The Best Free Music Events in London

There's no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free ticket. Here's a list of the best free nights in London's music scene, and the places to find them:

By Charlie Walker | Updated Nov 7 2024

Southbank Centre

Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

There are few venues in London that offer as many free events, music, art, or otherwise, as the Southbank Centre. Just a step away from Waterloo station, perched across from one of London's most iconic scenic views, the Southbank Centre is leading in visual arts with its forward-thinking Hayward Gallery, but also in music, with unique, intriguing events occurring all year round, many of them free.

Every week, almost every day, there are free events to indulge yourself in, occupying a huge range including music workshops, classical music, alternative classical, gigs, raves, and audio-visual experiences. Have a look at all the free offerings at Southbank Centre.

Omeara

6 O'meara Street, London SE1 1TE

The iconic South East London venue is known for its impressive variety of events, from rock shows to Brazilian funk nights, hosting comedians, solo singer-songwriters, DJ's, soul extraordinaire's, and much more.

While many of these events come around the £16 mark (especially gigs and well-known acts), a surprising amount are free. Typically house DJ's and other up-and-coming independent artists don't charge at the door, but bigger nights like the Deptford Northern Soul Club and Third Man nights (Jack White's record label) perform for free. Very worth checking out what's on at Omeara. 

Latin Jazz Brunch - at CLF Art Lounge and Roof Garden

CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden - 4a Station Way, SE15 4RX 

One of our favourite spots at Culture Calling, the CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden is home to a number of free events – Rooftop DJ Sessions, Sunday Speakeasy, A Whole Brunch of Soul, Nu Jazz Generations – but when forced to pick a favourite, their Latin Jazz Brunch comes out on top.

Recently, they had Roberto Pla with a month-long residency, now, with performances from Azucar, Charanga Del Norte, Rumba De Bodas, it has proven they can bring in quality acts from all across the sprawling sphere of Latin music. Book a table, get some grub, enjoy some top-tier live music at a banger rooftop lounge.

See their upcoming events here

Strictly Vinyl Free Weekends

The Horatia - 98-102 Holloway Road, Lower Holloway, N7 8JE

Every Friday and Saturday, The Horatia keeps the old ways of mixing alive. Strictly Vinyl, no ifs or buts, with DJ’s playing the oldies - funk, soul, disco, boogie, reggae, ska – at a proper North London pub.

On the menu there’s bao buns courtesy of Little Bao Boy, a whole host of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, scored by the warm, nostalgic crackle of wax. With 2-for-1 cocktails on top of free entry, it’s hard to argue it’s not a look-in.

See their upcoming events here

Brick Lane Balearia - at Cafe 1001

Cafe 1001 - 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL

A regular Thursday night series of in-house DJ’s at one of Brick Lane’s best late lounges, Brick Lane Balearia boasts a roster of house, disco, funk, soul, rare groove, Sophisti-pop, tropical soundscapes, anything and everything depending on whose on.

Held at Café 1001, which is also home to another free night, is a self-described ‘Café and Audio bar’, shaking cocktails and spinning wax in equal measures, a spot cool enough to warrant a paid ticket.

Free tickets don’t guarantee free entry, with one-in one-out policies when it’s too busy, so book a table to avoid disappointment.

See upcoming events at Cafe 1001 here, a lot of them are free!

Open Decks - at Planet Wax

Planet Wax - 318 New Cross Road, SE14 6AF

If you’re interested in seeing the up-and-coming DJ’s before they go big, Open Decks is the spot. Held at New Cross’ Planet Wax record shop, their Wednesday night feature holds their version of an open mic.

Sometimes they come with a line-up, sometimes it’s a queue to the decks on a first-come first-served basis, USB’s and equipment, held sweatily in hand. 

The shop hosts a couple of other free nights, including the bi-weekly Back 2 Da Garage fixture, but Open Decks is the most exciting. The DIY spirit of underground dance is here kept alive at Planet Wax.

Check out what's going on at Planet Wax here, where free events are in abundance. 

Sessions at Ninety One Living Room

91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

Sometimes, not all the time, but definitely most Friday's, Ninety One Living Room hosts some seriously good free events, making some wonder why they're not charging at all.

And it comes in great variety. Depending on the week, you can either see a free jazz show, or spotlights on local talent, or house bands, or DJ’s who usually charge at the door. Even on paid events, the prices are so cheap (usually around the £5 mark) that it’s always worth a punt when clueless on a night-out in Brick Lane or Shoreditch.

There’s a lot going on at 91, so have a look.

Sessions at the Old Blue Last

38 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3ES

Another keen competitor in the Shoreditch area, The Old Blue Last once found fame as ‘the pub ran by Vice’, but now is known for its quality – and free – music events.

Some are better than others, for sure. Some are just regular DJ events, where floor fillers and chart tracks are expected, and it’s hard to tell which ones will be any good (not that it’ll cost you, but still).

So, our recommendations is to look out for their live jazz events, especially their Latin jazz nights on Fridays, and their Sunday jazz sessions, held most weeks.

Other than that, there are free tickets going for new bands, smaller acts, or for promotional label shows. Keep up to date with their goings-on.