The Alcove is a performance space within Teviot Row House, the Edinburgh University Students' Association building at 13 Bristo Place (EH8 9AJ) — the oldest purpose-built student union building in the world, opened in 1889. After a major renovation, Teviot reopened on 4 March 2026, and its programme once again includes Open Mic Nights alongside Monday Night Jazz, club nights and live music in the new Union Social bar and restaurant. The crowd carries a Fringe-influenced appetite for spoken word and unusual acts as well as music. A PA and vocal mic are provided; this is an acoustic/singer-songwriter-friendly room rather than a full-band backline stage. As a student-union venue, access and exact open-mic timing can vary with the academic calendar — check EUSA listings before turning up. Confirmed open and programming live music in 2026.
The Alcove @ Teviot Row Open Mic
Bristo Place's thursday-night free open mic at The Alcove @ Teviot Row — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 10-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Alcove @ Teviot Row Open Mic — Quick Facts
Bristo Place's thursday-night free open mic at The Alcove @ Teviot Row — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 10-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Alcove @ Teviot Row13 Bristo Place
Bristo Place
Edinburgh EH8 9AJ
Bristo Place, Edinburgh — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
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About The Alcove @ Teviot Row
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Alcove takes over the Lounge Bar at Teviot Row House (Edinburgh University's student union on Bristo Place) for a free open-mic-with-headliner night blending live music and spoken word. It runs monthly during university term time, always on a Friday, kicking off at 7.30pm — hosted in past seasons by the Teviot Makar with EUSA. A quiet room and a PA with mics are provided. Solo songwriters, poets and acoustic acts suit the room best; it carries that Fringe-city appetite for words as much as music.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Alcove @ Teviot Row’s Friday night runs.
Find The Alcove @ Teviot Row
13 Bristo Place, Bristo Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AJ
Planning Your Friday Night
Arrive by 19:00 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 Edinburgh live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Edinburgh's The Alcove @ Teviot Row open mic.
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