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.

What's On At The Canteen

Loonaloop + DJ George Oscar at The Canteen
— The Canteen
electro drum and bass gypsy jazz swing
The Scribes + DJ Boogaloo Dee at The Canteen
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hip hop underground hip hop old school hip hop rap festival
Eddy Cottridge at The Canteen
— The Canteen
blues jazz swing
The Canteen Latin Session at The Canteen
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latin jazz jazz
Sexteto Gringo at The Canteen
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bossa nova latin jazz salsa jazz
Theo Mizú at The Canteen
— The Canteen
world festival
GORGON SOUND - Stokes Croft Sub Sessions at The Canteen
— The Canteen
dubstep 140 dub reggae grime
LGMX + DJ Spinthief at The Canteen
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electronic electro
Oogie B's Industry Funhaus - OPEN DECKS at The Canteen
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disco open mic jam session
Cypher Space at The Canteen
— The Canteen
open mic jam session hip hop rap
Juan Sin Cabeza at The Canteen
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world
Marvara + DJs at The Canteen
— The Canteen
world alternative rock indie rock
Da Fuchaman at The Canteen
— The Canteen
dub reggae jamaican-ska ska festival
Soufian Saihi at The Canteen
— The Canteen
world festival
Passing Ships at The Canteen
— The Canteen
classic rock country folk folk rock singer-songwriter
O.Love & The Affair + DJs at The Canteen
— The Canteen
alternative r&b R&B soul funk
Beatroot + DJs at The Canteen
— The Canteen
jazz funk soul funk
Ten Pence Moon at The Canteen
— The Canteen
blues-rock blues
Fantastic Stranger + King Heron + DJs at The Canteen
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contemporary jazz psych jazz
CCTV All Stars at The Canteen
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reggae ska world folk
Ya Freshness + DJs at The Canteen
— The Canteen
reggae roots reggae jamaican-ska ska
Rogue Siesta + DJs at The Canteen
— The Canteen
reggae jamaican-ska ska punk

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. 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

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!