Nightlife Economy
Our mission is to foster a more vibrant and robust nightlife economy through identifying programmatic solutions, coordinating resources, and establishing policy.
The Office of Nightlife Economy was established in Spring of 2023 and serves as a vital link between City Hall and the stakeholders within Boston's nightlife ecosystem. In 2025 and 2026, the Office of Nightlife Economy will further policy initiatives to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown and keep nightlife workers and patrons safe.
Contact
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1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201 -
Media and Press Inquiries
Contact kelsey.bruun@boston.gov
On Sunday, October 20, 2024 the Office of Nightlife Economy hosted a social district pilot on Temple Place. From 8am to 8pm, the street—home to jm Curley, Estella, and Hobgoblin—temporarily allowed open containers. This initiative could potentially inform future policy, as one business reported a $2,000 increase in revenue, and there were no complaints filed.
In August 2024, the Office of Nightlife Economy awarded $301,581 to 41 grantees to support nighttime activations and programming. All funding aligned with one of the following categories:
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accessible programming
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cultural expression
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intergenerational
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spirit-free programming
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weekday activations
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youth programing
This funding supported over 50 events in 13 neighborhoods from August 2024 through January 2025. The Wake Up the Night events were attended by over 8,165 Boston area residents. The events featured 102 artists and performers and 62 vendors.
All events were free and open to the public. Highlights included an all-women rock concert in Roslindale, a family-friendly pasta making class at the Boston Public Library in Jamaica Plain, and nighttime kayaking in East Boston.
In fall and winter 2024, the Office of Nightlife Economy distributed 33,000 drink spiking prevention covers to 40 bars and night clubs. In 2025, the Office will distribute 100,000 more, and host a drink spiking prevention training.
The 28 members of the Nightlife Initiative for a Thriving Economy (NITE) Committee were selected based on their deep professional and personal contributions to Boston's nightlife. They represent 14 neighborhoods and have experience ranging from entrepreneurs to researchers to DJs. The Committee meets on a regular cadence to evaluate regulations and policies impacting Boston's nightlife economy and culture. As of April 2025, they have met six times, and plan to meet two more times before presenting their findings to the City in July.
The 26 members of the NITE Committee are:
- Aldo Callegas, Owner of La Hacienda
- Ann Sousa, Executive Director of Brighter Boston
- Bessie King, Founding Board Member of Massachusetts Restaurants United
- Cerise Marcela, Director of CBRE
- Chris Haynes, Owner of CBH Communication
- Chimel Idiokitas, Founder of the DIFRNT Agency and DJ
- Daniel Steele, Resident of Jamaica Plain
- Danielle Johnson, Owner of Spark FM Online
- Edward Kane, Owner of Big Night Entertainment
- Eric Woods, Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of Fine Arts
- Esther Tetreault, Owner of Trillium Brewing
- Farrah Belizaire, Event Producer for LiteWork Events
- Frank Poindexter, Owner of Wally's Cafe Jazz Club
- Gregory Ball, Director of Digital Strategy for Embrace Boston
- Hilina D. Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston
- Jarred Johnson, Executive Director TransitMatters
- Josh Bhatti, Senior Vice President of The Bowery Presents
- Kurt Mclaughlin, Owner of KP Media
- Lambert Rahming, Owner of FROLIC
- Lana Nathe, Owner of Light Insight Design Studio and Board Member of LIGHT Boston
- Luz Arregoces, Director of Community Engagement for the New England Aquarium
- Michael Nichols, President of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District
- Ming Min Hui, Executive Director of the Boston Ballet
- Rob Eugene, Owner of HUE
- Veronica Rosario, Co-Founder of .Tribe and DJ
- Walid Samaha, Head of Business Development for Heartbeat Venture
Night Industries Training and Education (NITE) U is a new webpage from the Department of Nightlife Economy. The website is a one-stop location for information and support. The online resources hub will launch on May 9, 2025.
In November 2024, Matthew Meyers hosted the Night Cap Evening Cafe & Event Series through Wake Up the Night. These eight events took place over three weeks, activating the third floor of City Hall with a comedy night, queer friend speed dating, a pajama party, and more. This series demonstrated that City Hall could be more than just a place to pick up a birth certificate or pay a parking ticket.
In May 2025, HIDDO hosted the Ramadan Night Market, offering an opportunity for local businesses, community members, and visitors to come together in celebration of Ramadan. The event featured food vendors, cultural experiences, and live entertainment by talented Muslim artists.
Since the creation of the Office of Nightlife Economy, the public spaces within City Hall have been activated outside of business hours, allowing the public to connect with the City and government on a new level.
News
News
Contact
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1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201 -
Media and Press Inquiries
Contact kelsey.bruun@boston.gov
