Night markets and swing dancing under the stars: Visa backs night-time economy initiatives across Australia
06/04/2026
Visa today announced the eight recipients of the A$200,000 Visa Vibe Grants Program, recognising businesses and community organisations that are reimagining Australia’s night-time economy.
One recipient from each state and territory will receive A$25,000 to turn new ideas into action – activating public spaces at night and expanding more affordable, safer, and inclusive experiences that drive local community connection. The funding from the Visa Vibe Grants Program, delivered in partnership with Mainstreet Australia, will support initiatives across CBD, suburban, and regional communities, including swing dancing sessions under the stars, a Pride After Dark event, a food night market and shared pop-up table, and youth-led cultural activations.
The 2026 Visa Vibe Grants recipients are:
- You are Here, ACT – CBD Creative Workshops
- Arts North West, NSW – When Main Streets Dream
- MusicNT, NT – Night Territory
- Swing Patrol Dance Group, QLD – Gabba Fridays: Activating Gabba's Logan Road Precinct
- Pride Adelaide, SA –Pride After Dark and Night Markets
- Committee for Greater Hobart, TAS – TUSA After Dark
- Boroondara Cemetery, VIC – Firefly Winter Solstice Festival
- What Were You Wearing Australia, WA – Safer Spaces
Visa Country Manager for Oceania, Alan Machet, said: “Vibrant night-time experiences support the health of local economies, driving foot traffic to shopfronts and helping businesses build loyalty and reach new customers. Through the Visa Vibe Grants Program, we’re backing the bold ideas and organisations that will give Australians exciting opportunities to venture out after dark and boost small business growth.”
Dr Anna Edwards, night-time economy expert and judging panelist, said: “These recipients showcase how vibrant night-time economies are built at a local level - through businesses that bring people together, create jobs and strengthen community connection. Importantly, this year’s recipients highlight how night-time innovation is happening across cities, suburbs and local communities nationwide.”
Powering Local Night-Time Communities
The grant recipients were chosen from a competitive national pool of applicants across hospitality, retail, arts, culture and community-led initiatives, each demonstrating how their project aligns with at least one of the program’s core pillars – safety, affordability, inclusivity or innovation.
The Visa Vibe Grants initiative reflects strong demand for better and more diverse night-life experiences. Insights from the Visa Vibe Economy report, developed with McCrindle, shows that one in three Australians say nightlife gives them a sense of community, while 74% would go out more if their local nightlife offerings improved – seeking more affordable, accessible and experience-led nights, with 52% prioritising affordability.
The Visa Vibe Grants initiatives will come to life over June, July and August 2026.
About the Visa Vibe Economy Report
The Visa Vibe Economy report was commissioned by Visa and developed in partnership with leading demographer McCrindle. It is the collation of quantitative data gained through an online survey of 2,009 Australians. Respondents were nationally representative by age, gender and state and the survey was in field from 31 July 2025 to 5 August 2025.
About Visa Inc.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About Mainstreet Australia
Mainstreet Australia is the national peak body supporting the networks of businesses, precinct organisations and local leaders who shape vibrant main streets and town centres. Working across economic development, placemaking and small business support, the organisation partners with government and industry to strengthen local economies and foster connected communities, including advancing safe, inclusive and thriving night-time economies.