Music Hall of Williamsburg to Shut Down After 2026 Season, Bowery Confirms

An iconic Brooklyn music venue is closing its doors. The Music Hall of Williamsburg will not renew its lease at 66 North Sixth Street. This was confirmed in an internal memo from Bowery Presents. The venue will cease operations there at the end of 2026.

The closure marks the end of an era for the North Brooklyn neighborhood. Co-partners Jim Glancy and John Moore announced the news to staff. They expressed gratitude for the venue’s nearly two-decade run. According to Pitchfork, a Bowery spokesperson verified the memo’s accuracy.

A Storied Venue That Launched Major Careers

The Music Hall of Williamsburg opened in 2007. It replaced a smaller club called Northsix. It quickly became a cornerstone of Williamsburg’s cultural scene. The venue is famous for hosting artists early in their careers.

Big names like Ed Sheeran, Tame Impala, and Phoebe Bridgers played there. Tyler, The Creator and The Weeknd also performed on its stage. The memo highlighted its role in artist development. It called the venue’s impact “transcendental.”

The space will continue hosting shows through next year. Already booked acts include Whitney and Lucy Bedroque. Hatchie and Westerman are also scheduled for 2026. The final season will be a long goodbye for fans.

Broader Impact on New York’s Live Music Landscape

This shutdown reflects ongoing pressures on independent venues. Rising real estate costs in Brooklyn are a major factor. The lease non-renewal was a decision by the building’s owners. Bowery Presents must now find a new location or cease entirely.

The venue was part of the AEG network after a 2017 deal. Its closure leaves a significant gap in the local circuit. Mid-sized rooms are crucial for developing touring acts. Losing this stage affects the entire music ecosystem.

Fans and musicians are expressing sadness online. Many recall formative concerts at the hall. It was known for its excellent sound and intimate vibe. The search for a comparable space will be difficult.

The impending closure of the Music Hall of Williamsburg is a major loss for New York City’s music community. Its legacy of launching superstar careers will endure long after the final note plays in Williamsburg.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why is the Music Hall of Williamsburg closing?

The venue’s lease at 66 North Sixth Street is not being renewed by the building’s owners. Bowery Presents, which operates the hall, confirmed it must vacate the space at the end of 2026.

Q2: What will happen to the building?

The future of the physical space at 66 North Sixth Street is currently unknown. The Bowery Presents memo did not specify what the property owners plan to do with the location after 2026.

Q3: Are there still shows booked before it closes?

Yes. The venue will operate normally through the end of 2026. Several artists, including Whitney and Hatchie, are already scheduled to perform there next year.

Q4: How significant is this closure for the music scene?

It is a substantial blow. The hall was a key mid-sized venue for artist development. Losing it removes a critical stepping stone for acts growing their audience in New York City.

Q5: Does Bowery Presents plan to open a new venue elsewhere?

The company’s memo expressed a continued commitment to finding new spaces for live music. However, no specific plans for a direct replacement have been announced at this time.