Opened on September 21 with a day-to-night preview program.
Photo credit: Refuge – Official
Refuge NYC, a new high-definition dance club in Brooklyn, has opened its doors with a series of events that celebrate underground music culture and community. The venue debuted on September 21st with a day-to-night preview program, followed by a Grand Opening Marathon across September 27–28, and more shows through October featuring names like Floorplan, DJ Seinfeld, Paranoid London, Stacey Pullen, Kenny Larkin, Antal, and Danilo Plesslow (MCDE).
Created by John Dimatteo and sound system innovator Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu, Refuge is built around a custom 10-foot, 4-point REX analog system, designed with hand-built amplifiers, bespoke filters, and rotary mixers. Shorty, known for installs at Nowadays and Analog BKNY, shaped the system to deliver warm, high-fidelity sound for extended sessions.
Housed in a mid-1800s industrial complex, the venue retains historic brickwork and 35-foot ceilings. Features include a floated maple wood dancefloor, custom DJ booth, and acoustic design by Al Fierstein of Acoustilog. Creative director Gregory Homs oversees the 500-capacity, 3,200 sq ft space, which emphasizes innovation and authenticity.
“We’re proud to unveil our first line-ups and show what we’re all about: namely serious sounds only from a mix of originators who shaped house and techno to DJs defining the sound of the NYC underground and European talents developing the conversation on their own terms. This is just the start, we’re confident that we have created a place for everyone to call home,” says Dimatteo.
The Grand Opening Marathon on September 27th–28th will run for at least 24 hours, featuring Floorplan, Paranoid London (Live), DJ Holographic, Mike Servito, Bruno Schmidt, Miss Parker, Simon Heyliger, Jacky Sommer, DJ Matpat, and Cosmo. On October 4th, Danilo Plesslow (MCDE) is joined by Dam Funk (Live) and Lloyd, while October 11th welcomes Detroit pioneers Stacey Pullen and Kenny Larkin alongside Heidy P., John Dimatteo, Michelangelo, and Kofman.
The season continues October 18th–19th with a stacked program including Scott Zacharias, Patrick Russell, Mike Servito, Erika, Derek Plaslaiko, Carlos Souffront, Bryan Kasenic, and BMG, marking another extended session in Refuge’s marathon style.
With no VIP area, no bottle service, and a phone-free ethos, Refuge prioritizes the dancefloor experience. Programs will include Sunday day parties, after-hours, and marathon sessions with food and coffee available on-site.
Tickets for the upcoming events are available here.
