Fun Things To Do In Birmingham

• Address: Unit 25A Grand Central Shopping Centre, Stephenson Place, B2 4BF
• Best for: entering a whole new virtual world
• Activity type: VR, group

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. 

• Address: 110 -112 Floodgate Street, B5 5SR
• Best for: Showing off your baking skills
• Activity type: competitive, food, couples

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). 

• Address: 850 Bristol Road, B29 6HW
• Best for: a cosy afternoon of gaming and drinks
• Activity type: competitive, wholesome, boozy

Every single day of the week, Sliced n Diced hosts a board game bottomless brunch that's one of the best value in the area. This cosy cafe has got over 300 board games on offer, which you can play for three hours, alongside pool, air hockey and a Nintendo Switch.

As part of your £28 fee, you'll also receive two hours of unlimited prosecco, beer, spirits and cocktails, as well as a pizza sub and a portion of potato croquettes.

• Address: multiple locations
• Best for: learning a new culinary skill
• Activity type: food, masterclass

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.

• Address: Touchwood Shopping Centre, 26 Jubilee Walk, Touchwood Solihull, B91 3HT
• Best for: mastering the art of sushi
• Activity type: food, masterclass

Yakinori has opened up their sushi school in Solihull to all of us lucky Birmingham residents and visitors alike, promising a welcome drink and a selection of starters like gyozas and tempura prawns before diving into the class.

Learn how to make everything from a Cali roll to sashimi and an inari parcel, with sake to drink afterwards too. The event runs every other Thursday evening, lasts around two hours and tickets start from £20 per person, so grab yours now and master the art of sushi. 

• Address: St Mary's Row, Moseley, B13
• Best for: rum lovers
• Activity type: boozy, musical

The Birmingham Rum Festival is a great pick for anyone looking for fun things to do in Birmingham.

With a focus on premium rums and rich heritage, the festival offers tastings, cocktail bars, live music, and street food stalls in one buzzing venue. Held at The Cuban Embassy, it's a lively and friendly event that guarantees a good time for both rum aficionados and casual visitors.

• Address: 4 Temple Row West, B2 5NY
• Best for: catching up-and-coming new acts
• Activity type: events, comedy, drag

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.

Looking for a fun day out just outside Birmingham this summer? Farm Fest at Umberslade Farm is your ticket to countryside vibes without straying far from the city.

On Sunday the 13th of July, this family-friendly festival brings together top-tier street food, refreshing drinks, and live music in a picturesque farm setting. From juicy burgers to cheesy toasties, frozen margaritas to craft beers, there's something for every palate. Kids can enjoy crafts, bubbles, circus fun and a huge indoor play barn, all included in the ticket price. 

• Address: New Street, B2 4PX (starting point)
• Best for: exploring the city while working as a team
• Activity type: group, outdoor, challenge

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.

• Address: Unit 6, The Water's Edge, B1 2JB
• Best for: affordable drinks
• Activity type: boozy, group, couples

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.

• Address: Birmingham Bullring, Upper Mall West, B5 4BG
• Best for: quirky golfing in a colourful venue
• Activity type: competitive, group, couples

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.

• Address: 11 St Martins Walk, B5 4BU
• Best for: Friday night partying
• Activity type: boozy, musical

Need a new Friday night tradition? SIP Fridays with Vintage Got Soul brings all the ingredients for the perfect party: soul-soaked tunes, outrageous entertainment, and a crowd that's ready to move. This monthly blowout at TOCA Social Birmingham guarantees good vibes, great food, and even better memories.

From slow grooves to floor-fillers, the soundtrack is flawless, and the cocktails don't miss. Rally your group, grab your tickets, and step into a night where soul is king, and the party doesn't stop.

• Address: Unit 12, The Burlington, B2 4BL
• Best for: drag brunches complete with iconic tunes
• Activity type: boozy, group, events

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. 

• Address: The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4BG
• Best for: a sense of nostalgia and retro fun
• Activity type: competitive, couples, gaming

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.

• Address: multiple locations
• Best for: nabbing discount cocktails across the city
• Activity type: boozy, couples

Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is taking place across dates in July and October this year, with wristbands starting from only £10 per person. This gets you access to £6 cocktails all over the city, a well as £5 mocktails, exclusive food deals and a hotel discount.

Over 40 different locations will be serving up their signature drinks for a bargain price, including luxury hotels, cocktail bars, cosy pubs and more.

• Address: 60 Hampton Street, B19 3LU
• Best for: all things chicken-based
• Activity type: food, events

The world's biggest chicken wing festival is back, with Birmingham Wing Fest taking over Hockley Social Club for three days this August. Vote for your favourite wings across a number of categories and crown the very best traders of the buzzing event.

Wing-eating contests and hot wing challenges are also on the cards for competitive ticket holders, while everything from live music and DJs to live cooking demos await for entertainment.

• Address: Trent Street, Digbeth, B5 5NL
• Best for: sampling rum and tropical cocktails
• Activity type: boozy, food, events

Get ready to bring the sunshine to Birmingham this summer at the Rum & Reggae Festival on the 12th of July at Lab11. Following a successful run in Nottingham, this festival promises even bigger and better vibes, with iconic performances from The Marley Revival, Reggae Roast with Mr. Williamz, and a UB40 tribute.

Enjoy tropical rum cocktails, delicious Jamaican food, and electrifying entertainment, including fire eaters, stilt walkers, and limbo competitions. Whether you're dancing to reggae beats or getting a glittery makeover, this is the ultimate summer celebration you don't want to miss.

• Address: Lower Trinity Street, Deritend, B9 4AG
• Best for: bottomless brunches and lively performances
• Activity type: boozy, events

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. 

• Address: Pendigo Way, Marston Green, B40 1PU
• Best for: anyone who loves a challenge
• Activity type: challenge, group

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.

• Address: multiple locations
• Best for: sports fans
• Activity type: sports, events

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.

• Address: 4 Sheepcote Street, B16 8AE
• Best for: gin lovers
• Activity type: boozy, masterclass

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.

• Address: multiple locations
• Best for: date night or group dining
• Activity type: food, couples, group

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. 

• Address: Two Chamberlain Square, B3 3AX
• Best for: zipping around a virtual racetrack in an immersive driving experience
• Activity type: competitive, gaming

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.

• Address: Unit 7, Five Ways Broad Street, B15 1DA
• Best for: competitive date nights or group outings
• Activity type: competitive, couples, group

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.

• Address: 3-5 St Pauls Square, B31QU
• Best for: live music lovers
• Activity type: events, musical

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. 

• Address: 31 Temple Street, B2 5DB
• Best for: a boozy brunch in fun surrounds
• Activity type: boozy, group

If you're looking to upgrade your weekend afternoons, we highly suggest booking one of The Cocktail Club's bottomless brunches. These purveyors of tasty mixes have come from success in London to bring house party and Top of the Pops themes to the city complete pizza, 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and a DJ playing all the hits within your chosen genre.

Snap up tickets from as little as £29 per person, embrace the double denim or go a little Gaga and let this eclectic haunt show you where the good times are at. 

• Address: 260 Broad Street, B1 2HF
• Best for: a Nashville-inspired boozy brunch
• Activity type: boozy, events

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.

• Address: 188 High Street, Digbeth, B12 0LD
• Best for: testing your knowledge and boogieing to live music
• Activity type: quiz, group, events

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. 

• Address: 13 Temple Street, B2 5BN
• Best for: getting competitive over a boozy game of darts
• Activity type: competitive, boozy, group

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.

• Address: High Street, City Centre B4 7SL (starting point)
• Best for: adventuring around the city with friends or family
• Activity type: outdoor, group, challenge

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. 

• Address: 50-54 St Paul's Square, B3 1QS
• Best for: perfecting your throw on an interactive dartboard
• Activity type: competitive, group

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.

• Address: Multiple locations
• Best for: bottomless brunches and lively performances
• Activity type: boozy, events, musical

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.

• Address: Westbourne Road, B15 3TR
• Best for: admiring a diverse selection of plants
• Activity type: wholesome, couples, family

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. 

• Address: 69 Linden Road, B30 1JR
• Best for: family days out
• Activity type: food, group, family

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. 

• Address: Arcadian, Hurst Street, B5 4TD
• Best for: hearing some hilarious jokes
• Activity type: events, comedy

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. 

• Address: multiple locations
• Best for: getting out and about in the city
• Activity type: outdoor, active

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.