Are you looking for a licensed event venue that offers guests privacy, ambiance, and great views? A rooftop bar is the ideal fit. It offers many benefits over other traditional venues, and with the right planning, can take a party from sunrise to sunset.Â
This guide explains the benefits of rooftop bar venues, highlights important considerations, and offers top tips for creating the perfect rooftop bar vibe.Â
What Is a Rooftop Bar?
A rooftop bar is a licensed establishment on the rooftop of a building, for example, on a hotel or holiday resort’s roof. Some high-end apartment buildings have a rooftop leisure area and bar, too. Rooftop bars are typically found on high-rise buildings, to offer panoramic views of the city below.Â
The owners of the rest of the building or a restaurant in the building may own it. However, it may also be separately owned and managed.Â
Is a Rooftop Bar an Outdoor or Indoor Bar?
A rooftop bar can be either one, and it can also be both.Â
It can be an enclosed bar at the top of a building or an open-air one. However, certain features must be in place to stay open in all weather conditions. This is why a hybrid design of an enclosed bar serving area, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, is preferable.Â
Benefits of a Rooftop Bar vs. Other Bar Types
Now that we have covered what a rooftop bar is, let’s turn our attention to the benefits a rooftop bar offers event planners. What does a rooftop bar offer that other bar types do not?Â
Increased Space and Availability
First, there’s the issue of space. If an event venue does not have sufficient space for an outdoor seating area or an extra bar, a rooftop bar at the same venue solves this problem.
To host private events in restaurants and bars you have to book the entire venue. However, that means they have to turn away regular patrons. It’s much easier if a rooftop bar is available, or if space is available to create a temporary one.Â
Stunning Views and Better AmbianceÂ
If you’re struggling to find a venue with the perfect backdrop, a rooftop bar may be the solution. One of the biggest benefits of rooftop establishments is the spectacular views that a rooftop offers, free of charge!
It’s often the only way to enjoy the view at an event in highly populated areas like New York.Â
But be sure to check that your event meets all requirements as set out in event permit laws for the area where your rooftop bar event will be located. And remember that such regulations differ from one city, region, or state to the next.Â
More Privacy and Less NoiseÂ
Private events need to be just that - private. Because it is separate from everything going on inside the building, and there are no passers-by, a rooftop bar offers total privacy.
A rooftop bar also allows you to avoid one of the biggest problems associated with urban outdoor events. We're talking about noise, of course. Passing cars and pedestrians can cause a lot of noise that interferes with an event’s vibe. But up on the rooftop, this problem falls away.
Differences Between a Rooftop Bar and Outdoor Terrace
Most rooftop bars are open-air, even if only partly. This is something they share in common with restaurants, bars, and other venues that have an outdoor terrace. Indeed, terraces are not always at ground level, they are sometimes elevated, too.Â
But what are the differences between a rooftop bar and an outdoor terrace?
- If the entire rooftop (or most of it) can be used for an event, it will offer more space for a rooftop bar and seating.Â
- If there is a pool on the rooftop, as with some hotels and resorts, there’s also the advantage of serving guests a drink, poolside.Â
- Although terrace bars are often elevated, they are not quite as high up as rooftop bars. Therefore, while they may have nice scenery around them, they don’t offer the stunning views that rooftop venues do.
- Lower-level outdoor terraces are closer to traffic noise and passersby. They also don't offer the privacy that rooftop venues do.Â
Seasonal Considerations for a Rooftop Bar
So, you’ve chosen a rooftop venue for your event? Based on the benefits listed above, you’ve made a good choice. But there are some seasonal considerations.
An open-air rooftop bar is ideal for a summer event. In regions that have warm, pleasant evenings too, it can be used day or night. However, this is not the case for all areas. If the location enjoys warm days in summer but cool evenings, you’ll need to supply warmth to beat the evening chill.Â
Does the area in question experience high-wind conditions? That is something to bear in mind for outdoor rooftop bar events. It is even more important if food is going to be served. Guests will be unable to relax and savor delicious food and drinks if the wind is blowing everything about.
The simplest way to keep a rooftop venue open year round is to have a hybrid of indoor and outdoor zones.Â
This solves the problem of changing weather and provides a better guest experience. Look for rooftop bars that offer this when selecting your rooftop venue. Such venues may have limited undercover space. Our guide to maximizing space in smaller venues can help.Â
Creating the Perfect Event Vibe at a Rooftop Bar
Thanks to its privacy, elevation, and often magnificent panoramic views, a rooftop bar already has its own vibe. But you can get the most out of a rooftop bar venue with a themed event.Â
The rooftop bar may have signature cocktails that fit the theme. If not, consider introducing craft beer and craft cocktails for the event. Will there be music supplied by live DJs? Ask them to play popular songs that fit the theme. Here are some examples to inspire you.
Beach or Island Theme
If there’s a pool on the rooftop and your event is planned for the daytime, you could go for a beach or island getaway theme. A beach theme is easy to achieve with a pool, and likely some deck chairs, already there.Â
Guests can enjoy soaking up the sun just as they would on the beach, but with the added benefit of poolside service. Carry the oceanside theme through to the naming of cocktails and any light meals that will be served.Â
Remember to tell guests to wear or bring their beachwear.Â
Night Sky Theme
Nighttime rooftop bar events can be themed, too. If the area has good visibility of the night sky and stars, consider a night sky theme. Once again, the cocktail, menu, and live DJ’s music can be adapted to fit the vibe.Â
Add a standing telescope for guests to use and you’ve got yourself a fun and unique rooftop bar event.
Sports Theme
A sports theme is ideal for daytime and nighttime. As with beach or night sky themes, menu and drinks items can be named to fit the sports vibe. You could include screens showing a live sports match, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.Â
Remember to have other entertainment, such as live music, for before and after the game.Â
Top Tips for Planning a Rooftop Bar Event from Sunrise to Sunset
Are you planning an all-day rooftop event that will continue into the late-night hours? Here are our top tips for planning a rooftop bar event from sunrise to sunset.
Be Transparent About the Venue Choice
Rooftop bars are extremely popular, from adult birthday parties to smaller corporate events. But they’re not right for everyone. This is especially true for open-air rooftop venues. People who suffer from an extreme fear of heights, for example, may be reluctant to host or attend such an event.Â
Ensure that your client is comfortable with the choice of venue. Remember to inform guests in their invitations, that this is a rooftop bar event. Don’t just say it’s on the sixth floor if the event incorporates a rooftop bar above it.Â
Plan for Changing Weather
In some regions, the weather can change dramatically from sunrise to sunset. If you are planning a rooftop event at a time of year with changing weather, look for a venue that offers a hybrid of undercover and open-air areas.Â
Is there some sort of barrier against the wind? If not, enquire whether or not you may erect one. Have outdoor umbrellas at the ready in case of extreme heat or rain.Â
Supply Heating for Welcoming Guests on Cooler Evenings
Patio or portable heaters and tiki torches offer warmth and coziness for open-air events in the cold nighttime hours. Position them where they will not easily be bumped into or knocked over by the wind. But don’t be afraid to recommend that guests dress warm or bring a jacket with them.Â
Provide Entertainment
A rooftop bar is a completely different experience from sunrise to sunset. For one thing, it’s easier to enjoy the view during the day. The sunset from a rooftop bar is wonderful, but the joy is short-lived. When the sun goes down, guests will be looking for some entertainment, for example, live music.
Check whether there are facilities in place for live musicians or live DJs to plug in their equipment. If not, enquire if the entertainers will be equipped with their own power needs. Alternatively, you’ll have to arrange it on your own.
Install Adequate Lighting
Don’t forget about lighting! An open-air venue on a rooftop offers ample natural light during the day. However, navigating a rooftop event is a lot more difficult in the dark.Â
Ensure that there is sufficient lighting for guests to move about safely in the dark of night. If the venue you have chosen does not have adequate lighting for the evening, you’ll need to arrange this yourself.Â
Bring the Outdoors to the Rooftop
Outdoor events are always popular but they can present several challenges. An open-air event on a rooftop is a good alternative to planning an outdoor event. It lacks green spaces though. So, introduce the same outdoors vibe, by bringing the outdoors to the rooftop.Â
A few large potted palms or other tall pants with deep green foliage will do the trick.
Conclusion
A rooftop bar is an exciting venue choice for both day and nighttime events. In the right location and season, it can even be utilized all year round. By choosing a venue that already has a licensed rooftop bar area, you’ll save yourself lots of work and can focus on planning an event with a fun vibe.
You’ll find venues to suit any occasion at the Perfect Venue Marketplace. There are options to filter searches according to relevant criteria like event type, number of guests, and location.Â
Take your event planning to the next level, with perfect venue choices every time. Start exploring venues today!
