Bored of the same old and looking to spice up your city activities? We're here to help. With so many cracking events and attractions on Birmingham's roster, it can be overwhelming to narrow it all down. Famed for the role it played in manufacturing, it's since developed into an incredibly cultural (and walkable) place that sees over 45 million visitors on an annual basis heading to top attractions like Cadbury World and the Botanical Gardens.
So, from trips to the F1 Arcade and immersive experiences that are great for dates to cool quiz nights and bottomless brunches, we've put together a guide of all the best Birmingham things to do, see and most definitely enjoy.
A traditional Irish pub in Hall Green, D.J. Quinn's is built for all kinds of nights out. Regularly playing host to live music and beaming the sport on the big screen, the energy is high whenever you stop by.
For more hands-on fun, book into its private oches for Double Tops. A high-tech, interactive darts game, it's perfect for work dos, dates and nights out with mates.
@ Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre on Saturday 9th May 2026 and 8 other Saturdays
Gather your friends and head to Bottoms Up, where every show delivers intimate, up-close performances, risqué humour, and glamorous acts. From provocative striptease to comedic cabaret and witty musical interludes, the evening is designed to keep you laughing, cheering, and fully entertained.
The cosy, secluded theatre setting makes you feel part of the action, while the performers' charisma ensures there's never a dull moment.
Perfect for playing in pairs or as a group, CityDays Birmingham is the ideal experience for those who are keen adventurers as well as those who are curious. Figure out the cryptic clues sent to your phone as you explore the streets of Brum across these self-guided city tours, uncovering hidden gems, plaques and statues along the way before you reach your destination.
This event is perfect for families or if you're looking to plan a work day out and get to know the city a little bit better with a well-earned drink involved.
Touting a plethora of cool activities, add Boom Battle Bar on Broad Street to your list of things to do in Birmingham this weekend. The venue showcases everything from augmented reality axe throwing to beer or prosecco pong; there are private karaoke booths for you and your mates to sing your hearts out in.
Then after, load up on scrumptious 'Boom Bites' like chicken wings, fully loaded bacon parmesan fries, and cauliflower burgers paired with lip-smacking signature cocktails, such as Honey It's Time To Party, made using Cazcabel honey tequila and pink cotton candy.
Along with pretty interiors and quirky cocktails, Tonight Josephine is also jam-packed with a mix of girl power events to match the pink-tastic interiors. We're talking bottomless brunches with everything fromburlesque to drag queens and pop icons or Mamma Mia themes - topped off by 90 minutes of unlimited drinks to fuel the fun.
And on the menu? Dig into the likes of buttermilk chicken Caesar salads, pulled salt beef burgers and buns filled with roast sweet potato and grilled halloumi, all accompanied by fizz and porn star martinis.
Sandbox VR is home to plenty of things to do in Birmingham today, for example, a casual bit of alternate universe jumping. You can explore eight different virtual worlds created by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft names at this venue, where you will be fully immersed in free-roam virtual reality via Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision body trackers and haptic suits.
Book for your group of friends, or hire out the venue for larger events. What's more, you can also grab a cocktail from the robot bartender - yes, really.
@ YO! Birmingham Grand Central on Wednesday 20th May 2026 and 15 other Wednesdays
YO! is coming up trumps when it comes to fun team-building activities and quirky date nights. You'll get to learn about the history of sushi while practicing your knife-cutting skills and creating a few California rolls yourself.
Plus, you can snack on gyozas and edamame throughout the cracking experience, which you'll find at both the Grand Central and Selfridges locations in Birmingham.
@ The Big Birmingham Bake on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
You need to be in it to win it with this one. The Big Birmingham Bake promises a killer competition and the chance to be crowned the ultimate baking champion. You'll have 90 mins on the clock to create a sweet treat, using provided utensils, ingredients, instructions and your very own kitchen station.
There's a new theme all the time so keep your eyes peeled, and with tickets starting from £33.90 per person, it makes a fantastic birthday or group activity to do with all your friends. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on your apron, forget the trauma of food tech and get mixing up some mischief (and treats, of course).
Calling all dog lovers, Pooch Therapy Events are hosting a number of brilliant events where you can hang out with some adorable pups. Their hour-long sessions cost just £26 per person, giving you the chance to play with a range of cute fluffy friends. This is a great way to unwind, guaranteed to relax you.
@ Flight Club Birmingham on Various dates from Saturday 9th May 2026
If you're on the hunt for things to do in Birmingham city centre, Flight Club's Brunch Social is a brilliant shout. While getting competitive over a few rounds of darts (which is an extra high-tech version of the sport thanks to fun mini-games, electronic scoring and action replays), you'll get to chow down on unlimited wood-fired pizzas while washing down a whole bottle of fizz (all to yourself).
So, gather your mates and book your spot for a Saturday or Sunday from £33 per person. Or if you fancy something a little more casual, you can book by the hour at any other time of week, minus the drinks.
@ The Jam House Birmingham on Sunday 31st May 2026 and 3 other Sundays
Immerse yourself in all the magic of Mowtown at Soul Supper. After sitting down to a delicious two-course feast, you'll hit the dancefloor to groove to the sounds that shaped American music.
Expect to hear all the hits from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, and many more legendary artists. Tickets to party like it's 1965 start from just from £30.74.
Celebrate from the First Sip – Prosecco welcome reception, only £5 per person
Treetop Adventure Golf is a fantastic shout when it comes to activities for families or friends. Grab the gang and work your way through this quirky 18-hole miniature course that's jungle-themed (and don't forget about the 19th bonus hole either).
Follow this up with a visit to The Market, where you can fill up on pizzas and garlic bread from Cabana. And at the Jungle Buzz Café, you'll find cocktails like the monkey mojito and the Stoli vanilla vodka-based Bamboo Cooler.
Taste + Liquor are teaming up with several different venues across Birmingham to bring you a series of R&B, Garage, Afrobeats, 00s and 90s brunches.
Throw shapes to five hours of chart-topping tunes from your chosen genre, with one hour of bottomless rum punch (if you get there as soon as it starts) included in your ticket price as well, which is around £18 per person. So, prepare to sing along to all your favourites form Faith Adams to Beyonce and more.
Situated in St Paul's Square, 180 Club at The Rectory is a top choice of fun activities, whether it's a quirky date night, team building activity or a group outing that you're after. This underground social darts bar features state-of-the-art electronic boards across six lanes, providing space for up to 12 players at once.
What's more, they've got everything from cocktails to craft beer, alongside a mouthwatering menu of hot dogs, chicken wings, burgers and more to tuck into while you play.
Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a weekend of fun, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend offers a packed itinerary of drinks, food, and city exploration.
With £6 signature cocktails across 30 to 40 venues, exclusive tastings, hotel discounts, and immersive events, festival-goers can sip, snack, and wander across Birmingham at their own pace. From Summer Edition in July to Winter Edition in October, it's an interactive, social, and delicious way to experience the city like a local, one cocktail at a time.
The world's first official Formula One racing simulator is a great shout for competitive socialising, complete with cutting-edge technology and mouthwatering menus. This city centre venue boasts 53 full-motion simulators to feel like a real racer, giving you the choice of different skill levels to compete individually or as a team.
You can follow up your gaming session with cocktails and a sophisticated meal, featuring fried halloumi, loaded flatbreads, juicy burgers and much more - paired with refreshing cocktails.
@ Birmingham New Street Station on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
For a unique take on walking tours, check out The Great Game Treasure Hunt. While exploring through various iconic landmarks and solving clues, you'll uncover the hidden history and fun little titbits about the iconic city.
It's the perfect immersive outdoor activity to do with friends or family. What's more, you'll be rewarded 20% off your total food and drink bill at the 'treasure spot' (also known as, the pub) for completing the challenge.
Located within the Bullring, TOCA Social is a great shout for group nights out or a quirky date idea. Their immersive gaming experience boasts large simulation screens to play football on, competing against your friends at all kinds of fun challenges.
You can also watch all the biggest sporting events on their large screens in the bar, with a vibrant atmosphere guaranteed. Plus, the kitchen is whipping up tasty plates like beef birria tacos, smash burgers topped with smoky onions and steamed jackfruit bao buns.
The Jam House in the Jewellery Quarter has always been at the forefront of live music nights. It's located in a traditional Georgian building boasting an open-plan dining area and bar making it easy to see the stage from wherever you're sitting and sipping a fresh pint.
Founded by the iconic Jools Holland and Neil Tibbatt, it's a right of passage when it comes to hosting unplugged sets and jazz nights. The 600-capacity venue has seen the likes of Ben E King, Heather Small and Jamie Cullum grace its grounds over the years, so don't miss out on who could be next.
For those who like their brunch with a side of sparkle, Dirty Martini Birmingham delivers a high-gloss take on daytime indulgence.
Set against neon-lit interiors and sleek, contemporary design, this city-centre hotspot swaps traditional plates for elegant birdcage sharers, like artfully presented bites made for grazing while the martinis keep flowing. With 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, prosecco or beer, it's a chic, sociable affair.
The Old Crown is well and truly famous around our parts, and has been since its opening in 1368. The Grade II-listed, Tudor-style building is instantly recognisable in Digbeth, while inside you'll find just as much fun - ranging from quizzes themed around Brooklyn Nine-Nine, It's Always Sunny and The Office (to name just a few), as well as disco nights or sports viewing parties with live music.
And if you're looking for a bite to eat while you get stuck into testing your general knowledge, you'll find a range of pub classics from fish and chips to sharer boards filled with nachos.
Wondering what to do this week in Birmingham? Swing by Be At One Brindleyplace for their Midweek Mixtape - a cocktail lover's dream featuring £5 margaritas across a variety of flavours, plus fantastic deals on spirits, wine, and prosecco. With a killer playlist spinning all night, it's the perfect way to make any midweek night unforgettable.
Whether you're after Michelin-starred and Guide-mentioned restaurants or stunning Argentinian steakhouses and the finest street food destinations, our list of the best places to eat across the city is a must-read.
Rooftop spots and Instagrammable venues filled with blossom trees? They're all in the guide too, alongside Neapolitan pizzas from Rudy's and delicious helpings of Dishoom's signature black dhal or bottomless porridge. Yes please.
One of the most classic Birmingham city things to do discover is all the ways you can watch sports. Whether you want to catch the rugby, Wimbledon, and Birmingham City or Aston Villa's football feats, there's a pub or bar to head to when you don't get in-person tickets.
Plus, there are even places showing the Ashes if you've ever missed out on seeing England at Edgbaston Stadium cricket ground.
@ Coyote Ugly Birmingham on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
There's no denying that Coyote Ugly on Broad Street is one of Birmingham's wildest, most unique bars. And every day? They host a brilliant Nashville Hoedown Bottomless Brunch. Tickets range from £27.50 to £32.50 and include 90 minutes of bottomless pizza. Yes, you read that right. And to wash it all down, you'll also bag unlimited bubbles and pints.
This quirky event takes place every single day, although if you mosey down on a Saturday, you'll also be able to have a crack at line dancing with help from the bar's famous Coyotes.
It doesn't get better than The Distillery's Round House gin masterclasses. It's just a short walk from Brindley Place and you'll get a G&T upon arrival, followed by a guided course on the spirit so you can create your own bottle to take home using their copper pot stills - plus, there's a fresh sourdough pizza to help each participant refuel as well.
Want more? These folks host bottomless brunches too, packed with crispy buffalo cauliflower and hot sauce small plates, eggs Benedict with honey roast ham and its signature tiramisu; snap up two courses for £34 or three for £39.
Hosting some of the best performances in the Midlands, Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre is Birmingham's premier fringe venue - with many shows here either coming from or on their way to Edinburgh Fringe.
You can expect hilarious comedies and stand-up shows, as well as gripping dramas or burlesque and drag. And if that wasn't enough? Check out their bingo events and open mic nights as well.
Grab your sweetheart and bring them to NQ64, as it's one of the top things to do in Birmingham for couples. Fronting quirky and neon interiors, this Digbeth den has various arcade games to play using tokens bought at the bar, such as Space Invaders and Tekken, alongside retro consoles that are totally free to use.
Gaming-inspired cocktails also make up the quirky drinks being shaken up by the bar. We recommend the rum-based Mad Max.
Offering some of the best things to do in Birmingham with kids or adult-only groups alike, Escape Hunt is making sure you're covered for quirky activities at their Resorts World location. Explore 4D worlds with themes such as Alice In Wonderland, Doctor Who and Aladdin, as well as some virtual reality adventures too.
Plus, you can always make your way over to the Corporation Street location in the city centre too, which boasts samurai and Blackbeard rooms.
Situated right in the heart of the city, The Botanist is a stylish restaurant bar with plenty of fun things going on. This charming space is filled with vintage, rustic interiors and lots of pretty plants, and there's a spacious beer garden to boot.
They host live music on a regular basis, as well as musical bingo and bottomless brunches. Hungry? Get stuck into a menu of crispy chicken burgers, hanging halloumi kebabs, Asian pork belly bites and more, washed down with creative cocktails.
Whether you need some outdoor activities or things to do at night, Digbeth's Luna Springs is coming in hot with its epic lineup of happenings. We're talking everything from themed bottomless brunches with performances from stars seen in the hit musical Mamma Mia to karaoke.
What's more, if you're seeking free things to do in Birmingham, tickets to some of these goings-on in the city's biggest event space cost nothing if you show up before 6pm. And if you're just plain hungry during the day, you'll find a huge selection of street food vendors whipping up the likes of burgers and pizza, all waiting to be washed down with some craft beer.
One of the best things to do in Birmingham, Glee Club is a prime feature of the country's comedy circuit in a few cities across the UK - and here is no exception. Headline TV acts frequent the stage here, alongside up-and-coming comedians, to tickle your funny bones.
Over the years, the brightly lit stage has seen the likes of Michael McIntyre and Jack Dee show off their sets to an intimate audience of 600.
From traversing Sandwell Valley's Forge Mill circular trail to exploring 15 acres at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses or touring Digbeth's street art, there are plenty of rambles to get stuck into across the city centre, the surrounding areas and beyond.
Uncover some of the best places to visit in Birmingham when you want to get out and about on a walk here, including canalside stints at Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place too.
We can't think of a more tranquil and wholesome day out than wandering around the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and taking a peek at the Grade II-listed Victorian glasshouse.
Explore 15 acres of land featuring landscapes inspired from across the world, make your way through meadows and venture over to the Gardens Café on the Loudon Terrace to tuck into a tuna melt panini and a cup of tea as a halfway point.
Back in 1824, a man called John Cadbury opened up a grocer's shop on Birmingham's Bull Street and the rest is history. Fast forward to today and everyone's favourite purple bar has its own theme park in the heart of the city it was first conceived - making for a great choice of family things to do in Birmingham.
Cadbury World makes a super fun-filled day out with its interactive chocolate making classes, 4D experiences and a totally chocoholic afternoon tea from £28.95 per person. There's even the chance to get to know the origin of the humble cocoa bean by taking a trip to the Aztec jungle where Emperor Montezuma awaits.
