The Canteen
Seriously popular Bristol venue with free gigs every night.
Thankfully surviving lockdown, the Canteen is still a centre point of the Stokes Croft live music scene: 5 nights a week of the best free* music on the most vibrant street in Bristol (*£5 entry fee after 9:30pm Fri & Sat)
Since it's launch in 2009 The Canteen (part of the Hamilton House Arts Space) has become seriously popular, so much so that it's fair to expect queues on both Friday and Saturday nights. The Canteen is a multifunctional meeting space, it is neither predominantly a restaurant nor a music venue, however arguably succeeds in both of these roles.
With regards to gigs at the Canteen you can find some of Bristol's best bands and entry is always free (see our free live music in Bristol page for more).
The atmosphere (gig wise) can depend on whats on at The Canteen in Bristol, bearing in mind that many patrons will not be there specifically for the live music. That said the quality of musicians booked by the Canteen is seriously high so be sure to check the listings.
Since it's launch in 2009 The Canteen (part of the Hamilton House Arts Space) has become seriously popular, so much so that it's fair to expect queues on both Friday and Saturday nights. The Canteen is a multifunctional meeting space, it is neither predominantly a restaurant nor a music venue, however arguably succeeds in both of these roles.
With regards to gigs at the Canteen you can find some of Bristol's best bands and entry is always free (see our free live music in Bristol page for more).
The atmosphere (gig wise) can depend on whats on at The Canteen in Bristol, bearing in mind that many patrons will not be there specifically for the live music. That said the quality of musicians booked by the Canteen is seriously high so be sure to check the listings.
What's On At The Canteen
— The Canteen
dub
reggae
roots reggae
jamaican-ska
ska
— The Canteen
afrobeat
world
jazz funk
soul
funk
— The Canteen
blues-rock
new orleans blues
bluegrass
blues
delta blues
Get a feel for The Canteen
Our recent recommendations for The Canteen
Free entry! Ya Freshness lets rip on the original rudeboy boss sound with a proper authentic, highly danceable take on classic Jamaican ska and UK two-tone culture. Expect ecstatic live energy, skanking feet, skronking brass and lyrical calls for unity. Essential FFO: the Skatalites, Prince Buster, the Specials, Madness etc.
Ya Freshness & Big Boss Band + DJ Beau Selecta at The Canteen.
Free entry! Norwich > Nashville in the dusty world of Brown Horse; whose folkier slant on alt-country and Americana roots rock will grow an instant mullet down the necks of Felice Brothers, Jayhawks, Silver Jews, Langhorne Slim and Son Volt fans.
6-piece mixing guitar-driven 90s alternative rock with the folk & country sounds of the 70s
Capping off another unforgettable year of blistering heat brought in from every conceivable corner of the globe, the last enchanted worm dance of the year is a resident's spesh. With trusted heads bringing their encyclopaedic knowledge of global dance culture to help you MOVE; expect a total trip through blistering zouk, psych fried soca, cosmic afro-jazz and more.
5 HOUR Tropical Meltdown! All Night Global Grooves From Worm Disco Club Founders B2B2B!
Catch the absolute Queen of the Brazillian dancehall scene for £0 at the Canteen. Ain’t every day this happens, but Lei Di Dai’s singular rudegyal style’s set to light up Europe with sprinkles of jungle, reggaeton and baile madness thrown into the grinderrrrrrrr. Lei eats Beiber for breakfast, ladys to the front!
Natural connection of Jamaican music, Brazilian flow, positive lyrics and dancing beats in the vibrations of Reggae, Dancehall