This year, 23 official grassroots music venues will operate in Vilnius—six more than last year. The Vilnius City Municipality has announced the new list of venues for the 2026–2027 period and allocated approximately €205,000 per year to support their operations and cultural programmes.
The new network of grassroots music venues was presented during an official ceremony, where venue representatives received venue plaques and symbolic awards. Like the first venues to receive this status, the newly selected venues will be identifiable by a special sign displayed at their entrance. The sign indicates that the venue is part of the city’s grassroots music venue network and is committed to organising cultural events while meeting the programme’s quality and safety standards.
“Last year’s results demonstrated the significant cultural and social value that grassroots music venues create for the city. These are the places where many artists begin their careers, where new ideas emerge, and where communities come together. This year, we have not only expanded the programme to include 23 venues, but also provided greater stability by awarding grassroots music venue status for two years. This will allow venues to focus more on cultural programming, supporting artists, and engaging local communities,” says Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
Grassroots music venues are independent cultural, music and performance spaces that host concerts, performances, discussions, poetry readings, theatre productions and other cultural events. These venues often serve as the first stage for emerging artists, provide space for experimentation, and help bring culture to diverse communities across the city.
Last year, 17 grassroots music venues organised 1,360 events featuring 2,825 performers—approximately 40% more events than originally required under the programme. Eighty-eight percent of all performers were Lithuanian artists. These results became one of the key reasons not only to continue the programme but also to expand it.
This year, 42 venues applied for funding. Applications were evaluated by an independent panel of experts, which selected the venues that best met the programme’s objectives and requirements.
The 2026–2027 Grassroots Music Venue Network consists of: 7 Fridays, ADATA, Briusly, Devyniasdešimt aštunti, Downtown Piano Lab, Draugų vardai, Dūmų fabrikas, Elastica, Estafetė, Estradà, Gallery 1986, Jazz Cellar 11, Kostmosas, Loftas, Miesto laboratorija, Muzikos stotis, Nijinsky III & Babble Dinner Club, Smala, SOHO Club, Sometimes Daily, Utopija, Veranda, and YDA.
From this year onwards, grassroots music venue status is awarded for a two-year period (2026–2027). Each venue may receive up to €12,000 per year, meaning total support of up to €24,000 over two years. The extended funding period is expected to provide greater stability when planning programmes, booking artists and investing in event quality.
“For cultural venues, funding is important, but so is the ability to plan ahead. That is why this year we are awarding grassroots music venue status for two years. This gives venues greater confidence to develop their programmes, invest in infrastructure, and build stronger relationships with their communities. We have seen a significant increase in interest, receiving as many as 42 applications, which clearly shows that this model responds to a genuine need within the sector,” says Laura Vaišnorė, Director of the Vilnius Night Office.
Venues awarded grassroots music venue status commit to organising at least 40 events per year, all of which are promoted through the Vilnius Night Office’s shared event calendar. They must also provide the infrastructure necessary for high-quality performances, including a stage, professional sound and lighting equipment, offer free drinking water to visitors, and provide catering services or snacks, including at least one plant-based option.
Creating a safer nightlife environment is also a key part of the programme. Staff members from participating venues receive training in first aid, psychoactive substance prevention and harm reduction, sexual harassment prevention, and mental health. The venues also participate in social campaigns and other initiatives aimed at strengthening a safer nightlife culture in Vilnius.
“DOWNTOWN PIANO LAB began with intimate concerts in a single apartment in Vilnius, and today, thanks to Grassroots Music Venue status, that story can continue to grow into something bolder, higher-quality and more open. Our programme will feature jazz, soul, international guests, emerging talent, original concert series and unexpected collaborations, all presented through one of the most impressive live sound systems in Vilnius. Becoming part of the Grassroots Music Venue Network means being part of a broader cultural vision for Vilnius—one in which live music has a home, a stage and the city’s support,” says Vytautas Straižys, Director of Downtown Piano Lab.
Municipal funding may be used to cover fees for performers, artists, lecturers and experts, technical event production, equipment purchases, copyright and licensing costs, communications and administration.
Programmes for all grassroots music venues and information about the participating spaces can be found on the Vilnius Night Office website: https://vnb.lt/.
