The owners of Avant Gardner, a massive East Williamsburg music complex in New York City, announced on August 4 that they have voluntarily filed for bankruptcy. Within the music complex is the closed Brooklyn Mirage, one of the largest concert venues in New York City.
Avant Gardner’s other event venues, Great Hall and Kings Hall, will remain open and operate as usual during the process, the company said in a statement on their website.
The business specifically filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, meaning the company can reorganize their debts, according to United States Courts. Avant Gardner can also propose a plan to repay creditors while maintaining control of the company.
The decision to file for bankruptcy follows several months of financial distress. This includes their biggest venue, Brooklyn Mirage, being unable to open for the 2025 season. The outdoor dusk-to-dawn EDM venue was supposed to open on May 1 after several constructions, but after continuous cancellations and failed inspections, the Mirage has yet to open.
Avant Gardner expects to continue many of the Mirage shows at the Great Hall for the remainder of 2025, according to the statement. More than 17 artists announced they were canceling or rescheduling their shows.
After firing former CEO, Josh Wyatt, Avant Gardner announced they hired Gary Richards to stabilize the company’s finances and bring back the Mirage for 2026 and beyond.
“Two months ago I was brought in as CEO to rebuild the Company’s culture and turn the business around,” Richards said in a statement. “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.”
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