Open Mic Nights in South Shields

South Shields has a surprisingly active live music scene for a town of its size. If you sing, play, or just want to watch people who do, there are regular open mic nights and music sessions across the town. Here is where to find them.

Tunesday at The Chichester Arms

The Chichester Arms on Chichester Road in Westoe hosts Tunesday, a fortnightly open mic night created by local musician Sam Thomas. The night welcomes everyone regardless of genre, skill level, or background — singers, guitarists, poets, and spoken word performers all take the stage.

Tunesday has built a loyal following and a reputation as one of the most welcoming open mic nights in the area. Check The Chichester Arms Facebook page for upcoming dates.

Best for: Fortnightly open mic night welcoming all genres and skill levels — one of the most popular grassroots music events in South Shields.

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The Steamboat Music Jam

The Steamboat at 27 Mill Dam hosts a weekly music jam every Tuesday evening. The jam is informal and inclusive, attracting a mix of regulars and newcomers. The pub also runs a monthly folk night.

With seven handpumps of ever-changing cask ale, a ship-themed interior, and a genuinely warm atmosphere, The Steamboat is one of the best places in South Shields to combine good beer with live music.

Best for: Weekly music jam on Tuesday evenings and a monthly folk night — seven handpumps of cask ale and a proper pub atmosphere.

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The Sand Dancer

The Sand Dancer on Sea Road hosts regular open mic nights with a beach setting that is hard to beat. The pub overlooks Sandhaven Beach and has a beer garden facing the sea, making it one of the most atmospheric venues for live music in the town.

Open mic nights at The Sand Dancer are hosted by local musicians and are open to all. Check their social media for specific dates.

Best for: Open mic nights with a seafront setting — play your set with the sound of the waves in the background.

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The Customs House

The Customs House at Mill Dam is not an open mic venue in the traditional sense, but it is the town's premier arts venue and regularly programmes live music, comedy, and performance. If you are a performer looking to take the next step beyond open mic nights, The Customs House is worth knowing about.

The venue has a 440-seat theatre, a cinema, and a bar, and is a short walk from The Steamboat.

Best for: South Tyneside's premier arts venue with a 440-seat theatre — the next step up for performers who have cut their teeth at open mic nights.

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Tips for Open Mic Performers

Most open mic nights in South Shields operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to put your name on the list. Bring your own instrument if you play one — backline (amps and PA) is usually provided but it varies by venue.

Follow the venues on social media for the latest schedules, as dates can shift around bank holidays and during the summer festival season.

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For more on the pub scene, see our guide to the best pubs in South Shields. For eating out before a gig, see best restaurants.