THE SPACE

What types of events do you host at Sound River Studios?

Sound River Studios (SRS) is a large gallery-style space with white walls, large windows and skylights, a blank slate awaiting transformation for your event. Corporate meetings, seminars, conventions, product launches and trade shows appreciate the broad expanse of floor space coupled with river views. The Manhattan skyline provides a striking backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions, bat & bar mitzvahs, cocktail parties, birthdays and social events of all sorts. High white walls are ideal for gallery exhibitions, performances and film screenings.

What is the capacity of the space?

The number of guests varies with the nature and design of each event, but SRS has a maximum capacity of 450 guests for cocktails (standing) or 350 for seated dinners with plenty of room for bars, buffet tables, a DJ booth and dance floor. We can accommodate approximately 250-275 for weddings that include ceremony, cocktails and reception on site. See our floor plan for venue layout and area specs.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

The entire venue, inside and out, is at street level—no stairs or elevators. Two individual wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the entrance hall.

Is there a kitchen?

The 645-square foot kitchen is equipped with commercial refrigerators, freezer, sink, and sufficient power for any appliances your caterer might need. For space layout, view or download the floor plan.

Do you have an outdoor space?

The main hall opens onto approximately 1300 square feet of venue-dedicated dockside terrace space which also features a private dock on the East River. The outdoor space can be separated from the bar next door during events, but guests may be allowed exit and reentry to the bar if desired. Frame tents can be erected to cover the outdoor space.

Next door, Anable Basin Bar & Grill is open during warm weather (roughly April through October). If you're interested in additional space for your event, inquire about renting the bar space during the colder months. Tenting can increase guest capacity by 300 or more depending on the event and layout.

Is there a bridal suite/green room on-site?

SRS has recently added a spacious bridal suite / green room on the second floor lit by large skylights and equipped with a full bath and complete kitchen - additional fee applies - $1,500 per day (9am-12am). Pipe and drape or soft/moveable walls can be used to create separate breakout rooms in the main hall or a coat check in the entrance hall. Please discuss options with us during your site visit.

Where can we take photographs?

Our location provides a wealth of options for photographs. The spacious white main hall is ideal for film and photo shoots. The open face brick of our skylit bridal suite offers a warmer rustic feel, while the dockside terrace outside features the Manhattan and Long Island City skylines as backdrop. The video on our location page provides a drone-view of our location in the context of the city and shows the local parks and adjacent public pier popular for photo shoots. See our gallery for additional photos.

What are the electrical specs?

Ample power (400+ amps) is available. SRS provides no lighting or electrical equipment. Contact our preferred vendors for answers to additional questions about lighting, sound, video and all power and rigging questions at SRS.

Is there a coat check room?

Depending on the event, a coat check can be set up in the entrance hall, inside the main hall, in the kitchen area, or in a tent in one of several locations outside. Please discuss these options with us during your tour of the venue.

How many restrooms are there?

Ladies’ and men’s restrooms (four stalls/urinals each) are situated in the hallway just outside the main hall. Two more individual wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the entrance hall. Should you be renting additional outdoor space, two more individual restrooms are available on the dockside terrace. Our restroom capacity is adequate for the maximum occupancy of the venue.

Is the building heated/air conditioned?

SRS is equipped with a commercial HVAC unit that provides heat and air conditioning.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed inside the venue, but we allow our clients to decide whether to permit smoking on the dockside terrace during their events.

Are candles allowed?

Candles must be contained in votives or hurricane lamps with bottoms. Open flames that present a fire hazard are prohibited.

Is SRS pet friendly?

In accordance with state and local regulations, service animals are permitted to accompany their owners at any event. Otherwise, pets present a challenge as they rarely follow the direction of event planners. You may inquire about exceptions, but as a rule, it’s best to let your pets relax at home while you enjoy your event. 

Do you provide technical services (power, set design, etc.)?

You must secure the services of experienced professionals to perform any technical services with regard to power (lighting, sound, video, WiFi), set design (construction, rigging, etc.) or related aspects of your event. The professionals listed on our preferred vendor page can provide you any variety of options to fulfill the needs of your event.

How do I travel to Sound River Studios?

SRS is located on the East River waterfront at the end of 44th Drive in Long Island City, just off Vernon Boulevard between the Queensboro Bridge and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. For more details, we direct you to our location information.

Your guests can arrive via car or taxi/ride-share service. Parking is more available at some times than at others, so you may with to retain valet parking services if many of your guests plan to drive. Shuttle bus service can also be arranged from the four local subway stops (Court Square, Vernon-Jackson, Queens Plaza, Queensboro Plaza) and the two local NYC Ferry terminals (Astoria and East River lines). Ferry service from East Side Manhattan and other docks can also be arranged to Sound River Studios' private dock, providing a unique mode of transport and arrival for your guests. See our vendor list for specialty transportation services.

Is parking available for guests and delivery vehicles?

The north side of 44th Drive is public parking, and additional parking can be found along Vernon Boulevard and nearby side streets. With advance notice, SRS can usually accommodate a few vehicles near the venue for the use of select vendors as per a client’s wishes. See our list of preferred vendors to arrange valet parking service for your guests. Vendors must be carefully scheduled to avoid congestion when making deliveries and pickups. Delivery vehicles are usually able to find parking along Vernon Boulevard or 44th Drive.