Cambridge NITES

The Cambridge Nightlife Industry and Thriving Entertainment Spaces (NITES) grant launched in 2025. Cambridge NITES aims to support the nightlife and entertainment industry in Cambridge. Grants support nightlife businesses in producing free, public events around the city. Cambridge NITES invites the community to join in the fun and explore the city’s nightlife scene.

The Cambridge NITES program will begin accepting applications in January 2026. However, details about the program are below. If you are interested in producing smaller scale events in Cambridge’s commercial areas, please visit the Cambridge Plays page.

Eligibility

Cambridge NITES offers grants of up to $5,000 to Cambridge-based nightlife and entertainment businesses and non-profit performance-based organizations. Partnerships between local venues, artists, performers, and non-profits are encouraged. All interested organizations are encouraged to apply; however, applications will be prioritized for review based on the criteria below:

Tier 1: Existing nightlife and entertainment venues (e.g., clubs, live theaters, and music halls).
Tier 2: Bars and restaurants currently offering live entertainment.
Tier 3: Existing non-profit performance organizations.
Tier 4: Bars and restaurant not currently offering live entertainment but are interested in providing live entertainment in the future.

The priority ranking determines the order in which applications will be reviewed. It does not guarantee that an application with a higher priority rank will receive funding.

The Selection Committee will take into consideration the applicant and all partners when assigning a rank for prioritization. However, the applicant must be a Cambridge-based business.

Requirements

In order to be reviewed by the Selection Committee, applications must meet all of the criteria below:

The business or organization that submits the application is a Cambridge-based business. For businesses with multiple locations, the business must have a location in Cambridge..
There will be no cost or barrier to entry to the event except where public safety is of concern (i.e., all events will be free and open to the public).
Outdoor events will conclude by 10:00 p.m. The conclusion of indoor events is dependent on the venue's entertainment license.

Additional requirements may be applied based on the selection committee’s review. Here are some examples of potential additional requirements:

The applicant’s partners may be required to remain involved in the production of the event.
The applicant may need to hire additional security or staff to ensure public safety.
The applicant may need to submit applications for permits and licenses as required by the scope of the event (where possible, the City will submit DPW permits and One Day Entertainment licenses on the applicant’s behalf).
The applicant may be required to obtain additional insurance and agree to a promotional license agreement for use of a space.

Tips and FAQs

What can Cambridges NITES funds be used for?

Funds from Cambridge NITES can be used to cover artist/performer fees, staging and equipment rentals, staffing fees, and in some cases vendor fees, among other expenses incurred in the production of the event. Uses of the award funds are at the discretion of the City of Cambridge program manager.

What CAN'T the funds be used for?

Cambridge NITES grant awards cannot be used to cover the costs of alcohol including one day alcohol licenses. Other expenses may not be eligible, as determined by the City of Cambridge program manager.

Can I sell food at a Cambridge NITES event?

Vending (selling food and other items) is not permitted in City parks and plazas. The selection committee will review requests for vending in City streets on a case by case basis.

What are examples of past Cambridge NITES events?

In the past, Cambridge NITES has awarded funds to:

LilyPad for a two dance parties at Cambridge Street Court/Yard.
The Comedy Studio for comedy sets in Brattle and Porter Squares.
Central Square BID for a dance party and launch of Cambridge on Air.
The Phoenix Landing for Mardi Gras in June on Lafayette Square.
Ultimate Entertainment Group for a vintage car show and southern-style music.

When will the funds be issued to the awardees?

Award funds will be issued after all permits and licenses have been acquired, and after the approved event takes place. After the event, awardees will submit an invoice to the program manager.

How will applications be reviewed?

The Selection Committee will first review all applications to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the Cambridge NITES program. The committee will then sort applications based on the priority ranks listed under “Eligibility”. Once sorted, the Selection Committee will begin evaluating the applications starting with Tier 1. Once all Tier 1 applications have been reviewed, the Selection Committee will continue reviewing applications in priority order until all available funds have been awarded.

The priority ranking determines the order in which applications will be reviewed. It does not guarantee that an application with a higher priority rank will receive funding. Applications must score highly against the selection criteria as outlined in the application in order to be funded. For instance, an application that is ranked in Tier 1 but does not score highly based on the selection criteria may not be funded. However, a Tier 3 application that scores highly may be awarded funds.

Will I receive the maximum award of $5,000 if that is the proposed budget in my application?

The Selection Committee will award funds based on the quality of the application and the eligible expenses listed in the provided budget. For this reason, it is possible that an applicant may be awarded less than what is detailed in the proposed budget.

If I am an individual performer (e.g. a DJ), am I eligible to apply?

At this time, individual performers are not eligible for Cambridge NITES funding.