The Canteen Open Mic

Name: Open Mic at The Canteen
Location: The Canteen

The Canteen Open Mic — Quick Facts

Stokes Croft's Sunday-night free open mic at 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY — community-run venue, full backline including piano, 10-minute slots.

✓ Verified active Last verified 28 Apr 2026 Source: canteenbristol.co.uk + venue confirmation

The Details

Everything you need before you turn up

DaySunday

Start9pm

Sign-up8:30pm walk-in

Slot length10 min

EntryFree · all ages

Capacity~200 standing

Performer typesMusic · Poetry

Sound engineerIn-house, included

Where

The Canteen 80 Stokes Croft
Stokes Croft
Bristol BS1 3QY

Contact

Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team

Highlights

Free entry

Full backlineIn-house engineer

MusicPoetryAll agesWalk-in

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

PA + monitors

Drum kit

Guitar amp

Bass amp

Keys / keyboard

3 vocal mics

In-house engineer

The Canteen is a community-run venue at the heart of Stokes Croft. Music every night of the week, free entry, and a Sunday open mic that pulls in Bristol's songwriting scene.

180 minutes, 18 acts at 10 minutes. Vegetarian and vegan kitchen. The piano on the stage is a real upright.

Sign-up process

Sheet at the bar at 8:30pm. Walk-in.

Getting there

80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY. 12 minutes' walk from Bristol Temple Meads. Buses 8, 9, 70, 71 stop directly outside.

The venue

Single big bar/restaurant room with a stage. All ages until 9pm, then 18+. Capacity ~200.

Common Questions

Seven things people ask before turning up at Bristol's The Canteen open mic.

How do I sign up to play at The Canteen open mic?

Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 8:30pm. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. Backup options if you don't get on: other Bristol open mics the same week.

What backline does The Canteen provide?

Full backline: drum kit, guitar amp, bass amp, vocal mics, plus an in-house sound engineer. Bring your own instrument and pedals. Want a similar setup elsewhere? Filter the open mic directory by “Full backline”.

How long is a slot at The Canteen open mic?

10 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band.

Is The Canteen open mic free?

Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Bristol mics are free; browse the list.

Can I bring a band to The Canteen open mic?

Yes — full bands welcome and the backline is set up for it. Once you've played a few of these, see our guide on how to get paid gigs in Bristol.

Where is The Canteen?

80 Stokes Croft, Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY.

What's the audience like on a Sunday night?

Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Bristol regulars who turn up across the Bristol live music scene. Bristol open mic crowds tend to listen attentively — this isn't a chatter-over-the-music kind of night.