Grand Central is an alternative, inclusive live music venue and alt bar with free entry every night, long known on the scene as a home for rock, metal, punk and goth. It is a long, thin building with the main bar directly ahead as you walk in and the stage to the right. There is nearly always something on: indie on Thursdays, metal on Sundays, DJs Thursday to Saturday, plus tribute and original acts, quizzes and a Wednesday open mic at 8pm where anything goes, from any music genre through to comedy. By day there is a free jukebox, a pool table and darts. The bar runs 11am to midnight Monday to Thursday, 11am to 2am on Fridays, noon to 2am on Saturdays and noon to midnight on Sundays. A welcoming, leftfield spot for both touring acts and first-time performers.
Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue Open Mic
Manchester open mic at Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue — listed on Google Places. Schedule below pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
Last updated: 13 August 2026
Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue Open Mic — Quick Facts
Manchester open mic at Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue — listed on Google Places. Schedule below pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music VenueAlt Bar & Live Music Venue, 80 Oxford St
80 Oxford St
Manchester M1 5NH
80 Oxford St, Manchester — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
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About Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue
About This Open Mic
The Night
Grand Central is Manchester's alt bar and live-music venue at 80 Oxford Street, and Wednesday is open-mic night. Anything goes - any music genre through to comedy - and you get a pint for your trouble. Music starts at 8pm, there's no booking, and it's free to play or watch: turn up, get your name to the host, and use a proper stage with a full backline (PA, two mics, guitar and bass amps, drums and keys). It sits in a week of live music that runs indie on Thursdays and metal on Sundays, with DJs Thursday through Saturday.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue’s Wednesday night runs.
Find Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue
Alt Bar & Live Music Venue, 80 Oxford St, 80 Oxford St, Manchester M1 5NH
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive by 19:30 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 Manchester live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Manchester's Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue open mic.
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