Cactus Hound is a cosy, Berlin-esque cocktail bar at 33-35 Western Road in St Leonards-on-Sea (Hastings), known as much for its margaritas, tequila and mezcal as for its music. A weekly Tuesday open mic draws in local bands and singers, and the venue is a listed stop on the Hastings Fat Tuesday festival circuit, so it punches above its size on the live-music front. There's a lovely garden with colourful shelters out back, comfy seating and a dog-friendly welcome. The room is set up for performers, with a house PA, keys, guitar amp and a full backline, making it a flexible spot for both original acts and covers across mixed genres. Around 90 standing.
St Leonards-on-Sea · Every Tuesday · Free
Cactus Hound Open Mic
St Leonards-on-Sea's tuesday open mic. Full backline.
Open mic at a glance Cactus Hound · Hastings
Tuesday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
22 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Verified
Listing status
Run a Hastings open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 22 July 2026
Cactus Hound Open Mic — Quick Facts
✓ Verified activeLast verified
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayTuesday
Start19:00
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Cactus HoundSt Leonards-on-Sea
Hastings
St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings — 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
Full backline on stage
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.
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About Cactus Hound
About This Open Mic
Every Tuesday in St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings
Kicks off at 19:00
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
Full backline on stage
Part of the Hastings open mic directory
The Night
Cactus Hound is a tequila-and-mezcal cocktail bar in St Leonards-on-Sea that hosts a friendly open mic every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm, hosted by Steve Didge and Dan Giles. The gear's all laid on — full PA, amps, piano, cajon and guitar — so you can just rock up and play. Regulars rate it as one of the best nights in town, with a warm, welcoming crowd.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How Cactus Hound’s Tuesday night runs.
19:00Kick-off
22:00Last songs
23:00Venue closes
Every Tuesday Free entry
Find Cactus Hound
St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings
Planning Your Tuesday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 22:00. Full backline is provided — just bring your instrument and pedals.
Part of the Hastings 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 CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Hastings's Cactus Hound open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Hastings open mic nights for alternatives.
Full backline: drum kit, guitar amp, bass amp, vocal mics. Bring your own instrument and pedals.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Hastings mics are free; browse the list.
Yes — full bands welcome and the backline is set up for it.
St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Hastings regulars across the Hastings open mic scene. Hastings open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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