Ever have times when you want to go out but have no money? Free gigs and live music in London are just around the corner from you. This guide should tell you where to satisfy your thirst for good music on a non-existent budget. These are a few places i would reccomend, but if you know of a place not on the list, let me know by commenting…join me in compiling a complete list of free music in London!

Rough Trade East

Across three London locations Rough Trade host free in store gigs several times a week, with a wide variety of acts. Rough Trade provide wristbands with the purchase of the bands album on the day of the gig, but also offer free wristbands an hour prior to each gig, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Previous acts include: Seastick Steve, Roots Manuva, White Lies & Does It Offend You, Yeah?. Check out upcoming acts here

Best For: New Talent in Indie/pop.

Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, map

Pure Groove

Free in store gigs almost every day are on offer at Pure Groove, a centrally located store with a fully functioning bar for all your gig needs. Just show up on the given day/night & enjoy the sounds of free live music. Popular acts include: Fool’s Gold, The Hotrats & Hadouken! See whats coming up here

Best For: Indie/pop

6-7 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9JX map

Nottinghill Arts Club

In association with Rough Trade the Nottinghill Arts Club host free bands every Saturday from 4-8pm, which makes for a great way to start your evening, or end your day. They also have a free Death Disco night every Wednesday, which is free entry. Upcoming acts include: The Jacquerie & King of Spain, see a full list of upcoming acts here. See all the free things at Notting Hill Arts club, including happy hour and free disco nights here

Best for: Bands, Happy Hour and Disco

21 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JQ map

Blues Bar

Centrally located in Soho, Blues Bar claim to be “probably the only authentic club outside of the States providing live Blues every night of the week”. Sunday-Wednesday nights, entry is free, Thursdays, it’s free before 9.30pm, while on Friday & Saturday you’ll have to arrive before 8.30pm to take advantage of the free admission. Upcoming bands include: Rollo Markee & the Tail Shakers, 24 Pesos & King Davids Trio Royale. See a full gig guide here

Best for: Jazz, Blues and chilling out

20 Kingly Street, W1B 5PZ map

Halfmoon

Dick Laurie & the Elastic Band play the Halfmoon in Putney every Sunday at 2pm. The band, who’ve been performing for over 25 years “specialise in mainstream jazz, romantic swing and speakeasy classics”, just what you need to relax on a Sunday afternoon. See upcoming events here

Best for: Jazz, swing and bands

93 Lower Richmond Rd  SW15 1EU map

Green Note

On the first Sunday of every month Green Note host an open mic night. Based in Camden this is definitely something to check out after a hard days shopping. See details here

Best for: New talent/short performances

Location: 106 Parkway NW1 7AN map

Arts Depot

Based in North Finchley, Arts Deopt offers regular live music, for the princely sum of, nothing. Usually held on a Sunday, but occasionally other days of the week, the free gigs are a fantastic opportunity to listen to see the latest acts on the scene. Upcoming events include: Conor Doherty, Plastic Chairs & Horses Brawl. See a full list here

Best for: Folk, Alternative

5 Nether Street, London, N12 0GA map

The Lock Tavern

Conveniently located on the main drag of Camden High Street is a gem of a pub, that hosts free events on a regular basis. A wide variety of music is on offer from the DJ nights & the frequent live bands & it’s another must-do for those partial to a beer & some live music. Upcoming gigs include: Islet, The Squirrel Skin Slippers, The Good Natured & Tinashe. For upcoming events click here.

Best for: Progressive rock, soul, DJ club nights

35 Chalk Farm road, NW1 map

93 Feet East

Every Friday 93 Feet East, on Brick Lane, are offering the chance to see live music, completely free in both the main hall & the bar. As part of their 90 Free Fridays promotion, they have several bands play each week, followed by a DJ set. It’s a great way to start the weekend & is really easy to get to for all the City folk, & a reason to get into the heart of the City on a Friday night for the rest of us. As a sweetener, they even provide a BBQ in the courtyard (yes, even in winter). They also have a few good freebie nights floating around during the week, so its good to keep an eye out. Past guests include: Mowgli, Arcade Riot, Loius La Roche & Mathew wowow! Take a look at the up coming events here

Best for: Beer and dancing, daytime DJ mixes

150 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, map

photo credit: eastscene