Night culture
Photo: Aneta Urbonaitė
What is a Dainykla?
A dainykla is a cultural space dedicated to experimental music performances and innovative events, aiming to break established artistic boundaries and promote diverse expression. These are small, independently operated venuescharacterized by an intimate atmosphere, lower ticket prices, and support for emerging artists, contributing to the cultural vitality of local communities.
The business structure of dainyklos is fragile, often facing financial, regulatory, and competitive challenges, meaning their operation is often based on the enthusiasm of their operators. These venues differ from profit-driven businesses, as they focus heavily on cultural value creation. The unique contribution of dainyklos to the music industry is recognized as an important activity worth supporting and preserving—many now-famous artists began their careers in dainyklos.
The dainykla concept emerged in the United Kingdom, when the rapid decline in the number of these venues led to the creation of a rescue plan. The term reflects the unique role of independent music venues and bars. They are essential to the music industry, urban development, and local communities. This concept was developed to highlight their importance, find flexible solutions to challenges, clarify support opportunities, and ensure operational continuity.
Dainyklos in Vilnius

Devyniasdešimt aštunti
Pylimo g. 58
Draugų vardai
Konstitucijos pr. 12
Dūmų fabrikas
Dūmų g. 5
ESTAFETĖ
Vitebsko g. 23
Estradà
Vilniaus g. 22
House of Negroni
Pylimo g. 58
JazzCellar11
Aušros vartų g. 11
Kernagis bar
Islandijos g. 1 g
Kultūros klubas PAVILJONAS
Pylimo g. 21B
LOFTAS
Švitrigailos 29
Mello
Geležinkelio g. 6
Miesto laboratorija
Antakalnio g. 17-13
Nijinsky III x Babble Dinner Club
Gedimino pr. 39
SOHO CLUB
Švitrigailos g. 7
TAMSTA klubas
A. Strazdelio 1
VERANDA
Kęstučio g. 39Find Dainykla by location
Dainykla status
Venues in Vilnius that meet the municipal criteria can receive dainykla status once per year. Legal entities registered in Vilnius, engaged in cultural and public catering activities, may apply. The competition
Photo: Alina Pasiuk
Criteria
≥ 50 events per year.
Stage and/or platform, sound and lighting system.
Video surveillance system, ensuring visitor and audience safety.
Food services and/or at least snacks (including at least one plant-based snack) and free table water.
Participation in social campaigns, training, and other activities contributing to nighttime culture development.
Photo: Alina Pasiuk
Kriterijai
≥ 50 events per year.
Stage and/or platform, sound and lighting system.
Video surveillance system, ensuring visitor and audience safety.
Food services and/or at least snacks (including at least one plant-based snack) and free table water.
Participation in social campaigns, training, and other activities contributing to nighttime culture development.
Support
To encourage creative activities, dainyklos receive annual support of up to €10,000.
Eligible Expenses
Fees for creators, performers, lecturers, and experts
Technical implementation of activities
Long-term assets acquisition (up to 30% of allocated funds)
Purchase of copyrights and licenses
Preparation and promotion of activity advertisements
Activity administration
Fees for creators, performers, lecturers, and experts
Technical implementation of activities
Long-term assets acquisition (up to 30% of allocated funds)
Purchase of copyrights and licenses
Preparation and promotion of activity advertisements
Activity administration
Let's Connect
We invite you to discuss the topic of the nighttime economy. Submit your questions, reports, and suggestions.