One of New York City’s most iconic electronic music venues, Brooklyn Mirage, will remain closed through at least mid-2026, following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by its parent company, Avant Gardner. What was once the heart of East Williamsburg’s nightlife has now fallen silent—its future more uncertain than ever.
A Venue in Crisis: From Redesign to Shutdown
Brooklyn Mirage underwent a highly publicized $30 million redesign in early 2025, sparking excitement for a revitalized summer season. However, the venue never reopened. According to internal sources and public records, safety inspection failures and unresolved permit issues forced the complex to shut its doors indefinitely, cancelling all scheduled performances.
An anonymous Avant Gardner employee told:
“It definitely isn’t opening this year, and it’s looking very likely it won’t open next year either.”
That grim outlook was confirmed by a recent Temporary Place of Assembly Certificate filing, which requests operational reactivation starting June 1, 2026. This suggests that Brooklyn Mirage is unlikely to reopen until next summer at the earliest.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: A Strategic Move?
In early August 2025, Avant Gardner officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing months of financial instability. A statement shared on the venue’s official Instagram page reads:
“The decision to file for Chapter 11 relief follows several months of financial distress, culminating with Avant Gardner being unable to open its newly constructed Mirage event space for the 2025 season.”
The company has not issued a formal press release but has used artists and ticketing platforms to announce a rolling wave of event cancellations, including performances by major acts like:
- Alesso
- Subtronics
- The Chainsmokers
- Sara Landry
The event calendar on Avant Gardner’s website is now defunct, indicating a complete shutdown of all programming.
New Leadership Amid the Fallout
Since the removal of former CEO Josh Wyatt in May 2025, the company has been largely silent—until recently appointing Gary Richards as its new CEO. Richards is the founder of HARD Events and performs as the DJ/producer Destructo. His arrival is being positioned as a reset for the troubled brand.
In a public statement, Richards said:
“Two months ago I was brought in as CEO to rebuild the company’s culture and turn the business around. I believe this Chapter 11 restructuring is the most viable path forward — it will allow us to stabilize Avant Gardner and focus on building for the future.”
He added that Avant Gardner remains committed to relaunching Mirage in 2026, with the aim of reclaiming its place as a world-class venue.
Can Brooklyn Mirage Make a Comeback?
The Brooklyn Mirage was once hailed as the epicenter of New York’s EDM scene. Known for its immersive production, multi-level design, and jaw-dropping lineups, the venue hosted unforgettable performances from global superstars and underground legends alike.
But with two years of closure, financial distress, and damaged public trust, many fans are wondering: Can it recover?
“The whole thing is a disaster,” said one anonymous employee.
While Gary Richards brings hope of revival, it remains to be seen whether Avant Gardner can rebuild its reputation, regain regulatory approval, and bring fans back to its once-thriving dancefloor.