The Best Live Music Venues In Bristol

While Banksy has put Bristol on the map for graffiti art, the city’s musical movement is also gaining momentum. Check out the top 10 live musical venues in Bristol to see just what everyone is raving about.

The Old Duke

Pub, Pub Grub

Although the building has been standing since 1780, the Old Duke is a music venue named after Duke Ellington, and has become famous for its New Orleans inspired Jazz music. Down to earth, this jazz bar is all about the music; unpretentious live shoes that an admiring audience watches from bench tables. Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 12pm – 12am; Fri – Sat 12pm – 1am; 12pm -12am The Old Duke, 61 Queen Charlotte Street, King St, Bristol, UK

The Fleece

Music Venue

Changing from a Victorian fleece factory to a music venue in 1982, The Fleece hosts live music shows every evening of the week. After previously hosting Oasis and Radiohead, the Fleece’s stage is now often graced by the presence of tribute bands. Opening hours: Mon – Wed 7.30pm – 2am; Thurs – Fri 7.30pm – 4 am; Sat 7pm – 4am; Sun 1.30pm – 2am The Fleece, 12 St Thomas St, Bristol, United Kingdom,

The Tunnels Bristol

Music Venue

Want to find hidden tracks? How about a music venue hidden under the tracks? The Tunnels Bristol is tucked between two railway arches, right next to Temple Mead’s railway station. The music venue intends to offer its 360 concert goers the opportunity to enjoy new talented groups from the area and the world over. Opening hours: Check website for details The Tunnels Bristol, Bristol & Exeter House, Lower Station Approach, Bristol, United Kingdom, +

St George's Bristol

Concert Hall, Music Venue

Formerly a Georgian church, St George’s has become a renowned concert hall. Since 1999, the music venue has been a major concert hall, seating 562 people at a time and has become famous as the perfect place to listen to classical and folk music, accentuated by its striking neo-classical acoustics. Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12pm – 6pm St George’s Bristol, Great George St, Bristol, United Kingdom

Thekla

Music Venue, Theatre

Starting as a German ship set to deliver timber, then turned into a cabaret theatre, Thekla has become one of the best places in Bristol to listen to live rock music. Recently nominated as UK Venue of the Year by The Fly, this music venue is an interesting place to see a number of live bands from Bristol and beyond. Opening hours: Contact venue Thekla, The Grove, East Mud Dock

About the author

Mary Jane Dempsey

What do Frank Sinatra and I have in common? We are both from New Jersey. While the Garden State is beautiful, I love exploring and traveling to new places. During my undergraduate career, I studied in both Siena and Bologna. After completing my BA in History and International Relations at The College of New Jersey, I moved back to Bologna, where I worked as the Student Life Assistant for an American study abroad program. In 2014, I moved to London to pursue my MSc in History of International Relations at the London School of Economics. When I am not in lecture, I enjoy baking, exploring London's museums and watching old films.