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
hard rock
psychedelic rock
rock
classic rock
alternative rock
— The Canteen
contemporary jazz
lo-fi
progressive rock
psychedelic rock
psych
— The Canteen
blues-rock
new orleans blues
blues
delta blues
gospel
— The Canteen
alternative pop
art pop
disco
experimental pop
singer-songwriter
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 Special, Madness etc.
Rude boy singer Ya Freshness + top ranking outfit lets rip with a thrillingly original take on 60s and 70s ska.
Soundsystem solidarity from Chewing Glass Soundsystem’s road-tested metallic subs. Another PWYC affair after their roadblock session with Gorgon Sound, raising cash for Red Crescent Society with live riddims and mixing desk mastery from Panadub.
Join CGC Sound in raising money for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine
Free entry (before 9:30pm)! The grind/metal-friendly sound system we always needed squeezes into the Canteen for a sub-rowdy session with Kahn & Neek’s dread pressure Gorgon Sound project. BIG in all senses.
CGC Sound System bring the mighty Gorgon Sound to the Canteen for the 4th instalment of Stokes Croft Sub Sessions...
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.
Thrillingly original take on 60s and 70s ska
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