Open Mic and Buskers Nights Near Tynemouth

Tynemouth and the surrounding coast have a quietly thriving live music scene. Beyond the headline acts at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and the weekend bands in the bigger pubs, a handful of venues run regular open mic and buskers nights where anyone can get up and play.

Here is your guide to the best open mic and buskers nights near Tynemouth.

---

Surf Cafe Tynemouth

The Surf Cafe on Grand Parade is one of the most established independent music venues on the North Tyne coast. Overlooking Longsands Beach, it hosts two free weekly music nights that have become firm fixtures in the local calendar.

Every Wednesday from 8pm, local musician JD O'Neill hosts the open mic night. Performers of all ages and abilities are welcome, and each act receives a free drink. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it a good place to try a first open mic if you have been thinking about it.

On Sundays from 7pm, the Surf Cafe Sunday Showcase is hosted by local favourite Phil Mitchell. This tends to draw a slightly more seasoned crowd of performers, but listeners are equally welcome.

The venue has a large beer garden and a full bar. Check their website or social media for any changes to the schedule.

Best for: Two free music nights every week, with a beer garden overlooking Longsands.

---

Low Lights Tavern — Bongo Bob's Buskers Night

The Low Lights Tavern on North Shields Fish Quay is over 400 years old and has long been one of the best pubs in the area for spontaneous live music. Monday nights are dedicated to Bongo Bob's Buskers Night, a long-running session where anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and play.

The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, and the regulars are a talented bunch. Irish, Northumbrian, and Scottish folk are particular favourites, but you will hear everything from blues to country to singer-songwriter material. Unplanned outbreaks of music from the pub's regular musicians are just as common as the scheduled sets.

Thursday evenings also feature acoustic music, and at weekends regulars often play from around 9pm. If you enjoy real ale, the Low Lights keeps an excellent selection to accompany the music, and the home-made pies are legendary.

Best for: The best-established buskers night on the coast, in one of North Tyneside's oldest pubs.

---

The Gibraltar Rock

The Gibraltar Rock near Tynemouth Priory runs open mic nights alongside its regular weekend live music programme. The pub has live bands every Friday and Saturday, and the open mic nights give local performers a chance to play in front of a lively audience with spectacular views over King Edward's Bay.

Check the pub's What's On page or social media for the current open mic schedule, as dates can vary.

Best for: Open mic with a view — King Edward's Bay and the Priory as your backdrop.

---

Crab and Waltzer, Whitley Bay

The Crab and Waltzer on Marine Avenue in Whitley Bay hosts an open mic night every Wednesday from 8pm. The seafront cafe bar has panoramic coastal views and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.

The venue is a short walk from Whitley Bay Metro station, making it an easy trip from Tynemouth.

Best for: Wednesday open mic with panoramic sea views on the Whitley Bay seafront.

---

The Brewery, Whitley Bay — Brewer's Troupe

The Brewery on South Parade in Whitley Bay (formerly known as Fitzgerald's) hosts the Brewer's Troupe every Wednesday from 8pm. This is a pure acoustic singaround rather than a conventional open mic — the emphasis is on folk music in its broadest sense, and everyone is welcome to play, sing, or simply listen.

If you enjoy acoustic folk, traditional music, or singer-songwriter material in an informal pub setting, this is one of the best regular sessions in the area. It has been running for years and draws a loyal crowd of musicians and listeners.

Best for: A proper acoustic singaround for folk lovers, every Wednesday from 8pm.

---

The Engine Room, North Shields

The Engine Room is a fully licensed arts and music venue in the basement of The Old Maltings on Tanners Bank, North Shields, close to the Fish Quay. While not exclusively an open mic venue, it hosts a varied programme of live music, spoken word evenings, and other events throughout the week.

The bar is open Monday to Friday from 4pm and weekends from 2pm. Check the venue's What's On page for the latest listings. The Engine Room is within walking distance of both North Shields and Tynemouth Metro stations.

Best for: A dedicated arts and music venue on Tanners Bank, with a varied weekly programme.

---

Planning Your Week

Between these venues, there is live acoustic music available most nights of the week near Tynemouth:

• Monday — Bongo Bob's Buskers Night at the Low Lights Tavern
• Wednesday — Open mic at Surf Cafe Tynemouth, open mic at Crab and Waltzer, Brewer's Troupe at The Brewery
• Thursday — Acoustic music at the Low Lights Tavern
• Friday and Saturday — Live bands at the Gibraltar Rock and other pubs
• Sunday — Surf Cafe Sunday Showcase at Surf Cafe Tynemouth

Schedules can change, so it is always worth checking a venue's social media or website before heading out. Most of these nights are free to attend, and several welcome walk-up performers without needing to book in advance.

For more on the local pub scene, see our guide to the best pubs in Tynemouth. And if you are visiting the Fish Quay for the Low Lights or The Engine Room, our North Shields Fish Quay dining guide covers the best places to eat nearby.

---

Know an open mic night we've missed? Get in touch.