Frequently
asked
questions

General

  • The Venue offers space and functionality for a wide array of events including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and parties, as well as corporate and community events.

  • If you’d like to see the Venue in-person, please be sure to review our FAQs, Rental Fees, and the Venue specifications first, and then complete our Inquiry Form.

  • All social events such as weddings, mitzvahs, parties, etc., must hire a day-of coordinator. You are not required to hire a coordinator for corporate and community events though we strongly encourage you to do so as the Venue will not provide any event planning services.

  • The Venue’s maximum capacity is 126 people, including guests, staff, vendors, etc.

  • The Terrace’s maximum capacity is 74 people, including guests, staff, vendors, etc.

  • No holds will be offered.

  • Depending on availability and vendor needs, all event requests must be made four weeks in advance.

  • Yes, you can view our preferred vendors here.

Catering

  • Yes, Union Square Events is our preferred caterer and exclusive bar service provider. Union Square Events is part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, which includes restaurants, bars, cafes, and fast-casual eateries in addition to large-scale event services. Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. They produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City.

  • City Harvest can approve additional caterers or food vendors on a case-by-case basis. Should you wish to use another caterer, please let City Harvest know. Any event requiring alcohol must contract and work with Union Square Events for bar service.

  • Any request to use the demo kitchen will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis during contracting. Only licensed caterers or professional chefs can operate the demonstration kitchen.

Technology & a/v

  • The following features are available in The Venue:

    • Three ceiling-mounted projectors with three 148” retractable wall-mounted screens

    • Five wall-mounted in-room HD cameras

    • Ceiling-mounted speakers throughout The Venue

    • Four handheld and four lavalier microphones

    • Assistive listening devices

    • WiFi for up to 200 guests/devices

    • Overhead LED lighting

    The following features are available on the Terrace:

    • Outdoor speakers (connected to The Venue audio system)

    • Automatic outdoor lighting at sunset

  • The Venue at City Harvest is equipped with standard LED overhead lighting with dimming settings. All other lighting needs would need to be rented and brought in.

  • Yes, we have WiFi for up to 200 guests and devices.

  • No, the cameras in The Venue only live stream video of the room to the projectors in The Venue.

  • During your setup time, the City Harvest Venue Manager can load presentations you provide for you to test before your event. All other A/V services and support will need to be managed by the renter directly or through our exclusive A/V vendor.

Payment

  • No, you must contract separately for all food, beverage, rentals, staffing, or additional services. See amenities for what is included. See our list of preferred vendors for additional services.

  • Yes, we have a 4-hour minimum. Please keep in mind that the time you book must include time for set-up and breakdown.

  • Yes, all events will be charged an hourly administration fee. This hourly fee covers general building security and basic cleaning services during and after your event, and access to built-in A/V equipment.

  • An initial deposit of 50% of the total rental fee shall be paid upon full execution of your rental agreement. The balance shall be paid within 14 days of the event date.

    Additionally, a security deposit in the amount of $2,500 shall be paid upon full execution of the rental agreement. The deposit will be refunded in full or less the cost of damages within 30 business days after the event.

  • No part of the rental fee is tax-deductible.

  • The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable regardless of whether the event takes place. If an event is cancelled within 7 days of when it was scheduled to take place, the full amount of the signed agreement will be owed. Should you need to move the date, we will honor the contract pending availability, but we cannot guarantee that the event will be able to be rescheduled.

  • The required security deposit will be used, either partially or fully, to cover any damages.

  • Yes, any time outside of the contracted time will be charged at $1,000 per hour.

  • Yes, load in, set up and breakdown must be considered when booking your event and occur during our hours of operation. All breakdown, vendor load out and cleaning must occur within the last two hours of your contracted event time.

Staff & Services

  • We provide only access to and use of The Venue at City Harvest. All food, liquor, rentals, staffing, or additional services must be supplied by the employment of an appropriate vendor.

  • Yes, all events require security. As part of your administration fee, we will book Venue security to oversee the building. Any additional event-specific security will need to be booked by the renter.

Policies

  • We need a Certificate of Insurance or COI listing City Harvest, Inc., its affiliates and subsidiaries as an additional insured from the renter and from each vendor onsite (DJ, photographer, florist, planner, etc.). It must be for at least $2 million general aggregate. Linked here is an example COI.

  • Yes. All lobby signage and décor must be approved by City Harvest.

  • Smoking, including cigars, and vaping is prohibited on City Harvest property, including on the terrace. If anyone violates the policy, a $500 fine will be applied against the security deposit.

  • Animals/pets are not allowed on City Harvest property. Only service animals, as defined under ADA regulations, are permitted.

  • The renter will need to oversee guest check-in at the 53rd St. guest entrance and direct guests to The Venue. City Harvest is not responsible for guest management.

  • All events must end by midnight.

  • No, it is not possible to tent the Terrace.

  • No, propane heaters may not be used on the Terrace.

  • No confetti or glitter are to be used. Balloons filled with helium are not permitted. No items are allowed to be taped, nailed, stapled, or hung to the walls or windows.

  • Blackout dates apply, please inquire via the Inquiry Form to confirm if your event date is available.

  • No, all pedal-powered bicycles, battery-operated bicycles (e-bikes), scooters, skateboards, and any other similar vehicles are prohibited inside The Venue or on City Harvest property at all times. All such vehicles must be parked and stored outside of the premises. 

Deliveries

  • Yes, we have a loading dock and freight elevator that you and your vendors may use. The renter or event planner must be onsite to oversee all vendor arrivals and to receive any deliveries. A schedule of deliveries, including vendor contact information, must be submitted two weeks prior to the event date and must be approved by City Harvest.

  • No, materials may not be shipped or dropped off before event day. Deliveries can only be accepted on the day of your event, during your approved delivery schedule.

  • No, everything (including rentals) must be loaded out during your two-hour post-event load out time.

  • Yes, somebody from your team must be onsite for all deliveries. Deliveries can only be accepted on the day of your event, during your approved delivery schedule.

  • No, The Venue must be returned to its original state immediately after each event.

Transportation

  • We do not have lot parking available onsite. Guests may find street parking or access one of several neighborhood parking lots.

  • The R Train stops at the 53rd St. Station; the NYC Ferry stops at the Sunset Park Brooklyn Army Terminal.