Lover of acoustic tunes? Maybe more of a rock fanatic? Whatever your inclination, this city's got just the thing with a whole catalogue of events and venues, both big and small, to keep any gig junkie entertained. So, whether you're after unplugged melodies in a cosy pub or epic DJ sets in an iconic party spot, you'll find them all in our guide to live music in Bristol.
Whether you're searching for talented up-and-comers or are looking to dance to synth sounds, you'll find it all at The Stranded. Not only has the live music bar got you covered for everything from drum and bass to folk, afrobeat and garage, but they also boast an extensive list of local brews.
Colosseum is an intimately lit, Mediterranean tapas restaurant nestled overlooking the harbour in Bristol. It serves delicious handcrafted cocktails (think daiquiris and blood orange martinis) and delicious nibbles. You'll find, while it hosts wonderful live jazz bottomless brunches, complete with 90 minutes of free-flowing booze, and quiz nights, it's a great place to visit for a fresh feast. Look forward to devouring the likes of tahini tenderstem broccoli, pork belly strips and Spanish meatballs for all under a tenner each.
End your week on a high with a trip to The Old Fish Market for their weekly Sunday Jazz Night. One of the more relaxing and wallet-friendly live music venues in Bristol, this traditional Baldwin Street boozer welcomes in talented musicians to serenade you as you sip on a tasty pint.
Can't decide where to head to for your next night out. Touting live music and pints to sink, O'Neill's is always a great shout. Along with all the entertainment, there's also dancing, sports viewings and plenty of other gatherings to keep you coming back for more.
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Make your way to Park Street to discover The Juke Box Bars, a cosy space for drinking and enjoying live music. Expect intimate interiors featuring low lighting, plush leather sofas and vintage posters, as well as a range of creative cocktails from the bar.
They host a regular lineup of events, showcasing the best of local talent. There'll be everything from rock to jazz, blues and indie, so there's something for everyone here.
Barbara's Bier Haus comes alive with music from 8pm to 10pm every Thursday. Expect all the sounds of après ski, from oompah brass bands to classic rock, pop and almost everything in between.
Take a look at the pizza and hot dog menu while you're here to get a feast for your tastebuds along with your ears. There's plenty of other ways to stay refreshed too, with slope-worthy schnapps, house cocktails and, of course, all kinds of beer gracing the drinks list.
The Lanes is your one-stop-shop for bowling, food and live music nights in Bristol. Be sure to check out their busy calendar where you'll find an extensive roster of genres - we're talking indie folk, electronic, alternative rock, deep house and singer-songwriters - all up for grabs.
If you're hunting for the perfect live music spot in Bristol, then you'll need to check out The Cider Press. They offer up open mic nights every Thursday for those wanting to belt out tunes, or you can check out their live sessions every Saturday.
HAPPY HOUR 🍸| £8 Cocktails | £4 Bottles of beer | £18 Bottles of wine | £20 Bottles of prosecco
Whether it's date night or an evening with pals, then head to The Bootlegger Bristol in Bishopston and on Park Street for some fabulous live music. Think awesome tunes ranging from the 1920s to 1960s, in its gorgeous vintage-inspired venue. As for drinks? They have a fantastic selection of bespoke bevvies to enjoy.
A cool Harbourside restaurant specialising in sourdough pizza and cider - a winning combination if you ask us - The Bristol Stable is also home to a regular line-up of music events. Expect everything from jazz collectives to dance orchestras hitting the stage.
A tiny venue in Stokes Croft, Attic Bar is a great shout when you're looking for gigs in Bristol. The fun spot only has space for 240 revellers, so prepare for things to get cosy as the night goes on, the rhythm ramps up and the crowd gets rowdy.
What's on in Bristol? When in doubt, The Canteen has got you covered with its line-up of musicians every single night of the week. The quirky spot sees bands and DJs bringing the beats from Monday through to Saturday before making way for chilled performers come Sunday.
Having played host to a star-studded bunch of DJs and big names, including Fat Boy Slim and Cream, Motion are a popular choice amongst headliners when picking where to hold their Bristol concerts. The venue's also got awesome light and sound systems, meaning all performances are sure to leave you bowled over.
Where to watch live music in Bristol? Thekla is something of a nightlife institution, serving up a hefty dose of party vibes and impressive performers since it first opened in 1984. Head over to the award-winning boat for an evening of DJ sets, bands and international names.
Comedy shows, burlesque performances and mellow unplugged sets are all up for grabs at Smoke & Mirrors. The country's only boutique theatre pub dishes up stone-baked pizzas, bottles of vino and free acoustic gigs every Friday and Saturday.
