Tim Hortons hosted a pajama party and movie screening for media and influencers on August 2 at the screening room at Thompson Toronto hotel. Guests were given branded robes to wear, while they indulged in the Canadian fast food company’s breakfast offerings and custom coffee cocktails served in Tim Hortons cups. The event was planned and executed by NKPR and the custom robes were designed by Plan-It Promotions.
For part of its new marketing campaign, confectionary brand Black Forest activated a giant fabricated tree that rained gummy bears. Woven baskets were filled with gummy bears, and brand ambassadors were on site to shake more from the tree. The activation, which took place August 2 and 3 on the High Line in New York, was produced by Mission.
Lollapalooza music festival took place August 2 to 5 at Chicago’s Grant Park. Behind the BMI stage, festivalgoers could add their mark to a mural with a little help from Art of Everyone. The organization used an "artist conductor" to verbally guide guests through painting or drawing using a laser pointer.
Tito’s hosted the Love, Tito’s experience to showcase the efforts of its charitable initiative. Highlighting Chicago-based charity Bunker Labs, the activation taught guests about the local nonprofit; it also served as a digital time capsule that invited guests to make a video pledge to initiate positive change in the world. The videos will be emailed to festivalgoers a year later.
Facebook-owned virtual-reality company Oculus hosted an “omakase”-style dinner July 31 at the Public Hotel in New York. Guests were invited to wear Oculus Go headsets to view six experiences that were each paired with a different course and cocktail. The Fox Sports VR course featured Meyer lemon gelee, creme fraiche, and caviar paired with the "Ocu-lade" cocktail, which consisted of habanero-infused tequila, mezcal, dried prickly ash, and lime. The cocktail was served in a plastic pouch. The menu was curated by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and cocktails were crafted by Los Angeles-based creative shop Happy Hour Agency.
To celebrate the launch of the new Farmacy Kitchen Cookbook, a book focused on plant-based eating and conscious living, author Camilla Fayed, stylist Elizabeth Saltzman, and Juicy Couture creative director Jamie Mizrahi co-hosted an event in July at the Schoos Design studio in West Hollywood. Event producer Cathy James, owner of the James Group, used vegetables as decor for the event. Bunches of asparagus, artichoke, carrots, and more formed centerpieces on the tables.
Amber Kemp-Gerstel, the founder and creative director of D.I.Y. lifestyle blog Damask Love, held a viewing party to celebrate her debut on NBC’s crafting competition series Making It on July 31 at the Miami Ad School. The event, which was sponsored by fabric and craft retailer Joann, featured a rainbow-hued craft installation created by the Creative Heart Studio. Kemp-Gerstel posed with an oversize tape prop that displayed the social media handle of her blog.
The viewing party had a number of D.I.Y. stations, including a make-your-own cupcake bar. Ingredients were provided by Bunnie Cakes.
To promote the 30th anniversary of Shark Week, Discovery Channel worked with BCXP to create art installations of sharks made from upcycled and recyclable materials that are often found washed ashore on beaches. The installations, which were displayed on the Santa Monica Pier July 21 and 22, included a great white shark constructed from reclaimed driftwood and lumber; guests were encouraged to pose for photos inside the shark's mouth.
A hammerhead shark was constructed from corrugated cardboard from supermarkets.
Woodlea, located on the 17th floor of Nashville’s Kimpton Aertson Hotel, opened in January. Spanning 4,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the venue is notable for its sweeping views of downtown and the campus of Vanderbilt University. The venue, which holds 150 guests, contributes to the overall 10,000 square feet of event space at the hotel. The catering menu features locally sourced ingredients in dishes from executive chef Daniel Gorman.
The Newport Beach rooftop bar Topside at the Lido House Hotel offers views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Highlights of the 3,000-square-foot relaxed space include fire pits, communal seating, audiovisual capabilities, and the “Ultimate Cabana,” which offers the best views. Capacity for the venue is 225 guests.
The Box House Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, launched a new rooftop space this year. The 10,000-square-foot space holds 275 guests seated or standing. A wraparound marble bar and views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn add to the ambiance. The space, which has a retractable roof and a glass enclosure, can be heated in the winter.
Sky and Vine, offering panoramic views of Napa Valley, debuted in April atop Archer Hotel Napa. From chef Charlie Palmer, the space is host to a bar, restaurant, and lounge. The entire rooftop spans 6,980 square feet and seats 168 guests or holds 315 for receptions. Separate areas of the rooftop are also available for semiprivate events. The bar, which covers 2,690 square feet, seats 60 or holds 125 reception-style.The patio, measuring 3,190 square feet, seats 60 or holds 150 for receptions. The Chef’s Show Kitchen, measuring 1,100 square feet, is also available for events; it seats 28 or holds 40 reception-style. The menu features elevated American fare as well as artisanal cocktails, craft beers and, naturally, a carefully curated wine list.
As part of the addition of a new wing to Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach that opened earlier this month in Miami, the boutique property added a rooftop area suited for events. Guests can enjoy views of South Beach, the Miami skyline, and the ocean from the sixth-floor space. Combined, the rooftop pool area and L-shaped Sun Deck cover 7,044 square feet and can hold 630 guests for receptions or 490 for banquets.
The SkyLawn, located on the third floor of the Embassy Suites Midtown Manhattan, is slated to open this month. The landscaped space covers 5,560 square feet and holds 200 guests. The venue, with its garden-like atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails, is available for large events or can be partially reserved for groups as large as 40. Amenities include audiovisual capabilities and seating, as well as custom floral arrangements and catering menus.
RoofTop at Exchange Place opened in April atop the Hyatt House Jersey City in New Jersey. The venue spans two stories, comprising the lower terrace level and the rooftop level. The spaces together measure 10,000 square feet. The entire terrace level seats 150 or holds 300 for receptions. The Terrace East, which accommodates 80, and the Terrace South, which accommodates 40, are available for smaller events. The rooftop, which holds 300 guests, offers views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. Water and fire features liven RoofTop, which can be reached by train or ferry from Manhattan. The venue has a retractable glass roof and walls, making it usable year-round.
Bounce Chicago, known for its fun yet elevated sports theme, plans to open a rooftop space later this month. Maintaining the venue’s sports theme, the 1,500-square-foot venue will have bleacher-style seating and private cabanas for a total reception-style capacity of 150 guests. The space will be furnished with plush couch seating made from vintage sports gear, plus high-top tables, HD TVs, and downtown views. The addition of the rooftop will make the total square footage of the venue 6,000 and its capacity 600 guests.
Opened in September with an enviable location in Boston's Prudential Center, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar features a three-season rooftop lounge. The space measures 3,990 square feet; for private events, it seats 48 or holds 60 for receptions. Design details include an ivy-covered wall as well as a mix of couches, high- and low-top tables, and bar seating. There are also multiple televisions and a retractable roof.
Make Believe, the rooftop of Sixty LES hotel in New York’s Lower East Side, opened on April 18. The concept is designed to mimic an exotic atmosphere, with inspiration from East Asian and North African cultures. The new rooftop venue provides 2,000 square feet of event space with the roof open, and 1,400 square feet with the roof closed. Scarlet hues, bird cages, and tropical greenery add to the decor of make the venue, which holds 150 for receptions. The bar menu offers cocktails suited to its exotic theme, as well as a variety of sake.
Ophelia lounge opened in February atop the New York’s historic Beekman Tower. Sitting 26 stories high, the greenhouse terrace offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and the East River. With 1920s architectural details and 1930s-inspired design, the cocktail lounge highlights the rich history of the Beekman tower, built in 1928 as a residence for working women. The venue is composed of the Grand Terrace, the Outer Terrace, and a private dining room. The 4,500-square-foot space, which seats 100 guests in all, combines modern design and historical elements. The menu offers reinventions of classic cocktails, and the lounge features unique curios such as 1930s tarot cards and antique photography.
Arlo SoHo hotel in New York has revamped its rooftop with a new name—A.R.T. (Arlo Roof Top)—and new menu. The space, which opened May 15 and holds 180 guests, offers views of the Hudson River. Indoor and outdoor space combined measures 3,000 square feet. The rooftop is equipped to accommodate a DJ.
