Eight New York day parties that will make your summer go off

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year: day party season.

You know the scene. Sun on your face, bevy in hand, DJ goin’ off to a smiling, up-for-it crowd. There's something about the day party that brings out the best in all of us. And no one does it better than Brooklyn.

The scene here is known for being DIY, eclectic, fresh and exciting. And day parties are no different. Whether it’s dancing on rooftops, cruising the Hudson or getting down in a pop-up venue, from May through to October raves are thrown in every corner of the borough.

So here’s our guide to the promoters who will make this summer season the best.

“We not only showcase reputable names but we are constantly on the search for upcoming cutting-edge and not-so-well known artists."

Nektarios Ioannidis didn’t give much thought to the name when ReSolute first started throwing parties in 2007: “It was just a playful etymological brainstorming.” But as time wore on, “The name became so much more meaningful and so appropriate. I think it really set the tone for us.”

ReSolute has earned a rep for putting on some of the longest-running parties and afterhours gigs. Each usually starts before midnight and flows straight to into the next day's evening hours. Production is also on point and booked in unique, latent locations.

“It’s a party that explores not only music, but also urban spaces - roofs, boats, trains, basements, gardens, warehouses, lofts, galleries, alleys, trains, you name it," Ioannidis explains.

This summer ReSolute will host a series of daytime events that include, but are definitely not limited to rooftop and boat parties.

ReSolute kicked off the season with its traditional yearly rooftop party at Output

"Dreams. Clouds. Broad Smiles."

All Day I Dream was first conceptualized in 2011 by Lee Burridge and Matthew Dekay in Brooklyn. Although the promoter consistently travels around the world, its resident series in New York City has become one of the top curated events and is something NYC natives also look forward to.

The idea behind All Day I Dream is simple, spiritual music, warm weather and good people will create a strong community and unparalleled atmosphere. You can feel the pure and positive vibes the second you walk through the venue's doors. The decor is soft and ethereal, the sound system is impeccable and the crowd is welcoming.

The parties go from midday to the late hours of the night and have featured artists like Bob Moses, Hoj and more. All Day I Dream's 2016 summer season commences this weekend on Governor's island.

“Fundamentally, we want to put on a damn good show for the audience.”

The Cityfox Experience is known for its high production value as organiser Simar Singh explains: “The original concept is to transform a raw, empty space with the best sound, lighting and other production, to create a truly unique attendee experience for one night.”

Cityfox's claim to fame is bringing the world's biggest artists to larger than life parties that run all day and night, typically from 3PM through 6AM. On why Cityfox chose to launch such an ambitious party, Singh says, “A long event allows attendees to fully immerse themselves, to get lost in the music and experience."

Singh also rightly points out that day and night parties have different energies: “Day into night is a tonal shift, often in style of music, but also the energy. And both are magical in their own right. Enjoying both at the same event is hard to top.”

Cityfox has even constructed a massive pop-up venue called the Brooklyn Mirage for all of its all-day/all-night summer events. The space is fitted out with a new sound system by KV2 Audio and projection mapping by Projektil. The over-the-top venue has luxurious indoor and outdoor areas that house upwards of 6000 people.

“We're seeing a renaissance of house music in Brooklyn because it's quality and contagious. It's been great to see such a large number and wide variety of events flourish in the last few years," Singh says.

Cityfox kicked off their summer series this month and are currently handling licensing discrepancies. Upcoming events are to be rectified soon.

“Feels like a party at a good friend's house… No bad vibes or snobbery – just fun."

Tiki Disco started in 2010 when founder Andy Pry was working at a restaurant Brooklyn. It had a large open lot behind it and he thought it would be a cool place to throw a daytime party. So Andy asked fellow DJs Eli Escobar and Lloyd Harris if they would be into giving it a shot. “We did the first party and about 50 people came," he remembers.

Since then the party has grown into a local favorite and this year Tiki Disco has settled on a place that feels right, as Pry explains: “I'm really looking forward to our third summer of events at The Well in Brooklyn, which has become a real home base."

Tiki Disco is the type of party that defines the Brooklyn underground scene. It’s diverse, has a DIY aesthetic and puts music and people over flash and status. You'll find disco fans and bikers, house heads and fashion people, skaters and everyone in between. And just like their crowd, the three DJs – Andy, Eli and Lloydski – don’t necessarily follow one particular style. “We play what we like and what feels right, there are decades of great, danceable music to pick from,” Pry says. Needless to say, he and his team would rather spend their budget on the soundsystem rather than OTT décor

Then there's the price. Tiki Disco tickets set you back about 10 bucks online and even less if you purchase their season pass. “We have worked hard to make sure the cover charge is as reasonable as possible," Pry says. "We want the crowd to remain interesting and not just full of people willing to fork over big money.”

Tiki Disco’s season has started; they host bi-weekly parties until the end of September

“We want to bring collaborative spirit to the scene.”

At a time when dance music is divided into unending sub-scenes and niches, ebb + flow sees itself as bringing communities together. Gavin Stephenson, one of its founders, explains: “We view ourselves as bringing the Burners, techno and house heads and people who don’t necessarily go to dance music events every weekend together.”

The Brooklyn-based collective throws parties in Manhattan and Brooklyn and the Sunset Debauchery is their bi-annual summer party. It’s a boat cruise down Hudson River and they have one to kick off the summer and another to say goodbye.

Sunset Debauchery sets sail Jun 26

The Roof

From May to September the Output rooftop is simply called The Roof. Its deck and terrace has an expansive view of the Manhattan skyline and the East River and it’s easily the best rooftop in Brooklyn. It's open some weekdays and Sundays, too.

BlkMarket Membership

BlkMarket Membership are scene veterans that have a decade under their belts of hosting premier house and techno events. Known for their off-grid events, count yourself lucky if it’s four in the morning and you’re at BlkMarket warehouse party in Brooklyn. They host a few day parties this summer, a highlight: an afternoon with tiNI and party founders and residents Taimur & Fahad.

Mister Sunday

Mister Sunday is a kind of backyard BBQ meets dance party. Kids under 18 go free as long as an adult accompanies them, and dogs are welcome on leash. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere but these guys are serious about the party. Mister Sundays has a couple of rules to enhance your experience. They ask, “First and foremost, enjoy yourself” but while on the dancefloor “ Please don't take photos. And please don't text or make calls.” Mister Sundays is weekly until the end October.

Shaquina Blake is a freelance journalist based in New York. Follow her on Twitter here