A open mic nights gig in Bristol

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 If you think we're missing an open mic event or our information is out-of-date, please contact us with correct whats on info.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

“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 lyrical contemporary Jazz pianist Mike Collins. A stalwart of the Bristol Jazz scene, Mike has been leading groups performing a a distinctive blend of originals, lesser played compositions by great writers and a sprinkling of standards for over twenty years. Mike will join the house trio for the first set before welcoming guests to join for a jam session in set two.”
From: Mike Collins + Jam Session

“Dub & Down With The Blues is a 5 piece Hip Hop band that formed in Flagstaff, AZ . The members met each other thru playing open mic's and playing shows through the local scene. Each member is from a different part of the world and that is what contributes to their unique style which incorporates Hip Hop with Blues, Rock, and Jazz. Dub & Down With The Blues have made a name for themselves and have become one of the biggest bands in Northern Arizona.”
From: Dub & Down With The Blues

“As the earth tilts towards the sun we will be making merry with live music from Ryan Mcmurtry, a moth talk from BS3 Moth Club, flower hammering, a welly wang, open mic, folktales, a listening tree, fire, tea, marshmallows and more.”
From: Summer Solstice

“The Wavy Bois are an acoustic duo born from the beating heart of Bristol’s streets, where their musical journey began with a chance meeting while busking. What started as an impromptu jam session quickly turned into a soulful collaboration which blends the rich warmth of folk, the raw emotion of blues, and a whole lot of fun.”
From: The Wavy Bois - Debut EP Fundraiser

Trending Open Mic Nights Gigs

FRUITEA at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
experimental lgbtq+ open mic drag festival
ALL DAY @ THE OLD E at The Old England Pub
— The Old England Pub
alternative rock jam session world punk indie folk
Generation Soil: PLANT SWAP FUNDRAISING EXTRAVAGANZA at Wiper and True Barrel Store
— Wiper and True Barrel Store
open mic workshops & classes food & drink poetry
Open Mic Night at The Galli at The Gallimaufry
— The Gallimaufry
open mic
Half Baked Comedy Buzzer Competition at The Crown Tavern
— The Crown Tavern
open mic comedy exhibition stand-up comedy live score
Raise the Bar: Open Mic at The Orchard Coffee & Co.
— The Orchard Coffee & Co.
open mic spoken word poetry

Bristol's Trending Live Music Venues

Exchange The Louisiana Jam Jar The Trinity Centre The Marble Factory Rough Trade Bristol
Outer Edges Summer Session at The Love Inn
— The Love Inn
jazz experimental jam session dub electro
Workshop of Icelandic folk songs by Bara Grimsdottir + ballad session at Nissen Hut, Eastville park
— Nissen Hut, Eastville park
world open mic traditional folk a cappella workshops & classes
Tess Drive presents “Musicals and Mirrorballs” at Death Disco
— Death Disco
open mic disco drag theatre lgbtq+
SHARE: Multi-disciplinary Conversation Space at KIT FORM
— KIT FORM
jam session workshops & classes exhibition talks spoken word
Talking Tales - storytelling night at The Robin Hood, St Michael's Hill, Bristol
— The Robin Hood, St Michael's Hill, Bristol
open mic comedy talks spoken word poetry
Suntrap Jam Night at The Full Moon & Attic Bar
— The Full Moon & Attic Bar
soul experimental jam session hip hop neo soul
New Grounds Poetry Open Mic at Grounded Bedminster
— Grounded Bedminster
open mic spoken word food & drink poetry
Satellite of Love: Holly Winter-Hughes, Spoz, and Izzy Grace at Loco Klub
— Loco Klub
open mic spoken word food & drink poetry
QPOC Jam at Exchange
— Exchange
experimental jam session lgbtq+ open mic neo soul
A Night at the Garden at Redcatch community garden
— Redcatch community garden
singer-songwriter open mic comedy spoken word poetry
Milk Poetry | Great Minds Don't Think Alike at The Wardrobe Theatre
— The Wardrobe Theatre
experimental open mic talks spoken word poetry
Soulcial DJ's Night Pt3 at Stokes By The Orchard
— Stokes By The Orchard
soul jam session disco disco house tropical
We All Play Synth Summer EMOM Special 2025 at Watershed
— Watershed
open mic synthpop drum and bass techno electro
Open Mic at The Beer Emporium
— The Beer Emporium
singer-songwriter open mic spoken word poetry