The American Bar has stood on the corner of Dock Street in historic Sailortown, Belfast (BT15 1HW) since 1860 — a former dockers' and sailors' bar that is now one of the city's best-loved grassroots music venues, with a standing capacity of around 50. It bills itself as a bar for artists and musicians, weirdos and outcasts, workers, poets and dog walkers, and since 2021 has been home to The Grateful Bread bakery. The music runs deep across the week: a free Wednesday-night folk open mic with 12-minute slots, Thursday folk nights, Friday open-mic sessions and Saturday-afternoon blues. A PA and vocal mics are provided; performers bring their own instruments and amps. A characterful, fiercely independent home for folk, blues and trad in Belfast.
The American Bar Open Mic
Belfast's Wednesday-night free folk open mic at 67-69 Dock Street, BT15 1HW — historic dockside pub, PA + guitar amp, 12-minute slots.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The American Bar Open Mic — Quick Facts
Belfast's Wednesday-night free folk open mic at 67-69 Dock Street, BT15 1HW — historic dockside pub, PA + guitar amp, 12-minute slots.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The American Bar67-69 Dock Street
Sailortown
Belfast BT15 1HW
Sailortown, Belfast — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
What’s on in Belfast this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The American Bar
About This Open Mic
The Night
The American Bar is a historic dockside pub in Sailortown, Belfast, and a genuine grassroots music hub on the Maritime Mile. Its weekly open mic runs every Sunday from 7pm in the cosy upstairs room, hosted by guitar maestro David Browne Murray — covers and originals both welcome. The bar also runs a monthly poetry open mic ('Invited To The Mic', first Thursday at 7pm) plus regular folk and trad sessions, so there's a stage going most weeks.
Sign-up process
Turn up and put your name down on the night.
Getting there
67-69 Dock Street, Belfast BT15 1HW.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The American Bar’s Sunday night runs.
Find The American Bar
67-69 Dock Street, Sailortown, Belfast BT15 1HW
Planning Your Sunday Night
Arrive by 20:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 00:00. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Belfast live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Belfast's The American Bar open mic.
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