Avant Gardner’s crown jewel, the Brooklyn Mirage—a seasonal outdoor venue in East Williamsburg—underwent major renovations in early 2025. Designed to boost capacity from 5,500 to 6,250 and introduce amenities like a 30K‑resolution shutter system, over 100 calibrated speakers, expanded dance floors, and multiple VIP mezzanines, the venue was gearing up for a grand reopening on May 1. Despite being “show‑ready,” several permit inspections failed to pass muster.
Permit Problems: The Heart of the Issue
City building inspectors flagged compliance issues with both temporary and permanent structure permits. Though the Great Hall (an indoor venue within the complex) was certified, its sprawling outdoor counterpart—the Mirage—remains uncertified and unapproved for public gatherings. According to the NYC Department of Buildings:
- Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) and other certificates are still under audit;
- Permit applications were either incomplete or non-compliant with building code.
A String of Cancellations
- May 1: Sara Landry’s DM debut was canceled just hours before start time; she performed instead at Knockdown Center.
- Memorial Day weekend: Entire lineup postponed to July and August.
- July: Black Coffee residency (initially July 3–6) was scrapped; Excision’s July 17–18 shows moved to The Great Hall—roughly half the outdoor capacity.
To date, at least 17 artists have been impacted, including Tiësto, The Chainsmokers, and Anjunabeats acts.
Financial Fallout
- Fans face non‑refundable travel and lodging expenses.
- Ticket holders left in limbo, with refunds offered but logistical headaches still loom.
- Tickets for future events remain on sale, adding uncertainty and potential reputational damage.
Leadership Shake-Up & Rising Tensions
Josh Wyatt, Avant Gardner’s first-ever CEO hired in 2024, was terminated after the failed May 1 opening. Wyatt had confidently insisted the venue was fully compliant days before inspectors intervened.
Reddit speculation claims the venue may have “been using temporary structure permits” improperly to bypass code—“a bonehead move,” according to r/avesNYC users, possibly prompting Wyatt’s dismissal.
Community Backlash
Long‑time patrons are feeling betrayed. Temple Barros, a seasoned attendee since 2016, decried the lack of transparency during the rescheduling mess involving Excision and Sara Landry.
Reddit users lament restroom:
“If they’d just built a real venue … perhaps they wouldn’t be in such a gigantic mess right now.”
The consensus? The venue tried to reinvent its blueprint—breaking change—but the city’s oversight caught up.
So When Will It Open?
There’s no confirmed date for reopening. Statements from Avant Gardner claim “great progress” is being made on compliance, but with the Department of Buildings still auditing permits—and City Hall emphasizing the venue doesn’t meet safety codes—the timeline remains uncertain.
Despite Mayor Adams’ past support and intervention in liquor license issues, this case is under DOB jurisdiction—unrelated to the SLA disputes resolved previously.
Behind the Numbers & Curiosities
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Outdoor venue capacity | 6,250 people post-renovation |
| Original reopening date | May 1, 2025 |
| Cancelled/Postponed shows | ≥ 17 |
| July affected residencies | Black Coffee, Excision |
| CEO tenure | Less than 9 months |
Fun fact: The Mirage was ranked #17 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs for 2025, but right now, it’s its own worst enemy.
Looking Ahead
Pending permit approval, rescheduled shows may appear in late summer or early fall—though many acts are relocating to indoor venues or alternative NY locations. Industry insiders fear long-term fallout: promoters may hesitate to book here again, artists might lose confidence, and trust with fans could erode.
Avant Gardner now faces a critical challenge: resolving technical compliance issues fast while repairing once-strong bonds with fans, crew, and artists. Clear, proactive communication—and actual, certifiable reopening—will be crucial to restoring credibility.
Keywords: Brooklyn Mirage delay, Avant Gardner permits, Brooklyn concert cancellations, Josh Wyatt fired, summer 2025 venue reopening delays
Photo credit: Brooklyn Paper
