The Half Moon is a small late-night pub at 17-18 St Clement's Street in Oxford (OX4 1AB), billing itself as Oxford's only late-night Irish pub and packing live music into almost every night. It runs Oxford's longest-running free late-night open mic, hosted by compere 'Sparky, The Dangerous Poet', with all forms of music, poetry and performance welcome, a PA provided and a free drink for performers. The weekly grain is traditional Irish/English folk sessions on Monday and Sunday, jazz on Tuesday, open-mic nights on Thursday, and Oxford's rising talent every Friday and Saturday. Open daily 6pm/7pm to 2am, with an open fire, a house piano and a house guitar. An intimate room of around 200 capacity welcoming originals and covers across folk, Irish-traditional, jazz and acoustic.
The Half Moon Open Mic
Oxford open mic at The Half Moon — listed on Google Places. Schedule details below are pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Half Moon Open Mic — Quick Facts
Oxford open mic at The Half Moon — listed on Google Places. Schedule details below are pending venue confirmation; check the venue's own listings before turning up.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Half Moon17 St Clement's St
Oxford OX4 1AB
Oxford — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Oxford this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Half Moon
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Half Moon on St Clement's Street is a tiny, characterful traditional pub — low ceilings, wooden tables, two snug rooms — and home to Oxford's longest-running free late-night open mic, every Thursday. Hosted by local legend 'Sparky, The Dangerous Poet', it welcomes all comers — music, poetry, performance and song — with a strong folk leaning and a crowd of friendly regulars. Entry is free and it runs late; just turn up and have a word with the host.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Half Moon’s Thursday night runs.
Find The Half Moon
17 St Clement's St, Oxford OX4 1AB
Planning Your Thursday 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 Oxford live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Oxford's The Half Moon open mic.
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