Venue: Avant Gardner
Town: New York City, US

Avant Gardner is a New York City nightclub and music venue complex located in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The property, spanning two whole city blocks, comprises three distinct event spaces: The Great Hall, Kings Hall, and most notably its seasonal outdoor venue The Brooklyn Mirage. Initially conceived in 2015 by Swiss-based promoter Cityfox as a pop-up nightclub at the nearby 99 Scott Avenue, the Brooklyn Mirage was established as a permanent space at its current street address by 2017. Following a 2022 refurbishment that included the installation of one of the highest-resolution video walls in the world, the venue became renowned for its production capabilities and unique outdoor atmosphere. The two indoor rooms are characterized by an urban-industrial aesthetic. The Great Hall was previously a steel fabrication plant that now has a capacity of 2,776 people and hosts a variety of programming including corporate events and private functions. Conversely, Kings Hall, with its 480 person capacity and glass skylight, is considered more intimate in nature. Following a chaotic series of renovations and closures, Avant Gardner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 4, 2025. Since its inception, Avant Gardner has been the subject of numerous controversies including general negligence, oversold events, aggressive security personnel, and accusations of political corruption. Electric Zoo, an annual EDM festival on Randalls Island, was acquired by the company in 2022 and was the subject of lawsuits after the 2023 edition was plagued by cancellations and a stampede of concertgoers that broke through its gates on the third and final day. The NYPD alleged Avant Gardner oversold the event by 7,000 tickets. Further, complaints have been made regarding rude treatment at the hands of security at checkpoints, $15-$30 locker charges for purses and small bags. When Josh Wyatt was hired as the complex's first CEO in 2024, the complex had launched a PR campaign in which he repeatedly