Monthly on Thursdays in Nottingham
Kicks off at 20:00
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Nottingham open mic directory
Nottingham · Monthly on Thursdays · Free
Cross Keys Open Mic
Nottingham's thursday open mic.
Open mic at a glance Cross Keys · Nottingham
Thursday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
22 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Community
Listing status
Run a Nottingham open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 2 June 2026
Cross Keys Open Mic — Quick Facts
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The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayThursday
Start20:00
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
Where
Cross KeysNottingham
Nottingham — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
PA system provided
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
How do you rate this open mic?One tap, no sign-up required.
Spotted something wrong with this listing?Closed, moved night, different start time? Let us know and we'll re-verify within 48 hours.
What's on Stage
Equipment and backline available at this venue. We verify and update this section regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Cross Keys is a newly restored Victorian pub in Nottingham's historic Lace Market, with high ceilings, cask ales and hearty British food. Its open mic runs on the second and last Thursday of every month — a friendly, well-attended night sitting alongside the pub's Friday and Saturday live-music slots. Free to come down and play.
About Cross Keys
The Cross Keys occupies a handsome, newly renovated Grade II listed Victorian building at 15 Byard Lane in Nottingham's historic Lace Market — designed by local architect Robert Evans in 1899. A split-level pub with high ceilings, natural light and wooden floorboards, it pairs a relaxed atmosphere with a regular live-music programme: bands on Friday and Saturday plus open-mic nights for emerging local talent, across mixed genres and welcoming both originals and covers. A house PA, guitar and bass amps and vocal mics keep performers plugged in. Four cask beers, four craft kegs and continental bottles at the bar; pet-friendly with outdoor seating. Run by RedCat Pub Company.
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Nottingham live music scene.
What should you charge for paid gigs?Most open mic musicians are ready for paid work sooner than they think. Check live UK rates by role, city, and venue size.
Try the Rate CalculatorFind Cross Keys
Nottingham
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Nottingham's Cross Keys open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Nottingham open mic nights for alternatives.
PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Nottingham mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Nottingham regulars across the Nottingham open mic scene. Nottingham open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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