A message from our partners, the International Nightlife Association,
646 venues from 76 countries will compete for a place on this prestigious 2026 ranking, with voting open until 2 November 2026INA highlights ongoing public nominations for 13 additional Golden Moon Awards 2026 categories, including Best DJ, Best Festival, and Most Sustainable Venue, among others (BARCELONA, SPAIN) April 15, 2026
The International Nightlife Association (INA) is pleased to announce that the voting period for The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2026 list officially opens today, April 15. A total of 646 venues from 76 countries have been nominated and will compete this year for a coveted place on this prestigious list. This marks the largest edition in the ranking’s history, surpassing last year’s 545 nominated venues and setting a new record for both nominated venues and participating countries.
Public voting will remain open until November 2, giving nightlife enthusiasts around the world more than six months to support their favorite clubs. As in previous editions, we aim to reach 500,000 votes. Voting for a nominated club is easy. Anyone can do it by visiting the INA’s website: https://www.nightlifeinternational.org/en/the-world-s-100-best-clubs-2026, choosing the country and city of the club to see if it has been nominated, and finally clicking on the club’s photo to submit the vote.
Starting today, we encourage all nominated clubs to leverage social media and other channels to showcase their club’s unique features and appeal. We would greatly appreciate it if you could tag us on Instagram (@nightlifeinter) and use the hashtag #theworlds100bestclubs2026. If you need the contest or association logos for your promotional materials, please don’t hesitate to email us.
646 Venues from 76 Countries Will Compete for a Place on The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2026 List
As we recently informed, this year’s competition is more global than ever, with Spain (88), the United States (87), and the United Kingdom (48) leading the charge in nominations. Rounding out the top ten countries with the most venues in the running are Italy (29), Australia (25), Colombia (24), Canada (19), France (19), Germany (19), and Japan (17).
Among the most represented nightlife hotspots are once again iconic clubbing destinations such as Ibiza (16), Las Vegas (16), Amsterdam (14), Dubai (14), and London (13), reaffirming their role as global nightlife capitals.
50% of Final Score to Be Determined by Jury Based on Strict Criteria Including Programming, Safety, and Sustainability
During the last month of the public voting period, from October 1st to November 15th, an esteemed panel of industry professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation of all nominated venues. This expert review will account for 50% of each venue’s final score on The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2026 list.
They will evaluate, among other aspects, the evolution of the venues throughout 2025, including their artistic programming and investment in it, security measures implemented to protect both clients and staff, VIP services, the operation and management of online reservations, acoustic quality, soundproofing, sound system and comfort, service quality and customer care, national and international awards and recognitions received, quality distinctions implemented, social media presence and reputation, implementation of the MRT system, and the venue’s level of commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the International Nightlife Association’s role as a United Nations member through Global Compact.
To facilitate the jury’s assessment, all nominated venues will receive an official form to provide supporting information. Each criterion will be scored individually, ensuring a balanced and data-driven final ranking.
INA Highlights Ongoing Public Nominations for 13 Additional Golden Moon Awards 2026 Categories
The much-anticipated reveal of The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2026 will take place at the 11th Golden Moon Awards Gala in November, coinciding with the 11th International Nightlife Congress. All nominated clubs are not only striving to secure a place on The World’s 100 Best Clubs™ 2026 list but also aiming for the prestigious Golden Moon Award for The World’s Best Club 2026, which will be awarded during the ceremony to the venue that takes the number one spot on the list. In addition, all nightclubs featured in this distinguished ranking will be officially recognized during the gala.
Throughout the evening, awards will also be presented in 13 additional categories, celebrating excellence, innovation, sustainability, and leadership across the worldwide nightlife sector. Public nominations for these categories officially opened on April 1st and will remain open until July 31st through the official form available at www.nightlifeinternational.org.
All the categories awarded with a Golden Moon Award this year are:
- World’s Best Innovative Project in Nightlife 2026
- World’s Most Sustainable Venue 2026
- World’s Best Inclusive Nightlife Initiative 2026
- World’s Breakthrough Artist 2026
- World’s Best Event 2026
- World’s Best Collaborative Project in Nightlife Security 2026
- World’s Best Festival 2026
- World’s Best Act of Excellence and Protection for Customers and Workers 2026
- World’s Best Nightlife Business Career Award 2026
- World’s Best Nightlife Business Group 2026
- World’s Best DJ Career Award 2026
- World’s Best DJ 2026
- World’s Best Gastronomy & Nightlife Fusion 2026
- World’s Best Club 2026
Industry professionals, companies, artists, venues, and nightlife enthusiasts from around the world are invited to submit nominations. Further details regarding the event date and location will be officially announced soon.
For more information, please e-mail us at [email protected].
