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Bristol's Open Mic Nights

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Bristol's Open Mic Nights Scene

Bristol is home to some great open mic nights, both in the centre, along Gloucester road and in the Bristolian suburbs. As in most citys, open mic nights in Bristol are most commonly found on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in live music pubs. Like quiz nights, open mic gigs provide a cheap way for venues to entertain on the quieter nights of the week. True or not, it's a pleasant surprise to find some of Bristol's best live music at the smallest open mic night. Whats on at open mics is of course hit and miss however it's rare to go to an open mic in Bristol and find a high crap to quality ratio. Even if acoustic music and singer-songwriters aren't your thing some open mics can still be worth a look.

So that's the run-down of weekly open mic nights in Bristol. As you can see there's an open mic night pretty much every weeknight somewhere on Gloucester road, making this a great place to start. If you want to play at an open mic night click the name of the Bristol venue above for contact details. It's also worth mentioning that it's a rarity to find an open mic that isn't free entry so it's always a tempting option if you need some free live music in Bristol! If you think we're missing an open mic event or our information is out-of-date, please contact us with correct whats on info.

Are open mic nights a way to get signed?

Bristol’s vast range of music-focused pubs (the Old England, Stag and Hounds, The Rope Walk) has given rise to a thriving open mic ‘scene’. Maybe the most democratic of gigs, these anything-goes events could be in danger of moving off into directionless jazz noodlings. But they foster an open attitude that feeds into Bristol’s loose jam band scene and encourage the mentality of ‘playing well with others’ And who knows, Bristol’s eager eyed talent scouts or PRS for music representatives might be at the next open mic night.

Buy tickets for open mic nights events in Bristol

Our recent open mic nights recommendations

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

What our editors say

“Presence is one of Bristol's longest running open mic nights and all are welcome - musicians, poets and performers of every experience and ability, and people who just want to listen and be part of this supportive community of creative folks.”
From: Presence Unplugged Open Mic

“This event is an open mic/live jam hybrid celebrating all forms of vocal skills. Expect hip hop, rnb, reggae, garage, trap, dnb, grime, drill and just about anything else. Involving solo showcases, collaborations, freestyle games & of course a massive cypher at the finale!”
From: Cypher Space

“For the second set, the stage opens up in true Cuban style with a Descarga (jam session) and is an opportunity for other musicians to express themselves and become part of the vibe and energy of the music.”
From: Canteen Latin Descarga Sessions - Gravity Tuesdays Jam Night

“There will also be an optional 'noise open mic' taking place in the bar between main acts - we will have devices, effects and instruments set up so there is no need for you to bring your own - you will need a ticket to take part and you can sign up here:”
From: SHIFTplaysTheCube

“Join us this Sunday as we welcome phenominal multi-instrumentalist Ruth Hammond (Jingu Bang, Starlings, Brass Junkies) Ruth is a keystone of the Bristol music community, equally at home at The National Theatre, Ronnie Scotts or Glastonbury Festival. This evening Ruth will be joining the house trio on Sax to perform a set of standards before welcoming seasoned musicians to join for a jam session in set 2.”
From: Ruth Hammond + Jam Session