Site Rentals
Just minutes from Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront by ferry, Governors Island is unlike any other setting in New York City. Our versatile and adaptable sites are sure to provide the ultimate setting for your next event.
Event organizers from across New York and the world have hosted events on the Island, including cultural and food festivals, art fairs, sporting events, concerts and other performances, brand activations, weddings, fashion shows, film screenings, and more.
Available Sites
- Parade Ground: An expansive lawn minutes from the waterfront with the Lower Manhattan skyline as backdrop. Capacity: 10,000
- Play Lawns: Sweeping lawns with fantastic views of New York Harbor and can accommodate large, complex events. Capacity: 8,000
- Colonels Row: Enveloped by towering trees and landmarked buildings, this spacious lawn provides a refined atmosphere. Capacity: 4,000
- Oval: An inviting lawn in the center of the South Island park. Capacity: 1,000
- Picnic Point: Versatile venue located at the southern tip of the Island with spectacular Statue of Liberty and Harbor views. Capacity: 2,000
- Building 309: Indoor event space inside a former military chapel featuring timeless architectural details and an awe-inspiring atmosphere.
In order to maintain our historic buildings and green spaces, a site fee will be applied to all site rentals. Special rates for nonprofit organizations are available. Site fees will be estimated based on the information in your application.
An accepted proposal does not guarantee that you will be able to host your event on Governors Island; events are not confirmed until a signed agreement has been received and approved by both parties.
Pictured above: Longines Global Champions Tour, Vendy Awards, New York Climate Week panel discussion, Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
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Key Dates
Submit a permit application at the link below, and a member of our team will be in touch within 72 hours.
Looking to hold a private corporate or teambuilding event? Email events@govisland.org to inquire.
Apply For Permit
Apply For PermitFAQs
Have more questions before applying? Read through these FAQs, or check out our Rules and Regulations.
Events are subject to site fees to be determined during the proposal review process. Fees range based on date, time, and site type/location. Please note that events may require additional services such as dedicated ferries, security, custodial services, grounds crew consultation, and emergency medical services. In these cases, the organization producing the event will be responsible for these costs.
Private and ticketed public events can be held on the Island after or before public hours with special permission from the Trust. Please note that events that do not take place during normal public hours may involve additional costs associated with dedicated Island services, such as extended ferry service or security.
Event dates can be placed on hold after the Trust has received and reviewed your proposal. Events are not confirmed until a signed agreement has been received and approved by both parties. If another inquiry is received, you will be given 72 hours to provide a signed contract prior to the release of the date to other parties.
Vehicles for personal use are not permitted on Governors Island. Every vehicle driving onto the Island must be for work, carrying equipment, supplies, or materials. The vehicle ferry can accommodate large vans and trucks, but they must be no more than 12’6” high, 8’6” wide, 55’ long, and under 40 tons.
Event providers are responsible for securing a permit from the New York State Liquor Authority to serve alcohol. The Trust must receive a copy of the liquor permit. Event organizers must provide all logistics plans including site plan and security plan.
Please note that visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol to Governors Island and that alcohol is only permitted in areas with current SLA permits.
Several outdoor areas can be reserved, for a fee, for weddings and other similar gatherings of any size. Basic wedding packages, including indoor space, are available for small weddings with up to 60 guests. It is strongly recommended that you work with an event planner to coordinate your wedding.
Governors Island does not own or rent tents, stages, generators, or A/V equipment.
Free, public Wi-Fi is available in many outdoor areas on the Island. Event organizers may purchase dedicated Wi-Fi service with additional bandwidth from the Island’s wireless provider, or they may install wireless hotspots.
Electricity varies throughout the Island and is not available on many event sites. Outdoor events generally provide their own portable generators to meet their electricity needs. Please note that FDNY requires generator permits. Please review the NYC Comprehensive Event Permitting Guide to see which permits your event may require.
All requests for electric access must be coordinated with your contact one week prior to the event.
The Trust will work with event organizers to advise them on a comprehensive Operational Plan including (but not limited to): a site plan, run of show, ferry transportation schedule, and security/staffing plans to best work within the Island’s daily operations.
There is limited indoor space available on Governors Island. Please note if your event requires indoor space in your proposal, and we will do our best to connect you to a site that fits your needs. For film or photo shoots, we have additional space that may be available to meet your needs.
A reservation is required to use the grills and athletic fields on Governors Island. To learn more and make a reservation, please visit govisland.org/permits.
Informal gatherings such as picnics, birthday parties and other small celebrations that do not require a reserved private space do not require a permit. Picnic tables on Governors Island are first come, first served. If you wish to reserve a grill for your picnic, click here.
The Trust for Governors Island is not responsible for any events that take place at Governors Island National Monument. If you would like more information about hosting an event at Fort Jay or Castle Williams, please contact the National Park Service on their website here, by emailing masi_special_park_use@nps.gov, or by calling 646-476-0882.