The Student Guide to Creative Nights Out in Plymouth

Let’s be honest — student nights out in Plymouth often mean sticky floors and late finishes on North Hill. But if you’re looking for something a little different, the city has a growing scene of creative, affordable nights that are perfect for hanging out with friends, meeting new people, and soaking up culture without the hangover. From improv comedy to quiz nights, here are some of the best alternatives to clubbing.

Comedy, Bollywood and beyond

The Barbican Theatre and B-Bar are not just about drama — they regularly hosts comedy nights, stand-up shows, cabaret - and even dance lessons like the upcoming Bollywood session! These are usually low-cost tickets in comparison to alternative nights out, and the smaller studio vibe means you’re part of the action. Check the Barbican Theatre programme here - and let’s not forget about the Thai Noodles - they are legendary!

Cosmic Kitchen is one of Plymouth’s most unique spots — a family-run, 100% vegan café, deli, and bar inspired by Cypriot roots. It’s a great place to grab delicious, nourishing food, but it also doubles as a creative social hub. Every month, Cosmic hosts Comedy at Cosmic, a stand-up night with roots in Plymouth’s comedy history. Big names like Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard, and Marcus Brigstocke once started out at similar nights, and now new comedians come to Cosmic Kitchen to test their material. With affordable food and drink served throughout the evening, it’s the perfect mix of laughs, community, and culture — and a great alternative night out for students who want something different from clubbing.

Open Mic Nights, Jam Sessions and Pub-tastic experiences

For live music lovers, Plymouth’s open mic nights and live music scene is legendary. The Junction is a live music pub on Mutley Plain that’s hugely popular with students, offering various musical acts, from rock and metal to reggae and folk, in a friendly atmosphere with a capacity of about 270 people. The venue also features a selection of drinks, including craft beers and spirits, a pool table, and darts, with free pool often available.

The Underground Music Venue is a very popular dedicated live music venue in Plymouth known for its punk rock ethos, craft beers, and a 175-capacity space. They host a variety of live music performances, including heavy metal and alternative acts.

The Roundabout (or Roundie) is ideally situated on North Hill, close to the city centre, Arts Uni and Plymouth University. Known for amazing food deals like Wing Wednesday, Pancake Thursday and Stateside Sundays. They also host great music nights with local bands - often free entry.

Check out the The Nowhere Inn. Quoted in a recent award from Plymouth on Tap as being “an alternative pub with its own edge. It’s long been a spot for live music, pool nights, and a jukebox stacked with proper choices. It’s the sort of place where you know what you’re walking into, and that’s exactly why people love it. Over the years, it’s kept its reputation for good beer, character and solidly leans into its music heritage. It’s still proudly individual, with walls that tell its story through posters and memorabilia.”

Right in the city centre, The Pit and Pendulum is Plymouth’s go-to metal bar and alternative hangout. Expect cheap drinks, a pool table, a jukebox full of bangers, and walls covered in cool memorabilia. With regular live music and a super friendly crowd, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with mates and soak up Plymouth’s alternative scene.

The Bread and Roses is Plymouth’s only social enterprise pub — part café, part arts hub, and a proper community space. By day it’s a chilled spot with free Wi-Fi (perfect for studying), and by night it comes alive with live music, spoken word, and creative events. With affordable drinks, friendly vibes, and a strong ethos of mixing culture with community, it’s one of the city’s most inspiring hangouts for students looking for something different.

The Quad Theatre at Plymouth Marjon University has an exciting partnership between Barbican Theatre. Located in the city’s northern quarter, it’s a go-to spot for live music, comedy, theatre, and community events — all just a bus ride from campus. This collaboration brings more affordable, ambitious, and diverse nights out to Plymouth, while giving students access to a creative hub right on their doorstep. Keep an eye on the Quad Theatre’s programme for the latest shows and events.

Art, creativity and well-being

Pottery Painting is a great way to unleash your creativity and switch off from study stress. It’s a fun, affordable way to craft something truly unique. ClayArt on the Barbican offers relaxed sessions where you can paint mugs, bowls, or quirky keepsakes. It’s the perfect mindful activity to enjoy with friends between lectures.

The Box is Plymouth’s award-winning museum, gallery, and archive space - and it is totally free to enter and packed with fascinating exhibitions. Discover everything from maritime adventures to ancient artefacts and a giant woolly mammoth. Alongside permanent displays, The Box also hosts live performances, creative workshops, and even late-night events — plus a café ideal for study breaks.

Plymouth Arts Cinema is a must. This cosy independent cinema screens thought-provoking films, from international festival favourites to indie gems, at student-friendly ticket prices (or pay-what-you-can options). It’s an amazing way to expand your horizons beyond the multiplex blockbusters. Check out the September programme online and plan a budget night at the movies.

Stay active and keep your stress in check with wellbeing sessions at Market Hall in Devonport. You can do Yoga, Balance Flow, Sound Baths, Pilates and more - all under the awe-inspiring 360 dome cinema. These classes are welcoming to all abilities, making them ideal whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned yogi. With student pricing and a supportive atmosphere, it’s a great way to balance body and mind.

If you’re into bold, thought-provoking art, head to KARST in Millbay. This independent gallery and studio space is all about pushing boundaries — showcasing experimental exhibitions, screenings, music events, and performances that challenge the norm. KARST has worked with hundreds of artists and even hosted the prestigious British Art Show. It’s free to visit, just a short walk from the city centre, and makes for a perfect afternoon when you want something different from your usual study routine. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am–5pm during exhibitions.

Quiz Nights & Board Game Cafés

Quiz nights are a brilliant way to spend an evening in Plymouth if you’re looking for something fun, affordable, and social. They’re perfect for making new friends, bonding with housemates, or testing your knowledge over a pint. Regular quizzes run at places like The Fisherman’s Arms (their Sunday quiz is a favourite), Seco Lounge in Royal William Yard or Jolly Jacks by the water. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the laughs, quiz nights are an easy way to get out, meet people, and enjoy a different kind of student night.

For something more chilled, head to a board game café such as Twist Board Game cafe, where a couple of quid gets you access to shelves of classics and quirky new games. Twist has a library of over 600 games, from Scrabble and Kerplunk to Exploding Kittens and Pictionary. Customers get a four-hour session at a table, with staff on hand to recommend games that suit your group and mood, and even show you the ropes if necessary.

Creative Cafés & Social Spaces

Not every night out needs to be loud. Cafés like Bread and Roses double as community arts hubs, hosting live poetry, acoustic nights, and talks — often free entry.

Other social spaces, like Creative Cafe, Plymouth hosts a meet-up every first Wednesday of the month at Minerva Plymouth - 17:00-20:30. All welcome - just bring your creative gear!

If you’re into all things design — whether that’s graphics, fashion, interiors, or product innovation — the Plymouth Design Forum (PDF) is worth checking out. This monthly meetup brings together creatives from across the city to share ideas, debate trends, and celebrate design thinking. For students in art, design, media, or any creative course, it’s a brilliant way to connect with professionals, get inspired by real-world projects, and start building networks outside of campus. The sessions are relaxed, welcoming, and often feature guest speakers or panel discussions, making them both social and educational. Whether you’re hoping to work in the creative industries or just love being surrounded by ideas, PDF is a great way to feel part of Plymouth’s wider design community.

Why It’s Worth Trying

Clubbing will always be part of student life, but Plymouth’s creative nights out offer something different: a chance to discover new talent, enjoy culture on a budget, and meet people beyond your course or campus. Best of all, many of these events are free or cost less than a pint.

So next time you’re planning a night out, swap the nightclub queue for a quiz team, a gallery opening, or an improv show. Plymouth’s cultural nightlife is waiting.