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 If you think we're missing an open mic event or our information is out-of-date, please contact us with correct whats on info.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

What our editors say

“Underwire is Bristol's newest open mic + jam night elevating women, non-binary and queer performers at our city's premier creative hub, 395 (BS2 9EB).”
From: Underwire - Open Mic + Jam Night

“Kicking off 2025 with their sold out Soho jam session and a headline gig in East London, Fraka, are headed west to debut in Bristol, with their full 7 piece line-up bringing lush psychedelic soundscapes, irresistible horn melodies and deep hypnotic grooves to The Galli stage. Their music draws from a wide pool of influences, from afrobeat to broken beat, highlife to hip hop, all informed by an approach that leans heavily into the improvisation of jazz but kept in check by a commitment to making people move.”
From: Fraka + Fantastic Stranger

“Come join us for another QPOC Jam at Exchange, a music jam session created by and for Queer People of Colour in Bristol. Whether you're an experienced musician or have never picked up an instrument before, this is a great opportunity to collaborate, experiment with different genres, and hone your improv skills in a safe and welcoming space. No pressure to perform - just come to vibe, enjoy live music, and connect with your fellow QPOC music lovers!”
From: QPOC Jam

“Join us this Sunday as we welcome Internationally Acclaimed, London-based Saxophonist and Composer Len Aruliah. Known for his beautifully melodic and intricate lines, Len has toured with Gene Pitney, played theatre in the West End, world music with the 4Seasons Band and Association of British Calypsonians, and featured with the riotous Hackney Colliery Band and the River City Stompers. This sunday Len will join the house trio for a set of Jazz standards before welcoming guests to join for a jam session in set 2.”
From: Len Areliah + Jam session

“BIMM Bristol’s Busking Society are hosting an acoustic open mic for their students on 30th Jan at Mr Wolf’s! Perform solo, or with a band, the night will feature selected featured artists from BIMM and we are very excited to hear what you bring to the Mr Wolf’s stage! We provide keys, cajon, mics and amps, (please bring your own guitar/bass) Get down early for doors at 7pm to sign up on the night !!”
From: Bimm Busking Society Open Mic