Cambridge Awards Grant Funding to Local Nightlife Businesses


5/12/2026 • 2 days ago

DJ standing at vinyl turntable holding headphones up to their ear. Setting is a dim bar with glowing square lights in the background.

The City of Cambridge Community Development Department has awarded nearly $30,000 in funding to seven organizations through the Cambridge Nightlife Industry and Thriving Entertainment Spaces (NITES) grant. The Cambridge NITES grant was first piloted in Spring 2025 to highlight the success and vibrancy of Cambridge’s nightlife community.

This year’s 12 funded events represent the first full-season launch of Cambridge NITES. The City will support events from June through October 2026, showcasing comedy, folk music, drag performances, tea lounge experiences, and more at venues across Cambridge. All events are free and open to the public.

“The 2026 Cambridge NITES awardees embody the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that make our city’s nightlife so special. We're excited to work with seven nightlife businesses that reflect an exciting local entertainment landscape,” said Assistant City Manager for Community Development Melissa Peters. “With this series of free, public events across our neighborhoods, we’re simultaneously strengthening the local venues, artists, and organizations that keep Cambridge vibrant, fun, and interesting into the night.”

“As a longtime Cambridge business, we are grateful that the City is taking the initiative and using financial resources to support various areas of Cambridge, recognizing the value of community,” said John Kessen, co-owner of State Park. “The Cambridge NITES grant will help remind residents that One Kendall Square is a vibrant area, with the Kendall Cinema, Third Time Together, Mamaleh’s Delicatessen, Area Four, and State Park.”

Lauren “Lu” Budzichowski, owner of The Ludo, also expressed appreciation: “We’re grateful to participate in the Cambridge NITES grant, as it allows us to expand access by removing price as a barrier while maintaining high production value, fair compensation for collaborators, and a more intimate, alcohol-free format. One of our new weekend-long programs -- Steep’d -- takes a new approach to nightlife, maintaining the benefits of going out while decentering alcohol so guests can hopefully wake up feeling nourished rather than depleted.”

Cambridge NITES Awardees and Event Descriptions

The Ludo will host three installments of Steep’d, its sensory-conscious, alcohol-free tea lounge series.

  • June 3: A bring-your-own-vinyl listening party featuring adaptogenic non alcoholic cocktails by Curious Elixirs.
  • September 28: A silent film screening accompanied by a live original score with complimentary light bites from Amba Cafe and tea service.
  • October 24: An intergenerational evening with a DJ, live visuals, interactive activities, and refreshments from Amba Cafe.

All events will take place at First Street Market from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

State Park will host an outdoor community dance event at One Kendall Square on Sunday, June 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The program will feature an all vinyl lineup of DJs from Baile Tropidélico, Spin the Bottle, Soulelujah, Soundbox, and Cafeteria, along with food and beverage offerings from State Park and neighboring businesses.

HipStory, in partnership with the Cambridge KiOSK in Harvard Square, will present the We Black Folk Showcase Series. This bi weekly program highlights Black folk traditions and artists, expanding the narrative of folk music while fostering community connection. Events will be held in Harvard Square on August 27, September 10, and September 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The New England Jazz Collaborative, in collaboration with The Middle East, will introduce a new Monday night jazz orchestra series this fall. Each performance will spotlight a different local large ensemble, featuring original compositions, Afro Latin and global influences, and classic big band repertoire. The series will begin at Sonia at The Middle East on September 14 at 7:00 p.m.

The Comedy Studio in Harvard Square, in partnership with Black Girl Magic, will expand its previous comedy showcase into an evening featuring performances, DJ sets, networking, and a curated food and beverage menu. The event will take place on September 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The LilyPad in Inman Square will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a three day, family-friendly weekend of programming. Activities will include the debut of the LilyPad’s new “window stage,” a silent disco, an art making session, karaoke, and live music. Events will be held on September 25 and 26 beginning at 7:00 p.m., and on September 27 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Remnant Satellite will present SheRocks the Local Scene, a weekend-long program celebrating women in the arts. The event will feature live bands, DJ sets, drag performances, and an open mic. Programming will take place at Satellite on September 25 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and September 26 from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.

About Cambridge NITES

The Cambridge NITES grant aims to highlight the success of Cambridge’s nightlife and entertainment industry. Through Cambridge NITES, the Economic Opportunity and Development Division and the Community Planning and Design Division seek to position Cambridge as a regional center for nightlife and entertainment, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the city’s offerings.

For more information about Economic Opportunity and Development programs, visit www.cambridgema.gov/business.