. Located under Hotel Eventi, SECOND is a completely versatile space that can be curated for as intimate or grand events as you need. With multiple rental space combinations within this venue, SECOND can accommodate 50 to 800 people within its incredible 9,000 square feet.
7. The Plaza New York
Who can beat the timeless grandeur of a historical ballroom? Accommodation for up to 600 seated guests and up to 2,000 for standing-room-only events, The Plaza New York has multiple rooms available for galas and fundraisers. The Plaza features in-house drinks and catering services, is handicap accessible, and has a full-force multimedia assembly. This iconic New York space is a graceful ode to the classics of event venues and is sure to stun even today.
8. City Winery NYC - Pier 57
This riverside winery is an intimate and unique space, one that would add some nuanced flair to any New York event planner’s partnerships. City Winery has a fabulous award-winning wine program and has the capacity to rent out its patio, indoor restaurant, or tasting rooms. Functional as both a live music and gathering place, City Winery can accommodate up to 350 people for seated events, with a maximum standing capacity of 900 guests.
9. THE POOL
Located inside The Seagram Building, THE POOL has held the title of legendary event space for the past 50 years. Restored in 2016, this space can accommodate cocktails, dinner, dancing, and receptions. Featuring a rare option for street parking, THE POOL boasts compelling and contemporary in-house catering and seating capacity for up to 300. Perfect for intimate events, this classic space has remained iconic in the event venue market since 1959.
10. Mandarin Oriental, New York
The Mandarin Oriental is another waterfront venue in the heart of Manhattan. Featuring views of the Hudson River and Central Park, the Mandarin Oriental is a 5-star venue with spacious accommodations and even an attached spa. With a standing capacity of up to 1,000, the Mandarin Oriental is an elegant and bright venue perfect for day or evening events. Guests can even combine an amazing fundraising night with a luxury hotel getaway here and have even longer to enjoy this hotel’s sleek and classically refined aesthetics.
11. Carnegie Hall
This wouldn’t be a complete New York venue recommendation without mention of the world’s most iconic music hall. Carnegie Hall is the epitome of grandeur and master artistry and an exclusively intimate setting. An expansive rooftop space and newly renovated flexible spaces only enhance the extraordinary history of this space. Constellation Culinary Group is Carnegie’s on-site and exclusive culinary partner and has a stellar reputation for precise and delicious food. Add Carnegie Hall to your event venue list for an iconically show-stopping experience.
12. Intrepid Museum
One of the more unique event venues, the Intrepid Museum, is as waterfront as possible. The USS Intrepid hosts the Intrepid Museum, an impressive 45,000 tons of steel floating in the Hudson River, rich with military prowess. This incredible ship will be the focal point of your client's event with indoor and outdoor seating options, including the Hangar Deck, Flight Deck, Space Shuttle Pavilion, and more. Seating capacity is up to 900 people for events large and small, with handicap accessibility and audiovisual equipment features.
Connect with More Venues at The Event Planner Expo 2025
The Event Planner Expo annually features incredible event planning industry professionals throughout a three-day conference in the heart of NYC. Established caterers, big-name entertainment professionals, and budding new companies all have a home here to showcase their craft, convene and enjoy event planning professionals, and learn a trick or two to put their names on the metaphorical map.
Any local New York event planner wanting to curate their industry knowledge will find exclusive connections you can’t easily forge anywhere else. Make sure to reserve a booth for your company. This year’s Expo is sure to astound!
