40th Birthday Party Venues for Rent in New York City

Some say that life starts after 40, so why not listen to those voices and organize a birthday party like no other? You can host an intimate dinner in your favorite restaurant, rent out a studio flat for a laid-back party or a banquet hall for a lavish celebration with your family and friends. Once you’ve made up your mind about the size of your event and have already chosen the perfect space, it’s time to plan further! And if you’re looking for ways to make your 40th birthday party a spectacular one, have a look at our tips and ideas!

Tips & ideas for a fantastic 40th birthday party in New York:

The location. We’ve already established that a 40th birthday celebration requires an extra effort, so to make it a truly special event, why not host it in a unique venue! And we can assure you that you’ll have no problem finding somewhere quirky in a city like New York. You can choose from industrial studios and lofts boasting iconic brick walls, stylish restaurants, colorful cafes and hidden backyards with lots of lush greenery. When the weather gets warmer, consider throwing a rooftop party with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.

Menu. What is a huge part of any successful party? Food (and drinks) of course, so don’t overlook the menu! It doesn’t matter what kind of party you’re throwing (or at what time), you can’t forget about snacks for your guests to nibble on. If you’re going to host a dinner party, you can either cook yourself or simply rent an external caterer to prepare the feast. But food is one thing and what about your guests staying hydrated? To make the party truly unforgettable, either think about matching the drinks to the food or go a step further and have a professional mixologist create bespoke cocktails for your event. Imagine how fun it could be to try something new that is inspired by you!

Decorations. No matter how good-looking the venue where you’re throwing your birthday party is, you shouldn’t skip on the decorations! You don’t have to go all out, a few simple yet thoughtful decorations will also work. Think of putting up balloons with 40s on them or a banner with the birthday person’s name on it. If you want to personalize the decorations, you can simply go for the kind of theme that matches their style, interests or personality.

Put yourself first. It goes without saying that you should care about your guests, but don’t forget what the party is actually all about and who is being celebrated! This is why we strongly recommend you to make yourself your priority and organize a party that YOU want. So trust your gut, think how you envision your 40th and make it happen! Whether you’re thinking of having a three-course dinner in a top restaurant or you wish to dance the whole night away in one of the city’s clubs - go for it! 

Detailed guest list. Depending on your personality and wishes, think carefully through whom you’ll invite and how long you want your guest list to be. If you’re thinking of throwing a huge birthday bash (it’s your 40th after all), go for it! Invite all of the people that you want to celebrate with such a special occasion. But if you’re hosting an intimate dinner for your closest family and friends, ask to come only those who you talk to regularly and you’d love to have by your side on your 40th birthday.

Favorite music. Without music, it’s possible that the party will feel like a meeting instead, so don’t be afraid to turn on some tunes. If you’re set on using a playlist, why not create one with the music that you’ve listened to throughout your life? It could be a lovely walk down memory lane but also you can be sure it’ll last long enough to avoid repeating the same songs 5 times during the event. It goes without saying that the music that will be played during the dinner should differ from the tunes played afterwards when it’s time to mingle and boogie a bit. We suggest you keep it calm and mellow for the feast and after dessert change it to something lively that will encourage your guests to move. 

An element of surprise. This sounds vague but it can actually be anything that comes to your mind. Starting from preparing games that you and your guests can play during the party to extra activities, such as a photo booth where guests can snap funny photos, a mixologist that will make a bespoke cocktail for each person or a live band - always add an element of surprise to your event. Remember that your guests won’t forget about the surprise so fast, so get creative and choose something that will really make an impression.

40th Birthday Party Venues in New York City FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a 40th birthday party venue in New York City?

In New York, you will be able to find venues suitable for each pocket. Depending on the size of a place and its location, per person prices range from $30 to $70. Hourly rates start at $65 and get as high as $500 per hour. You can also find places that offer packages per event - those average around $5000 per session. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

What kind of venues can I find in New York?

Any foodie will be delighted with the city’s wide selection of restaurants and if you’re looking for a space to host a laid-back party, there are plenty of bars to choose from. If you’re someone who values privacy, check out the lofts and modern apartments available that can be rented for the day. To host a unique party experience go for one of the city’s art galleries. One other thing that New York is full of are unique event spaces of all sizes and boasting all kinds of styles. It is also possible to rent out a film or photo studio for your birthday bash. Such a setting will ensure a great background for all of the birthday photos.

Where in New York can I find the best birthday party venues?

New York’s thrilling nightlife is known all over the whole world, so it comes as no surprise that there are amazing party venues spread all over the city - and they’re budget-friendly! If you’re thinking of throwing a party in Manhattan, have a look around SoHo or Tribeca. On the other side of the East River you will find Brooklyn boasting fantastic venues in Bushwick, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo, to name a few. Don’t forget about Queens and its exciting neighborhoods! Check out Astoria, Kew Gardens, Ridgewood or Flushing, to name a few.

Where can I host my 40th birthday in New York City?

If you want to host an unforgettable birthday party and you’re looking for the perfect spot to do so, have a look at these recommendations: 

• Gelso & Grand - Elegant and intimate space, perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Located in Little Italy, this authentic and rustic restaurant offers warm and inviting ambience with dim lights, crafted from local ingredients. A wood-fired oven makes almost all of the dishes from scratch in house, including pizza. If you are looking for a different kind of birthday experience, come see what they can offer you this year! 
• Writing On The Wall - Sophisticated lounge and cocktail bar. This venue offers an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. With its dim lights, marble countertop and exquisite furniture this is a perfect destination for a 40th birthday party!