Brooklyn Mirage music venue cancels weekend shows after unable to meet inspection deadlines

EAST WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Ticket holders were left empty-handed on Friday after the Brooklyn Mirage, a live music venue, unexpectedly canceled its opening show after failing safety inspections.

For months, the venue promoted a multimillion-dollar renovation, promising a state-of-the-art makeover. However, unable to meet inspection deadlines, the venue was forced to cancel the entire weekend's sold-out shows.

Jude Zhu was excited for a fun night, out, until the DJ show she had tickets for at the Brooklyn Mirage on Thursday was canceled just a few hours before.

"I was really disappointed. We did end up going to other venues. They were just not as good as what was originally planned," Zhu said.

The open-air music venue in East Williamsburg had hyped its grand reopening after closing for renovations at the start of the year to expand dance space, enhance sound quality and more.

However, with construction crews still on site, the Brooklyn Mirage canceled not just opening night, but all weekend shows. According to City Hall; the complex didn't meet safety standards required for a permit, which the city says could endanger New Yorkers.

The headliner, DJ Sara Landry, was disappointed, but she did a pop-up set at the nearby Knockdown Center instead.

Midtown resident Yong Zhao says he was able to transfer his tickets.

"I think they're very aggressive trying to make things happen. So we appreciate the efforts. But also, you know, the city is always very conservative about safety," Zhao said.

In a statement on Instagram, the venue operator, Avant Gardner, said: "We know this is disappointing news... we are doing everything in our power to get back on track -- safely and in full compliance -- as soon as possible."

The renovations, which were set to include enhanced security measures as well, come after the Mirage made headlines in 2023 after two men were found dead nearby after attending raves at the venue.

The Brooklyn Mirage does say that all weekend ticketholders will get a full refund, and while it's not clear precisely what permitting standards weren't met, organizers ask for forgiveness and patience as they work toward reopening.

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