Nightlife Economy
Our mission is to steward a more robust and equitable nightlife economy to enhance the overall quality of life for all residents of Boston.
The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife Economy is dedicated to serving as a liaison and convener between city government and the nightlife ecosystem of:
- business owners and workers, and
- patrons and residents.
We will help identify, establish, and coordinate systemic solutions. Our goal is to support a thriving and sustainable nightlife economy and culture that all residents can benefit from.
Initiatives
WAKE UP THE NIGHT GRANT
Through the Wake Up the Night Grant, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Nightlife Economy will award individuals and organizations up to $10,000 for nighttime activations. The Grant aims to revitalize Boston’s nightlife economy and foster safe, inclusive social spaces by investing in events aligned with the following categories:
- Accessible Programming: Social events specifically curated for persons with diverse abilities (physical, cognitive, or emotional)
- Cultural Expression: Activations showcasing the many cultural interests and expressions of Bostonians.
- Intergenerational: Activations promoting multi-generational social interaction.
- Spirit-Free Programming: Activations mindfully omitting the consumption and presence of alcohol.
- Weekday Activations: Events promoting social interaction Monday through Thursday, specifically in the Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Youth Programing: Activations aimed to serve persons 20 years old and younger.
The application deadline was May 28.
The N.I.T.E. Committee
The Nightlife Initiative for a Thriving Economy (NITE) Committee were selected based on their deep professional and personal contributions to Boston's nightlife.
The Committee will meet every two months to evaluate regulations and policies impacting Boston's nightlife economy and culture. The Committee will present informed findings and provide recommendations to the City. Members will commit to serving a one year term and will have an option to continue service for one additional year. The first NITE Committee meeting took place on May 20, 2024.
The inaugural NITE Committee consists of 26 residents, business, and civic leaders who represent 14 Boston neighborhoods. They bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives related to the food and beverage industry, arts and culture, entertainment, public safety, community, and compliance.
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