7 Awesome Venues for BookCon Parties in 2019

Since 2014, the fan convention BookCon has done an incredible job of bringing the book industry together with pop culture. This convention’s array of events draws thousands of attendees, as well as numerous celebrities and famous authors alike: Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood, Bill Nye, Chad Michael Murray, Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Julianne Moore, Nick Offerman, Amy Poehler, and many more well-known names have been in attendance at past BookCons. It’s an exciting, fun event that’s definitely worth checking out.

BookCon takes place in New York City at the famous Javits Center. If you’re planning a launch event, happy hour, cocktail party, after-party, or other such event following your attendance of the convention itself, you’ll want to find a space nearby. Luckily, you’ll be in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, so there are practically endless options for all kinds of venues within just a few miles of the convention! We’ve gathered some of the best of these spaces. Here are our absolute favorite venues for BookCon parties! Even if you don’t end up choosing any of these specific venue rentals, you’re sure to gain a general sense of what’s available and at what price point — along with some major inspo for your own BookCon event!

1. Landmarked mansion in the heart of Greenwich Village

greenwich village mansion nyc new york city rental
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Talk about impressive — this mansion includes a ballroom, museum, a formal dining room, and so much more within its five stories. The booking includes five lavish rooms, and you can book the outside deck and its cozy indoor “treehouse” in addition to the mansion itself. The home has a rich history: it was built in the mid-19th century by the Dutch Brevoort family, and the ballroom, added in 1899, was designed by famous architect Stanford White (who also designed the Grand Central Terminal, the Washington Square Arch, and many more outstanding NYC landmarks). Guests won’t just be impressed — they’ll be stunned by the majestic dimensions and details of this unbelievable place.

2. Uptown rooftop terrace with a fantastic view

Uptown Rooftop Terrace with Fantastic view
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Located on the beautiful Upper West Side, with its fabulous, historic architecture and abundance of lush green space (in the form of Central Park and Riverside Park, especially), this rooftop offers extraordinary views of the surrounding neighborhood and the Husdon River. The terrace measures 460 square feet and even includes a convenient and stylish pop-up bar. In the past, it’s been used for cocktail parties, birthday events, pre-wedding parties, corporate events, and more — it’ll be the perfect venue for BookCon parties with a laid-back vibe. Plus, BookCon typically takes place in the summer, and what better place for an open-air summer party than a breezy rooftop?

3. Roof garden with an Empire State view

rooftop garden with views nyc new york city rental
Source: Peerspace

Here’s another rooftop venue for BookCon parties, featuring an amazing view. This time, you can view the quintessentially New York City and utterly iconic Empire State Building! With abundant privacy and lush flowers, including delicious-smelling jasmine, the peaceful garden makes an unbeatable space to unwind after a long day of attending bustling panels and book signings at BookCon. It’s an intimate location, good for small parties of as many as 14 people seated (we’re thinking a dinner party would be fantastic here). There’s also indoor space accessible to guests, but the verdant outdoor garden is undeniably the main focus of the venue. Its extensive list of amenities includes a fireplace, spotlights, an electric BBQ, Bluetooth surround sound, atmospheric candles, and all the dishes and cutlery you’re likely to need for a dinner. This is one of the most scenic venues for BookCon parties.

4. Ivory Chelsea loft and gallery

Ivory Chelsea Loft and Gallery for Events nyc new york city rental
Source: Peerspace

Located right in Midtown, very close to the Javits Center, this 2000-square-foot loft is a sleek, minimalist location for a cool party. The simple, bright interiors — suffused with natural light through the space’s giant windows — make it a blank canvas for your event, one that will enhance but not distract from the proceedings of the party. It’s well-suited to off-site meetings, training events, showrooms, and lots more. Details like 11-foot ceilings, brick walls, century-old doors, white stained flooring, and many others make it unique and visually appealing. There’s also a floating concrete bar in the kitchen, as well as an excellent A/V system with HD projector and 100-inch drop screen. Plenty of furniture is also included on-site as needed. 

5. Backyard paradise in the West Village

Backyard Paradise in West Village nyc new york city rental
Source: Peerspace

Consider taking your event down to the West Village, known for its artistic and bohemian history of nurturing alternative cultural movements, including the LGBTQ+ movement, as well as arts, poetry, music, and more. Benefit from the neighborhood’s rich history by hosting your event here in this 1,000-square-foot backyard, beautifully landscaped with lush plantings. You’ll also find a chandelier hanging among the trees, twinkling lights, a massive (“Texas-sized”) BBQ grill, and a table and chairs with seating for 14. Invite as many as 40 guests to your event here and enjoy basking in the classic Village feel of this unique location!

6. Creative event space with bar and skylight

Creative Event Space with Bar and Skylight nyc new york city rental
Source: Peerspace

Reviewers call this event space a “wonderful space,” an “ideal functional space,” and comment that the hosts are “very accommodating.” The hosts recommend this location for book signings, new product launches, bridal or baby showers, parties, and all kinds of other events. Furniture can be reconfigured to suit your needs. And since the space is located in the heart of Midtown, it’ll be an easy trip from BookCon to your event for all your guests. It’s a comfortable, stylish yet laid-back space for whatever event you’re planning.

7. Former foundry with Old-World charm

former foundry nyc new york city rental
Source: Peerspace

If you’re looking for an unconventional, unexpected venue for your BookCon party, you can’t go wrong with this monumental former foundry. From the 25-foot ceilings, to the skylights, to the array of antique foundry art, everything about this space is eye-catching and impressive. As many as 75 guests can enjoy and explore its 2,000 square feet, which even includes loft areas for a cozier feel. Honestly, you have to see this location to believe it! 

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