Top Upper West Side Graduation Party Venues

• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

MADE IN 1897 AND COMPLETELY RE-IMAGINED IN 2017. ONE OF THE MOST ELEGANT AND INTIMATE SPACES IN NEW YORK CITY. A CURRENT FACILITY IN A SPACE THAT IS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD Take a look at everything that Harlem has to offer! The parish was founded in 1889 to serve a diverse range of immigrant groups that have changed over time. The current church building was constructed in 1907 to the designs of Thomas H. Poole & Company and dedicated the following year. The interior was renowned for its magnificent fan vaulting and celebrated German stained glass, among other features (from the still operating studio of Mayer of Munich, famed stained glass makers for the Holy See and Catholic churches around the world). "This church has no name, but its finely detailed neo-Gothic façade, which is prominently entered through an arcaded porch, demands attention," according to the AIA Guide to New York City.

• Spaces for 50-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The Orangery is decorated with luxurious materials, intriguing artwork, and one-of-a-kind furniture. It may be rented exclusively and is the ideal venue for everything from romantic dinners and Champagne receptions to business luncheons and product launches. The Whitby Hotel's beautiful Orangery Courtyard is now available to hire exclusively for up to 10 guests, making it the ideal location for a special occasion. While you enjoy this magnificent outdoor spot to yourself, choose from seasonal meals and beautifully paired wines. The Whitby Hotel features three private rooms, each with its own unique style and format, that are excellent for a variety of occasions. A cutting-edge screening theater with 130 seats is also available. Are you planning a spectacular private dinner? If you're searching for a private area to host a small party, we have a variety of options available. Our Events Team will ensure that your celebration is genuinely unforgettable with spectacular design features, delectable cuisines, and outstanding service. The Whitby is located on West 56th Street near 5th Avenue in upper midtown Manhattan, only two blocks from Central Park and steps away from some of New York's best restaurants, galleries, and museums, including MoMA. It is bordered by world-class department stores and high-end designer boutiques, and Broadway is only a short distance away. The Whitby Hotel is a showcase for modern art and design. There are 86 individually designed bedrooms and suites, each with floor to ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, many with their own terrace. Kit Kemp, renowned for her individual and unique way of organizing spaces with a colorful and carefree mood, designed the interiors.

Jazz music has unquestionably been America's most significant cultural contribution to the world. Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, New York, is considered to be one of the most important shrines in the history of jazz, and this can be argued with equal force. In a sense, Minton's was the birthplace of Bebop; in a more literal sense, it was the place where the foundations of modern jazz were laid. It was founded in 1938 by the saxophonist Henry Minton (from whom the establishment took its name), and over the next decade, Minton's Playhouse became the scene of a revolutionary shift in jazz performance. Minton's Playhouse is regarded as a pivotal location in the history of jazz in New York City. Bring your friends and family to our Harlem location for dinner and the best live music New York City has to offer. Take a journey through the history of jazz. We have two sets scheduled: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Each set is approximately 70 minutes in length. It was in this relatively small Harlem nightclub that these musicians, in the words of the immortal Ralph Ellison, "formulated... the chordal progressions and the hide-and-seek melodic methods of modern jazz." It was there that they "formulated... the chordal progressions and the hide-and-seek melodic methods of modern jazz." In other words, Minton's was not only the birthplace of Bebop, but it was also the incubator for everything that has come to be known as modern jazz. While Minton's is best known for its pivotal role in the Bebop revolution of the 1940s, the club maintained a vital existence through the early 1960s as a gathering place for musicians looking to jam, and it continued to operate until 1974, when a fire forced the closure of the Cecil Hotel, where Minton's was located. Nonetheless, Minton's Playhouse has been listed on both the National and the New York State Registers of Historic Places, in recognition of its significance in American history and culture.

• Spaces for 80 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Le Bernardin, founded in 1972 in Paris by brothers Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze, only offered fish: fresh, simple, and prepared with respect. The Le Coze's intended to establish Le Bernardin in New York in 1986, after gaining its first Michelin star in 1976 and two more in 1980. Le Coze and Chef Eric Ripert announced the latest chapter in the restaurant's history in September 2011, with a major renovation by Bentel & Bentel. The new appearance includes a lounge, which is a first for the restaurant, with a different menu. Since then, the restaurant has won a James Beard Award for "Best Restaurant Design" in 2012 and a James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurateur" in 2013 for Le Coze, the first woman to be honored in the category. Les Salons Bernardin, one level above the restaurant and accessible via a separate entrance, is the ideal location for a memorable event. The area replicates the understated opulence of the main dining room, with etched glass and timber coffered ceilings. During the day, the salon is bathed in natural light from floor to ceiling windows, and in the evening, gentle lighting and the use of warm, neutral hues contribute to the mood of a genuinely stimulating location. The salon can seat two to eighty people and may be divided into multiple configurations and seating arrangements to suit different party sizes and needs. Chef Eric Ripert's and his team's carefully crafted menus may be wonderfully matched by Wine Director Aldo Sohm's wine selections. Les Salons Bernardin, in collaboration with a specialist private dining crew, will create an exceptional experience for you and your guests. Le Bernardin Privé, the newest addition to Le Bernardin's private dining offerings, is located directly across the Galleria from the restaurant. This lively venue provides a classy backdrop for a range of private parties. The dynamic design, which is peppered with contemporary art, embodies Le Bernardin's trademark style. North and South Privé are two rooms that may be merged to create a variety of combinations for different events and party sizes. Menu options are prepared to order and represent Le Bernardin's cuisine and philosophy, and are matched by wine selections meticulously picked by our experienced wine staff.

• Spaces for 20-120 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

The Michelangelo is an Italian-inspired luxury hotel at the corner of 51st Street and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, part of the Starhotels Collezione. The property is distinguished by its Italian character — Murano glass installations, marble floors, crystal chandeliers, velvet furnishings, and imported silk — set against the energy of the Theater District, steps from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Carnegie Hall. For corporate and social events, the hotel offers four meeting rooms accommodating up to 80 guests, with professional catering services and dedicated event staff available. The Lounge at The Michelangelo serves Italian-inspired dining and drinks for guests and groups. With some of Midtown's most spacious accommodations and a central Manhattan address, the hotel suits intimate gatherings, board meetings, and corporate retreats alike.

• Spaces for 150-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

The Paley Center for Media is a nonprofit cultural institution located at 25 West 52 Street in Midtown Manhattan. Founded in 1975 by broadcasting pioneer William S. Paley — originally as The Museum of Television & Radio — the center examines the intersections of media and society through exhibitions, screenings, and educational programming, drawing on an international collection of media materials. It has been recognized as The City's Best "Best Museum" for three consecutive years. For private events, the museum offers a range of venues suited to film and television premieres, industry screenings, press events, and private receptions. The Bennack Theater and George J. Gillespie, III Theater both feature state-of-the-art technology and Dolby Atmos sound, while the Fetzer Lobby, McLaughlin Library, and Kissinger Global Conference Room provide flexible settings for gatherings of varying sizes. The Paley Gaming Studio rounds out the offering for more immersive or branded experiences.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Morningside Castle is a unique venue located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with old world charm. When you step through the doors you have entered a venue like no other in New York City and you will feel like you are on a vacation while never having left New York. With two ballrooms, a two city block-wide courtyard and a gothic chapel, this venue was built to be flipped and turned over as you see it.

• Spaces for 150 Guests

American Cut Steakhouse pays homage to the steakhouse, which is the most authentic and aspirational New York dining experience. LDV Hospitality, in conjunction with Chef Marc Forgione, captures the nostalgic splendor of yesterday and adapts it to today's modern social life through these restaurants. Our interpretations of American classics, such as our house-favorite Chili Lobster and famed Pastrami Ribeye, combine bold flavors with a distinct design. A mix of tableside dishes, like the 40 oz. Tomahawk Chop flambé and the OG 1924 Caesar Salad, offer a theatrical and vibrant participatory eating experience. From small lunches in our gorgeous private dining room to larger gatherings in our lower-level venue, American Cut Tribeca has a variety of options for your next event. The entire facility is available for purchase all year. Larger groups can reserve the Main Dining Room and Bar exclusively, making it ideal for a cocktail reception followed by a seated meal or buffet.

• Spaces for 40-360 Guests
• 4 Event Spaces
• 4 Meeting Spaces

Convene 1271 Avenue of the Americas offers a sophisticated, purpose-built setting in Midtown Manhattan for conferences, executive meetings, company town halls, trainings, networking receptions, and other corporate gatherings. Located within Rockefeller Center, the venue features flexible meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and lounge areas designed to support both large programs and smaller collaborative sessions. Built-in audiovisual technology, customizable catering, adaptable layouts, and dedicated hospitality support help create a seamless event experience from start to finish. With contemporary interiors and a central location near Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue, Convene 1271 Avenue of the Americas provides a polished backdrop for impactful New York City events.

• Spaces for 150 Guests

‘21’ has it all; a refined interior dotted with eclectic ornaments gifted by silver screen legends; a formidable bar team and award-winning wine list; the kind of cuisine that begs to be shared. And that’s before you’ve entered the secret wine cellar. If you want to party like it’s Prohibition, you’ve come to the right place.

• Spaces for 95 Guests

The Fitzpatrick Hotel Manhattan is suitable for both pleasure and business travelers, with comfortable, modern amenities and customized service. Our compact size of 91 rooms and suites allows us to focus on your every need and provide you with the kind of personalized care you would expect from the best Irish country house hotels. The Fitzpatrick Manhattan is the ideal destination to stay in New York City because of this, as well as our convenient location. Are you planning a board meeting in the heart of Manhattan? Allow the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel to help you arrange your next business or social event in Manhattan. Whether you are looking for a place to stay or a place to have an event, both of our hotels deliver the level of quality and attention you would expect from a four-star boutique hotel. Our expert team will collaborate closely with yours to guarantee that your requirements are satisfied and that your event runs well. AMENITIES & SERVICE A private boardroom with beautiful executive leather seats may seat up to 14 people. The boardroom is outfitted with a 65-inch plasma display panel, stereo speakers, video/DVD/CD players, and a 100 switch/24-port network hub. Wireless internet access and a high-end conference phone system are available. If necessary, additional audio visual equipment can be provided at an additional fee. The Fitz - The Fitz Bar and Restaurant can handle social functions for up to 110 guests in a classy but welcoming environment, and is ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch functions, cocktail receptions, or high tea events. Event planners will have access to dedicated on-site meeting and event professionals before, during, and after events. WEDDINGS Every wedding at the Fitzpatrick Manhattan is different. Our wedding professional is on hand to ensure that every part of your special day runs well.

For all of your special occasions, such as birthdays, corporate parties, fundraisers, holidays, and more, transform our historic Flagship at 30 Rockefeller into your very own World of Wonder! Frederick August Otto Schwarz envisioned a magnificent abundant emporium brimming with remarkable, one-of-a-kind toys from around the world. His ambition became a reality, and it has given wonder and excitement to families for more than 150 years as the world's most iconic toy store. A visit to FAO Schwarz is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tale revolves around you. Every time you walk through our doors, you'll be greeted by a larger-than-life adventure that will pique your interest. We've continued to make new, enduring memories for generations of children as well as nostalgic moments for adults over the years. In the New York City flagship, enjoy a fantastic one-hour behind-the-scenes adventure hosted by a world-famous Toy Soldier. Before the doors open, you'll be welcomed inside the land of wonder, where you'll learn about our history, raid the FAO Schweetz Candy Bar, receive a cuddly FAO memento, and have your own personal shopper!

• Spaces for 80-120 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

We offer private dining options to accommodate a variety of special events, from an intimate party of four to a gala of five hundred guests. Our exceptional cuisine, graceful service, and central location make Oceana the ideal destination for business functions and personal celebrations alike. In the heart of the French Quarter, the Tchoupitoulas Room at Oceana Grill is the nicest private party space available. The Tchoupitoulas at Oceana Grill can accommodate up to 35 guests (and up to 55 for events), and its walls are adorned with vibrant New Orleans art. This private party room, complete with exposed brick and towering windows overlooking the heart of the French Quarter, creates an authentic cajun environment for rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and corporate events. In the heart of the French Quarter, The LaFourche Room at Oceana Grill is the ideal setting for private dinner parties. Our La Fourche room in New Orleans, which is decorated in the style of the French Quarter and overlooks our beautiful courtyard, seats 30 people (and can accommodate receptions for up to 35 people) and offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups such as business dinners, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and family gatherings. The La Fourche room can be reserved by clicking here for additional information.

• Spaces for 14-300 Guests
• 5 Restaurants
• 4 Event Spaces
• 1 Meeting Space

Blue Fin is a contemporary seafood and sushi restaurant inside the W New York Hotel at Times Square, where Broadway energy meets refined dining. The menu centers on fresh, modern seafood, USDA prime steaks, and hand-rolled sushi — supported by specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list. A sushi bar on the lower level suits casual cocktails and appetizers, while the upper floor serves as the main dining room and the foundation of the restaurant's private events program. For group gatherings, Blue Fin offers five private configurations ranging from the intimate Collector's Room, which seats 14, to the full second-floor Upstairs space that accommodates 250 for a seated dinner or 300 for a cocktail reception. Rooms can also be combined — the West & Collector's Room together seats 79 and holds 130 for cocktails. A dedicated sales event manager guides each event from inquiry through event day, with in-house catering drawn from Blue Fin's full kitchen.

• Spaces for 250-1,565 Guests
• 5 Historic Spaces
• 5 Lofts

Each loft-style venue combines a flexible, finished design with intense lighting and sound environments to create a unique experience for guests. These include high-definition projection on screens or on the walls, LED display technologies, and internet speeds that are unheard of. Concierge and event production services are available on a variety of levels. These services include bartending and catering, as well as rentals, staffing, and more. From art shows to meetings, trade shows to sales, Metropolitan Pavilion places the highest priority on the safety of its clients and guests at all of its events. We strive to make our clients, guests, and visitors feel safe. Our staff adheres to all COVID-related requirements throughout the duration of every event they are involved in. And we are delighted to be able to share them with you. When events are taking place, we sanitize each and every event floor every 30 minutes. This includes surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles. We use 3M's hospital-grade disinfectant/germicide in a 5L container. We use the same product to sanitize all restrooms. We have hand sanitizers mounted on the walls in all of our restrooms and entrance lobbies, as well as in our offices and staff rooms. Our security team ensures that foot traffic is kept separate between designated entrances and exits on the premises. This eliminates the possibility of attendees arriving and departing at the same time. We also educate and train all of our employees on all COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, which are provided by Metropolitan Pavilion. The filtration in our HVAC system has been upgraded to general surgery grade performance. Our filters, which have a MERV rating of 13 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), are capable of controlling particles as small as 1.0–0.3 microns in size, including droplet nuclei. As much as we can, we assist our clients in planning and hosting their event safely and in accordance with CDC guidelines and industry best practices. Every effort should be made to keep guests and staff at a minimum of 6 feet apart when possible. When offered, hand sanitizer must be used immediately. Aside from that, full proof of vaccination is required at all indoor events, and we collaborate with our clients to ensure that guests arrive on time. This contributes to maintaining a steady, socially distant flow.

Union Square has been a gathering area for about 170 years—for trade, entertainment, labor and political rallies, and relaxation. The park gets its name from its location at the crossroads of two important New York City thoroughfares, Bloomingdale Road (now Broadway) and Bowery Road (now Fourth Avenue). Union Square first opened to the public on July 19, 1839. Its paths, which wind through lushly landscaped lawns, were inspired by London's affluent residential squares. The design concentrated on a big central fountain, which was constructed for the completion of the Croton Aqueduct in 1842, and accentuated the park's oval shape (contained by an iron picket fence). Union Square became a significant commercial and residential area as New York City's downtown extended northward. The grounds of Union Square have hosted a variety of public gatherings, including parades, labor protests, political rallies, and official events such as the United States Sanitary Commission's Great Metropolitan Fair in 1864. Because of its significance in American labor history, the United States Department of the Interior designated Union Square Park as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. The park line will be extended south 14th Street, and the traffic island on which the Gandhi statue now sits will be incorporated into the park.

• Spaces for 135-415 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE ABOVE TIMES SQUARE The Times Square EDITION ushers in a new era of contemporary luxury. As panoramic views of the midtown skyline transport you to an oasis above the hustle, metropolitan vitality ignites an enticing vacation. The Times Square EDITION marks the region as the city's epicenter and crossroads of the world...again, with 452 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a performance space, and six distinct dining experiences created by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser. PRIVATE EVENTS Private gatherings. It is a lavish affair. Professional responsibilities. Impressions that will last a lifetime. Whatever the occasion, The Times Square EDITION creates unforgettable experiences that are in keeping with the hotel's current aesthetic and indicative of its vibrant location. Over 17,000 square feet of event space with cutting-edge audiovisual technology and catering options from Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser provide distinctive settings for any event. EVENT SPACES PARADISE CLUB The Times Square EDITION has built a one-of-a-kind entertainment space that can be reserved for private occasions. Paradise Club is a contemporary cabaret that is beautifully provocative and ideal for performances, runway displays, film screenings, and private parties. Along with the seductive, rich red velvet furnishings, the Club's unique paintings provide remarkable drama to the space. The space features a state-of-the-art production studio capable of live global broadcasting as well as local simulcasts to a high definition digital screen on the club stage and a best-in-class 17,000 sq. ft. -8K-8mm Jumbotron in Times Square, which was designed to house the club's own edgy live show. The lighting effects system of Paradise Club was designed by Tony and Academy Award-winning designer Fisher Marantz of Studio 54 fame. All parts of the 7th Floor, including the Paradise Club, its adjacent VIP rooms, the outdoor terrace, and the pre-function foyer, can be leased for a truly unique event. The Times Square EDITION's one-of-a-kind entertainment area is ideal for live concerts, fashion displays, product launches, films, galas, presentations, and private parties. GARDEN EAST + GARDEN WEST + PATIO With the combined spaces of Garden East, Garden West, and the outside patio, experience the magic of The Times Square EDITION's full garden sanctuary. The Gardens, which are modeled after L'Orangerie in Paris's Jardin des Tuileries, have lushly manicured interiors with tropical palm trees, hanging ferns, and an ivy-covered ceiling lighted by an eclectic assortment of hanging lanterns. The outside terrace has beautiful views of Times Square and is surrounded by towering evergreen trees, giving it a sense of peace and intimacy in the midst of the bustling metropolis. For larger occasions, these exquisite areas work together to create a flowing, comfortable, and really surprising environment.

• Spaces for 14-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 3 Event Spaces
• 3 Meeting Spaces

etc.venues 601 Lexington Avenue offers a contemporary, purpose-built setting in Midtown Manhattan for conferences, corporate meetings, training sessions, seminars, networking receptions, and other professional gatherings. Located within the iconic 601 Lexington Avenue complex, the conference center features flexible meeting and event spaces designed to accommodate both larger programs and smaller breakout sessions. Modern audiovisual technology, adaptable room configurations, catering, and dedicated event support help create a streamlined experience from arrival through execution. With polished interiors and a convenient location near major Midtown transportation and business destinations, etc.venues 601 Lexington Avenue provides a versatile backdrop for New York City events.

• Spaces for 150-250 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

• Spaces for 100-150 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

There is no better place to call home in New York than The Kimpton Muse Hotel. The Muse, which is conveniently located in the heart of midtown, is an excellent choice for groups looking for hassle-free access to the best that the city has to offer. We will create a group booking experience that will make everyone in your group feel like they are VIPs during your stay, whether you're here for a conference or convention, a concert or a celebration. Contact us today to get started! The Muse Hotel is a sophisticated hideaway surrounded by some of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and business-centric destinations. It is ideal for groups of all sizes, from corporate teams to families and friends. With years of experience in hosting groups, we're dedicated to demonstrating the unique advantages of staying at our boutique hotel. Contact us today to learn more. We only host a small number of groups at a time in order to provide personalized service and to ensure that your group does not get lost in the shuffle of other groups. Our dedicated team, which includes everyone from the doormen to the sales staff, is always on hand to coordinate details and customize your stay to meet the specific needs of you and your group. At our evening wine reception, we'll raise a glass to the end of a long day of work. If you have a big meeting or an intimate dinner, take advantage of our same-day laundry service to ensure that you look your best. Alternatively, you can relax in our comfortable, oversized rooms, which exquisitely combine chic design elements with technologically advanced features. Our services are designed for people who need to stay productive and connected while also wanting to unplug and unwind from their daily routines. Your group's stay at The Muse will be enhanced by a warm welcome, a friendly smile, and a genuine desire to make their stay as pleasant as possible. You'll also appreciate our convenient location in the heart of Broadway's theatre district, which puts your group close to everything you need to do, whether it's for business or pleasure.