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Folk Nights & Acoustic Music in Bristol

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Bristol's Folk & Acoustic Scene

Like jazz, folk is an extremely broad genre. From Joan Baez and Joanna Newsom to Bon Iver and the Fleet Foxes to Sheelanegig and Beirut, the folk field is vast. Fortunately when it comes to catering for such a broad spectrum of live music, Bristol excels.

Was folk & acoustic born in the West Country?

With local venues like Bristol Folk House and Bristol University Folk society, folk and acoustic music has a strong foothold in Bristol. The romantic images of a farmer chewing grass sitting on a hay bale is a West Country classic, English folk music has always thrived in the countryside. While Bristol isn’t as rural as its surroundings, music people have always flocked to Bristol from the surrounding areas, bringing the folk sound with them. So while folk music wasn’t born in the west country, it sure does have a home in Bristol.

Folk venues in Bristol
For off-centre Twee and Anti-Folk, be sure to check out what's on at the Louisiana and check the Lost Horizon listings. Cafe Kino and The Arts House both on Stokes Croft also host occasional anti-folk bands and solo musicians.

For less lo-fi and more straight up folk, key venues include: Lost Horizon, The Lansdown in Clifton, The South Bank Centre and The Folk House.

For more feisty folk bands keep an eye on gigs at The Attic and check out our gypsy jazz listings.

The folk big-guns and pop-crossover 'stars' like Noah and The Whale, Seth Lakeman and Mumford and Sons will be found at the biggest Bristol Venues (Colston Hall, o2 Academy and St George's Hall). For these gigs, arrive early as big folk events (at St Georges Hall in particular) can come packaged with some great (and potentially better) support artists.

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Our recent folk & acoustic recommendations

Don’t miss this chance to catch a future jazz great in such an intimate setting! Ego Ella May’s ascent is already written in the stars, her soulful tenderness, lyrical prowess and honey-dipped vocal serenity have us spellbound. Hot on the heels of her timeless-classic-in-the-making new album, she’s weaving pure magic at The Jam Jar FFO: Erykah Badu, Yazmin Lacey, Ari Lennox, Solange. Ego Ella May at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Stormy alt-folk, hewn straight from the earth. Sean Rowe’s bluesy, soul-steeped ballads are utterly captivating, his deep, moody baritone and narrative chops effortlessly conjuring the spirit of Cohen and Waits. Guaranteed emotional reckoning FFO: Iron & Wine, Gregory Alan Isakov, Nick Cave. Sean Rowe at Exchange.

Ritual pan-futurism busting outta the DAW and into the flesh; the only way the Auntie Flo omniverse could get any bigger was with an 8-piece band, shacking out broken souk-beat and highlife house via a host of global percussion and mother tongues. So here it is, total god-level outernational biz FFO: Brownswood, Soundway, Andrew Ashong, Shackleton, Villalobos. Auntie Flo + Moncaya at Strange Brew.

Faris Ishaq is the undisputed modern master of the ancient sounds of the nay reed flute. The global jazz collaborator returns to Bristol with his new solo endeavour, marrying truly dizzying breathwork with percussive frame drum pulse. An unmissable Palestinian musical expo FFO: Yusef Lateef, Paul Horn, ECM, Nai Barghouti. JASAD Faris Ishaq Palestinian Nay at St Paul's Church Clifton.

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What our editors say

“A sumptuous evening of a cappella harmony at The Bristol Folk House to mark the trio’s ten year anniversary. Three Rivers formed in 2016 and since then have captivated audiences with their perfectly blended three part vocal arrangements that span jazz, soul and folk. Singing a selection of songs both old and new, the evening is set to be a truly special celebration not to be missed.”
From: Three Rivers Ten Year Anniversary Gig

“The Delines craft richly detailed, slow-burning songs that sit between soul, country and noir storytelling. Fronted by the unmistakable voice of Amy Boone, their live shows are intimate, atmospheric and quietly captivating. Presented by Bristol Beacon Format: Standing Age: 14+ (Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult) Performance times Doors: 19.30 Start: 20.00 All timings are approximate and subject to change”
From: The Delines

“Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene” (Twinwood Festival) Down for the Count’s 10-piece mini big band is regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.”
From: Swing That Music with the Down for the Count All-Stars

“Woof Woof! DOGSHOW bring their electro-disco madness to Bristol's Strange Brew this October. The duo's high octane live performances have earned them a bone up and down the country. With synths aplenty, expect canine chaos, and plenty of howling at the moon.”
From: DOGSHOW - Bristol

“Nutritious and delicious. Another instalment of Breakfast Records' annual red hot jamboree. Jam-packed with some of the brightest and boldest artists this country has to offer. Blind Yeo, The Family Matters, The None, Ohtis, Polhawan, Sidney Jones & The Murmurations and many more still tba. Previous years we've hosted the likes of Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Melin Melyn and Los Bitchos. Catch all your future favourites here before they blow up!”
From: Breakfest 2026