Open mic nights in London
Where to play in London, with the day, the time and how to get a slot. The nights we run are marked. For everything else we list what the venue or the host has published, so check with them before you travel.
Our nights
We run these, so the dates are ours to stand behind.
- Pedro Lounge
Every Wednesday · 7.30pm–10.30pm
Next: Wednesday 11 November
- The Oak
Every other Thursday · 7.30pm–10pm
Next: Thursday 12 November
- The Oak
Every other Sunday · 7.30pm–10pm
Next: Sunday 22 November
Other nights around London
Run by other people. We list what the venue or the host has published, so check with them before you travel.
South East
Against The Grain Taproom + Cidery
Every 1st Thursday of the month · 6.30pm–10pm
Slots go ahead of the night rather than on the door. Message the taproom on Instagram or email taproom@againstthegraincidery.co.uk to get on the list.
Next scheduled: Thursday 3 December
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.
Anchor Bankside
run by UK Open MicEvery Tuesday · from 7pm
Free to play in a 17th-century Thameside pub at Bank End, with seating outside by the river. Slots run to ten minutes, dropping to five once fifteen performers have signed on.
Next scheduled: Tuesday 10 November
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.
British Oak
run by Blackheath Folk ClubEvery Tuesday · from 8.30pm · hosted by Lynne (club), Peter (pub)
Run by Blackheath Folk Club, though the bill leans acoustic rather than strictly folk and all genres get a hearing. Slots are ten minutes or two songs, with a PA provided. Performers are asked not to plug rival venues from the stage.
Next scheduled: Tuesday 10 November
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.
George
run by UK Open MicEvery Wednesday · 7.30pm–10.30pm
Free and open to all styles at a 17th-century coaching inn with a large courtyard. Slots are ten minutes including setup, a cable is supplied for anyone playing from a device, and performers are asked to buy at least one thing at the bar.
Next scheduled: Wednesday 11 November
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.
Golden Anchor
Every Tuesday · 8pm–10.30pm
A jazz jam rather than a standard open mic, open to singers and players at any level. The pub serves Caribbean food and appeared in Tom Kerridge's Saving Britain's Pubs.
Next scheduled: Tuesday 10 November
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.
The Shirker's Rest
run by New Cross Songwriters CircleEvery 1st Sunday of the month · from 6pm · hosted by Martin Howard
The New Cross Songwriters Circle meets in the upstairs room of this micropub on Lewisham Way, hosted by Martin Howard. It grew out of the pub's earlier Thursday open mic.
Next scheduled: Sunday 6 December
Worked out from the night’s usual pattern. Check with the venue before making arrangements.