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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 If you think we're missing an open mic event or our information is out-of-date, please contact us with correct whats on info.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

Sell out warning! Crazed cumbia meets mutant surf, acid champeta and retro-future radiophonic SFX via Bogotá’s most notorious supergroup (ft. Meridian Brothers mastermind Eblis Alvarez). Astonishingly strange new instrumental worlds FFO: Romperayo, Dengue Dengue Dengue!, Ondatrópica, Frente Cumbiero, Fumaça Preta. Los Pirañas at The Jam Jar.

Sell-out warning! Gorgeous, dream-soaked ghost music, refracted through hypnagogic pop lulls and a soulful jazz poise. Tara Clerkin Trio’s seductive sound is rooted in the city’s lineage of smudged trip-hop and experimental forms, with this homecoming gig at Trinity promising something quietly magical that we’ll all look back on for years to come… utterly unmissable. Tara Clerkin Trio at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! Come commune with the music of the stones: TSHNE continues to astound after THAT intimate Bridget St John happening with Incredible String Band treasure Robin Williamson – the arch bard of UK outsider folk – gracing the lil ol’ Microplex. Undiminished by time, he performs with longtime partner Bina on a stunning set of Celtic and Indian traditionals, marked by intricate, eccentric magic. Robin & Bina Williamson + Rosie Brownhill + Fohn at The Cube.

Radical troubadour Grace Petrie brings her unique brand of fist-in-the-air protest folk to a rapturous St George's, examining social and political issues of austerity-ravaged modern Britain with Bragg-approved anthems of solidarity and solace. 21st century icon FFO: Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Kirsty MacColl, Onsind. Grace Petrie - Bristol at St George's Bristol.

What our editors say

“Every week we open our doors and stage to welcome all performers and eager ears. Your host, Max Harrison will be kicking things off from 8pm, so arrive early to book your slot. As always with Mr Wolfs, the party never stops, so as the open mic draws to a close, the DJs begin. Door Policy We reserve the right to turn away large groups, in particular Stag Parties, Sports Socials or Pub Golf. We want everyone who comes to Mr Wolfs to feel safe and comfortable.”
From: Mr Wolfs Open Mic

“Hosted by Luna Kali, the Galli open mic is a second home for some! A comfy and special energy is created by the sunshine that is Luna. Everyone is welcome, new material, first time performers, singers, musicians, poets and comedy. The regulars and Luna will give you the courage to take the stage. A free cold can of beer/soft drink from the bar for performing. Sign up from 7pm. Kicks off at 8pm.”
From: OPEN MIC

“A poetry open mic night designed for the nervous and neuro complex but open to everyone. Hosted by Helen and Varosha. Prearranged open mic order 3 minute slots Follow @ourplacepoetry for more information! (or email [email protected]) Last Thursday of each month at HOURS, 10 Colston Yard, BS1 5BD HOURS does not have its own bar so please bring your own refreshments.”
From: Our Place Poetry

“Join us for a vibrant evening of live jazz at Bar 57, North Street, Bristol BS3 1HJ on Sunday 14th June from 7–10pm. The night kicks off with a warm-up performance from Mary & her band from 7pm, before the second half opens up to guest singers and musicians. Whether you're coming to listen or looking to jump in, this is the perfect Sunday evening out. Free entry – just bring your instrument or your voice and join in! To secure your open mic slot, email [email protected].”
From: Jazz Gems

“Join us this Sunday as we welcome award winning saxophonist, arranger and music educator Terry Quinney. A stalwart on the UK Jazz club circuit, Terry is known for his 'Sound of Blue Note' group and has performed with the 'who's who' of Uk Jazz (Jim Mullen, Ian Shaw, Alan Barnes to name just a few). Terry will perform a set of standards with the house trio before welcoming guests to join for a jam session in set 2.”
From: Terry Quinney + Jam Session