Refuge NYC, Brooklyn’s brand new, high-definition dance club, is set to open its doors this fall with a bold series of events that promise a raw and unfiltered return to underground music culture. Launching in September and October, the opening season lineups feature heavy-hitting names including Floorplan, DJ Seinfeld, Paranoid London (Live), Stacey Pullen, Antal, Kenny Larkin, Danilo Plessllow (MCDE), and many more.
The project comes from nightlife veteran John Dimatteo and legendary sound innovator Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu, unveiling Refuge as a sanctuary for high-fidelity sound and true dancefloor connection. Located in a standalone industrial complex dating back to the mid-1800s between East Williamsburg and Bushwick, the venue has been fully reimagined with one goal: to prioritize sound, space, and spirit.
At the heart of the club is the custom-built REX analog sound system, a 10-foot-tall, 4-point masterpiece designed by Shorty, the mind behind iconic installs at Nowadays and Analog BKNY. With hand-built amplifiers, bespoke filters, and rotary mixers, the system delivers a warm, powerful sound built for marathon sessions. Every element inside Refuge has been engineered to elevate the experience, from the floated Malpe wood dancefloor designed to absorb shock and return energy, to a custom DJ booth and acoustic design by Al Fierstein of Acoustilog (Studio 54, Sound Factory). The venue’s historic 35-foot ceilings and original brickwork preserve the industrial character while enhancing the club’s immersive atmosphere.
Nightlife visionary Gregory Homs (Sound Factory, The Tunnel) joins as creative director, ensuring the club stays rooted in New York’s legacy while pushing toward innovation and authenticity. With zero residential restrictions, the 500-capacity, 3,200-square-foot venue is free to host true after-hours sessions that embrace the city’s underground ethos.
“We’re proud to unveil our first lineups and show what we’re all about: serious sounds only, from originators who shaped house and techno to rising artists redefining the underground today,” says Dimatteo. “This is just the start—we’ve created a place for everyone to call home.”
The venue launches September 21 with a special Sunday preview program, beginning with a daytime session featuring Antal, twin sister duo Analog Soul, and the Razor-N-Tape crew, followed by an intimate night event led by the euphoric, genre-spanning sounds of DJ Seinfeld.
From there, Refuge leans into its marathon spirit with a Grand Opening Marathon across September 27–28, a 24-hour (or longer) journey led by Detroit legends Floorplan, acid house disruptors Paranoid London (Live), Motor City innovator DJ Holographic, Mike Servito of The Bunker, plus Miss Parker, Bruno Schmidt, and more.
October programming continues with standout showcases. On October 4, Danilo Plessllow (fka MCDE) brings his house and disco selections alongside the futuristic funk of Dâm-Funk (Live), supported by Lloyd. On October 11, Detroit icons Stacey Pullen and Kenny Larkin headline, joined by Heidy P., John Dimatteo, Michelangelo, and Kofman.
Refuge NYC is built on principles, not gimmicks. Phones are discouraged, there’s no VIP and no bottle service—just a return to unfiltered dance culture. All events allow re-entry, with food and coffee fueling dancers through marathon sessions. Programming will include open-to-close parties, Sunday day events, and authentic after-hours built around community and sound.
Tickets for opening season events are on sale now via Eventbrite. The club is located at 360 Ten Eyck Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11206.
Refuge: refuge.nyc / @Refuge.NYC