Alexander's (Alexander's Live) is an independently run live-music, arts and comedy venue in Rufus Court, Chester city centre (CH1 2JW), open since 1991. Its weekly Tuesday open mic — sign-up 7:30pm, music from 8pm, a free drink for every performer — is billed as Chester's longest-running open-mic night. Beyond that it programmes gigs, tribute acts, comedy (Bill Bailey, Jack Dee), independent theatre and summer festival days in Rufus Court and the beer garden; Ed Sheeran and Duffy played here early in their careers. A cafe-bar with a proper stage and PA.
City Centre · Every Tuesday · Free
Alexander's Live Open Mic
City Centre's tuesday open mic.
Open mic at a glance Alexander's Live · Chester
Tuesday
Open mic night
Aug 2026
Listed since
12 Aug
Last verified
Free
Entry
19:30
Sign-up time
Verified
Listing status
Run a Chester open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Alexander's Live Open Mic — Quick Facts
✓ Verified activeLast verified
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayTuesday
Start20:00
Sign-up19:30 walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Alexander's LiveRufus Court
City Centre
Chester CH1 2JW
City Centre, Chester — 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
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 Alexander's Live
About This Open Mic
Every Tuesday in City Centre, Chester
Kicks off at 20:00, sign-up from 19:30
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
Gear & backline — we’re on it, no info yet
Part of the Chester open mic directory
The Night
Chester's longest running open mic night, every Tuesday at Alexander's Live in Rufus Court. Sign-up opens at 7.30pm and music starts at 8pm, with a different guest host each week. Free entry, and every performer gets a free drink.
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 Alexander's Live’s Tuesday night runs.
19:30Sign-up
20:00Kick-off
00:00Venue closes
Every Tuesday Free entry
Find Alexander's Live
Rufus Court, City Centre, Chester CH1 2JW
Planning Your Tuesday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. Bring your own gear.
Part of the Chester 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 Chester's Alexander's Live open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 19:30. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Chester open mic nights for alternatives.
BYO PA, mics and instruments.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Chester mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Rufus Court, City Centre, Chester CH1 2JW.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Chester regulars across the Chester open mic scene. Chester open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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