It’s that time of year in the summer when the flying trapeze is set up in the Safe Harbors Green Park on Lower Broadway. It’s such a delight to see lit up at night.
Enrollment is still open to join in on the fun till July 20. Click here for details.
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The very first Liberty Street Film Series took place June 24 at Washington’s Headquarters. An electrified crowd awaited to see Back to the Future, complete with a real DeLorean. This is a special new event that has been added to the City of Newburgh, giving locals and visitors fun outdoor activities into the evening hours. They estimate approximately 300 people showed up. If you missed this one, don’t worry. Films will be shown the last Saturday of every month till September. Casablanca will be shown July 29. Help support this event. Don’t miss it! (Photos © Mary Kelly Photography)
Mark your calendars! The Newburgh Illuminated Festival will be back June 18, 2016. Everyone was quite please on how it turned out last year. This year is bound to be even better! Make sure to keep up with the Facebook page for updates.
Last Saturday was a very special event in the City of Newburgh. The Salo Project is an underground pop up dinner founded by Filipina chef, Yana Gilbuena, who has been touring all 50 states bringing Kamayan style (hands on) Filipino food. Held at the Atlas Studios Warehouse, 71 attendees ate with nothing but our bare hands. We sat next to strangers, made friends, giggled and marveled at this new culinary experience. The extras, when possible, were provided by local businesses in the City of Newburgh. New city residents and business owners Limegreen and Industrial Craft provided the candles. Palate Wine & Spirits provided the wine, and of course the beer came from the Newburgh Brewery.
One of the main reasons this event was so special was because just a few years ago, this warehouse was a bricked up barren shell. It would have been terrifying at night (and probably during the day). Tom and Joe at Atlas had the vision to see this building as something more. Ever since they moved in, the windows on Spring Street and South William glow at night. As a few others mentioned, sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to see the potential. City folk easily see it, but it was exciting to see native Newburghers from the town enthusiastic about the changes happening in the city.
Chef Yana Gilbuena at center, flanked by the gracious hosts Shay Sellars (left) and Diana Mangaser (right). The other exciting aspect of this event was that it was created by newcomers to Newburgh. Each new person that arrives always has a special talent or interest they bring to the city that makes it a more diverse and chaotic place to be. There’s more to explore and discover.
Thanks ladies for a wonderful night!
To fully appreciate all the progress at Atlas just look at what this building use to look like before.
And what it looks like now.
Need a party or an event venue in Newburgh? Are you a DIY party expert looking for a simple space to host a party yourself? Here’s a list of some great spaces that are available that are off the beaten track from your usual restaurant or hotel venue. If anything is missing, please add it to the comments section.
Newburgh Brewing Company – They have started to allow private events to be held here, including weddings. There are river views and it’s a nice big and open space. From what I know they allow outside catering. Email events@newburghbrewing.com. Photo © Justin Soudant Photography.
Green Room – located under the Ritz Theater, the Green Room was the place to have your wedding many years ago. It has a full kitchen and can fit 250 people.
Ritz Theater Lobby – An open space that can be transformed for just about anything. They have a baby grand piano that you can rent and there is a gorgeous new marquee that has just been installed in the entrance to impress your guests.
Ann Street Gallery– A nice and open space with an industrial feel that has concrete floors. You might have to deal with whatever artwork is up at the time, but definitely contact them to find out your options. Generally I think they prefer calmer events like tea parties, conferences etc.
Motorcyclepedia Museum – A huge space that can hold anything from a conference to movie premier party. For more information on rates call 845-569-9065. You can also contact them about renting Umbra Sound Stage out in the Town of Newburgh.
Hudson Valley Arts Live – They are having some issues with zoning to be officially open, but if that issue can be resolved this would be one of the coolest venues in the city. It’s a 4,000 square foot loft space that has exposed brick walls, floor to ceiling windows on three sides of the room, beautiful wood floors, and state of the art sound and lighting systems. Email for information: hudsonvalleyartslive@gmail
Atlas Building – This is another chic venue little might know about in Newburgh. They have a photo studio that they are willing to rent out on a case by case basis. They are also willing to rent out smaller studios that have not been occupied. The large windows and brick walls are pretty amazing.
Newburgh Armory Gymnasium – This is a full court, capable of housing basketball, and many other sports, such as Karate, Wrestling, and Boxing; as well as various events , job fairs, and conferences. For further questions you can contact LMartinez@newburgharmory.org
Fullerton Mansion – A beautiful mansion that has two parlors, a library, and a stunning garden room on the first floor. They are willing to rent out their space for events.
Goldsmith Denniston House – A beautiful mansion that also serves as a bed and breakfast. They have a gorgeous garden in warmer months and have hosted events in the past.
FireScapes Reception Hall – I just found out about this one. They don’t have a website yet, but all their contact information is above.
Don Fernando’s – This a beautiful banquet room in the back of Don Fernando’s Restaurant that you would never know was there. Obviously you’d have to have the restaurant cater the food, but it’s a classy room that is a hidden gem on Broadway. (845) 565-2909
Venues that don’t officially offer anything but it can’t hurt to try:
Yellow Bird Building – The is home to the Downing Film Center. However, the lobby is also used for art shows, and a little known fact is an amazing green roof above that has been known to host private events. It could be a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony or party. They don’t officially rent it out, but it can’t hurt to ask. You should contact the Downing Film Center for more details. The film center also rents out the theater for private events. Photo © Safe Harbors of the Hudson
Space Create – this is a collaborative workspace that hosts everything from art shows to conferences to fundraisers. They have hosted some fun parties. Capacity isn’t that large, but it’s a cool space that might be willing to hose private events.
Downing Park Visitors Center – Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted are perhaps better known for their contributions to Central Park and Prospect Park. But they also collaborated to create Downing Park. If you have ever visited you all three you will see similarities in Newburgh. The park is beautiful and with a little more maintenance, it could be magnificent. The visitors center/shelter house could be a venue for a smaller event. It has been used for different events in the past. Photo © John Leighton (845) 565-5559
West Shore Train Station/Just off Broadway – Back when this was run by the Railroad Playhouse, renting the space was an option. Now it is run by Just of Broadway, who at any given time might have elaborate sets in place, but it can’t hurt to try to see if the new owners are willing to rent the space as an event venue. It’s close to the water and has nice views all around. 845-565-3791
Great Room, SUNY Orange -This is a beautiful open room that is ideally used for conferences. There is a patio area that opens out to views of the Hudson River. You will probably need to speak to the Coordinator of Cultural Affairs if you are interesting in renting it for a private event. (845) 341-4891 cultural@sunyorange.edu
Come out this Sunday, November 16 at 4 p.m. to see Newburgh’s youngest stars at the Ritz Kidz Talent Show at the Ritz Theater.
Attendance for the talent show is open to the general public and tickets are $5 each and will be available through talent show participants or through the box office at 3 p.m. on the day of the show. For more details go to the Ritz Theater website.
