There’s nothing like summer in New York. Big-sky sunsets, rooftop season in full swing, and the kind of city buzz that turns a team outing into a moment.
Whether you’re planning a full team day, a client-forward dinner, or a “we deserve this” summer celebration, the best formats have two things in common: a venue that fits the vibe and an experience that gives people something to talk about on Monday.
Below are 5 Best Venues New York options you can book through Best Venues Group - each with ideas for how to turn the space into an unforgettable summer outing.
1) Swingers NoMad NYC
Best for: Team building, client socials, summer parties with a built-in activity (NoMad)
Swingers NYC is made for groups who want something more than drinks in a room. Set beneath the streets of NoMad, it brings together crazy golf, cocktail bars, street food and a 1920s English clubhouse feel.
How to use it for a summer team outing
- Host a team crazy golf tournament with drinks and food after.
- Create a relaxed client social that gives people something to do, not just someone to talk to.
- Plan a full company night out: welcome drinks → crazy golf → street food → DJ-style party atmosphere.
Add an experience
- Lean into the competition. Split guests into teams, add scorecards, prizes and a few ridiculous award categories. It keeps the energy up and makes networking feel much less awkward.
2) The Sanctuary Hotel - Haven & SL Rooftops
Best for: Midtown cocktail parties, client entertaining, “everyone can actually get there” team nights
If attendance is your biggest headache, Midtown wins. Haven Rooftop is designed for corporate cocktail parties and offers three private areas (North, South, Upper), so you can scale the vibe based on group size.
How to use it for a summer team outing
- Summer cocktail reception: welcome spritz / bites / mingling with a view (the skyline does the ice-breaking).
- Client & team mixers: reserve a private area for your core group, keep the rest as a relaxed “open” reception.
- End-of-quarter celebration: short speeches & rooftop socials.
The hotel itself positions Haven as ideal for networking events, social mixers and relaxed receptions - which is exactly what you want for corporate summer socials.
3) Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop
Best for: fun team nights, leadership socials, cocktail-style experiences (40th/41st floor views)
This is your “wow” rooftop without needing a huge footprint. Perfect for cocktail receptions, corporate gatherings and team-building activities.
The venue’s own private events page describes it as a bi-level space on the 40th/41st floors with capacity up to 300 guests, which gives you flexibility for anything from a leadership celebration to a full team summer party.
Why Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop for summer outings:
- Sunset cocktails & “mini moments”: do 10-minute team awards, a short founder toast, then let the night breathe.
- Leadership + client evening: smaller breakout pockets for conversations, with the main bar as the anchor.
- Team experience night: add a light structured activity (trivia & themed cocktail stations) or indulge in a team cocktail making class.
- Virgin Hotels New York
Best for: Rooftop receptions, stylish client nights, summer parties with serious skyline energy
4) Virgin Hotels New York
Best for: Rooftop receptions, stylish client nights, summer parties with serious skyline energy
Virgin Hotels New York is a strong choice when you want the buzz of Manhattan with multiple event options in one place. The rooftop bar, Riff Raff, brings the summer drinks-and-views energy, while The Loft and the 39th-floor ballroom offer a more polished setting with standout skyline views.
Why Virgin Hotels New York for summer events:
- Client-forward rooftop night: start with cocktails at Riff Raff before moving into a more private hosted experience.
- Team celebration with structure: use the different spaces to create flow, from welcome drinks to dinner, speeches and dancing.
- Big-impact summer party: the 39th-floor views do a lot of the heavy lifting.
5) The Glasshouses
Best for: Big summer receptions, company milestones, “NYC wow-factor” nights (large scale, skyline drama)
When you want the outing to feel like a moment, The Glasshouses delivers. With capacity up to 1,850 guests, plus features like a retractable partition system that helps the space flex for different formats.
The venue’s own site reinforces the scale: 1,850 capacity, 75,000 sq ft total, and two open-air terraces connected to the main space - basically built for summer.
How to use it for a summer team outing
- Summer gala reception: welcome roaming stations & late-night lounge/dance energy.
- Company anniversary: timeline wall / brand story moments / photo set / cocktail-style celebration.
- Full team day: daytime town hall & afternoon breakouts / evening rooftop reception (one venue, multiple beats).
Let Us Make Venue Finding and Event Planning Easy For You
As your one-stop events partner, we’ll take care of finding world-class venues in New York and beyond, and help make your next corporate outing seamless from shortlist to booking. Share your headcount, preferred area, budget, and the vibe you’re going for - and our team will curate the best BVG options and guide you through the process.
Get in touch today to start planning your NYC corporate summer events.