What's On / Bristol Gigs / open mic nights

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 If you think we're missing an open mic event or our information is out-of-date, please contact us with correct whats on info.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

What our editors say

“Free Comedy Night Thursday, 5th Feb, join us at the Punchbowl in Old Market for a comedy open mic. Free entry for all at this LGBTQIA+ Friendly Night. DM @owenowenowenp on instagram for a performer spot as spaces are filling up quickly. Students get special discounts on drinks at The Punchbowl.”
From: Cod Piece Comedy Night

“After a successful event in Birmingham, London's favourite open mic night is coming to Bristol! With a line of the best up and coming artists from London to Bristol, plus plenty of open mic slots (which you can sign up for on the night) where artists can earn a spot on our next line-up Bristol in the new year!”
From: TRACKS ON TAP MEETS BRISTOL

“Mark and Phil, former bandmates from Monkey Chuckle, were the natural go-to guys for forming a new project. Tommy then met George at a jam session in early 2025 — and just like that, the band was born.”
From: Every Day

“Before and after, the open mic, we do a song circle. This is a space for anyone to enjoy playing songs together. We go round the circle, picking one song each. Others can join in as much as you like. It brings none of the pressure of performing at an open mic or stepping up to a jam. Instead it's a close, supportive environment. Everyone is encouraged to try what they enjoy.”
From: Open Mic + Song Circle

“Phoenix-Flare: The group are a Bristol-based electronic duo consisting of Chris Bird (vocals) and James Bragg (synths). Together they have written atmospheric synth-based songs with tracks spanning pop, techno, dubstep, new age, and dark wave. On the live scene they have performed at many different venues and host a regular electronic open mic night in Bristol.”
From: Concrete Disco Album Launch Party + Phoenix Flare + Sonic Sunrise + Mo KG