Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: live action in the city

WHILST workers tend to go out later in the week, the city is still abuzz with life on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students in the city know happening in the clubs every night, so why doesn’t everyone else know what’s on elsewhere? Confidential is, as ever, aiming to make life easy for you so here’s our guide to the first half of the week.

We might not quite be rivalling New York’s ‘The city that never sleeps’ reputation just yet, but there will definitely be something to keep you entertained every night of the week. 

If you’re looking for something to challenge your brain then many of the city’s bars host quiz nights. On Bridge Street, The Gaslamp’s weekly Monday quiz offering starts at 9pm (£1). Over in the Northern Quarter, Common hosts a free quiz every first and third Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm. Also on Wednesdays, The Deaf Institute Quiz starts at 8pm (£1) and runs every week. If you’re looking to make a night of it then you can head upstairs afterwards to the music hall for a night of new music with their Now Wave night.

For comedy, Stand Up Wednesdays take place every week at The Comedy Club. As for Frog and Bucket, there’s something every day to make you laugh. Monday’s Beat the Frog showcases the best fresh talent on the comedy circuit and, better still, it’s free if you’re willing to stand. Tuesdays and Wednesdays vary each week with touring comedians visiting the venue. Upcoming shows come courtesy of Steve Shanyaski (31 May - £4), Zoe Lyons (8 June - £12.50) and an Edinburgh Festival Preview (13 July - £6).

Live music knows no bounds with gigs every night of the week. Smaller venues around the city will be welcoming the likes of Tim & Mark from The Charlatans (Band on the Wall, 18 May - £15, pictured), Holy Ghost! (Ruby Lounge, 24 May - £11) and Dirty Vegas (Night & Day, 24 May - £10).  If you’re wanting to share your music with others then Gullivers’ Open Mic Night every Tuesday is worth venturing to.

In addition to quizzes, comedy and music, the city continues to play host to unique nights offering you something different for you to kick-start your week. Pull Yourself Together takes place every second and fourth Wednesday at Common and combines the indie pop fanzine with a club night from 8pm until 11pm. Tuesday 24 May sees Port Street Beer House hosting a Cheese and Cider night from 5.30pm (£8). There’s also a free magic show at 7.30pm every weekday at Illusions Magic Bar in The Printworks. And as for a memorable one off event, Howard Marks will be visiting Black Dog Ballroom on Wednesday 18 May to present An Evening with Mr Nice (£14).

We might not quite be rivalling New York’s ‘The city that never sleeps’ reputation just yet, but there will definitely be something to keep you entertained every night of the week. So don’t just leave it until the end of the week to go out and enjoy yourself.