What has happened to our summer, is it ever going to stop raining in Birminghaml? Every day feels more dreary than dreamy. Our green spaces are out of action, as our favourite alfresco dining restaurants and outdoor swimming spots. Just because it’s raining in Birmingham doesn’t mean summer is ruined completely. Rainy days can be fun, you just need a plan a bit more. We’ve got a bunch of rainy-day activities for next time it’s raining in Bristol.
1. Putt away at Golf Fang
Drink and putt your way through Golf Fang’s outrageous and colourful courses. The 18-hole golf course has some wild designs, from a sex shop to an arcade, to keep you entertained. Choose from either theme for your game, and enjoy cocktails packed with sweets as you compete with your household for the crazy golf crown (which doesn’t exist, but a little competition never hurt nobody). You’ll soon forget about the wet weather outside.
2. Warm up with We Call It Tango
When it rains, it pours but We Call It Tango is bringing the heat to Brum. This Argentine dance form is certain to leave you hot under the collar as two talented tango dancers twirl to the beat of live musicians. Incredible costumes and impressive dance moves will have you captivated as a tale of forbidden love unfolds before you. It’s a performance you simply can’t afford to miss!
3. Go to the cinema
Need to hide away from the rain for a little while? Nothing beats a classic day out at the cinema – and Birmingham has some seriously cool spots to catch a movie. From the uber-cosy Everyman that’s decked out with plush sofas and offers bar-to-sofa service, to the super-smart Vue cinema – there’s a cinema for everyone. Check out our independent cinema guide here.
4. Warm up under the gentle glow of a Candlelight concert
We love to embrace the rain by lighting some candles, sticking on some classical music, and listening to gentle pitter-patter in the background. Candlelight takes this cosy experience to next level by placing you in some of Birmingham’s most beautiful locations. A diverse selection of concerts, from video game soundtracks to psychedelic rock tributes, will shine a new light on Bristol in the rain. These awe-inspiring multi-sensory events are a show like no other! Get your tickets to a Candlelight concert here.
5. Play some retro arcade games
NQ64, based at Birmingham’s Custard Factory in Digbeth, is home to a drinking den where guests can play retro arcade games and classic consoles from their youth while enjoying the beverages of their adulthood. Click here for more information. If you’re looking for something a little more old school, however, we also suggest checking out Tilt next time its raining in Birmingham foe some retro pinball machines.
6. Get rid of all boredom with board games at Chance & Counters
Offering up board games, food and tasty drinks, Chance & Counters is a great place to entertain you and your household whilst sheltering from the rain, with a number of board games to play for couples and groups. Chow down on tasty nibbles such as pizza fries, or take advantage of the diverse drinks menu where you’ll find something for everyone’s tastes. Find out more here.
7. Step into another world at this new virtual reality experience
What better to forget it’s raining in Birmingham than transporting to another dimension? OTHERWORLD is mend-bending, virtual reality metaverse experience, featuring 18 multi-sensory immersion pods and a 16-tap self-serve drinks wall. You and your friends can play in visionary sci-fi surroundings next time it’s a rainy day. Enjoy cocktails and craft beer in-between trips to parallel universes too.
8. Unveil your creative side at Neon Brush
Neon Brush brings a lighthearted touch to painting workshops. As the lights go down, neon colours glow whilst a professional artist instructs. Have tons of fun and try your hand at creating a masterpiece because this experience is for everyone 18 plus! You don’t have to be an art afficionado – just turn up, sip your complimentary drink and enjoy!
9. Take part in a chocolate-making masterclass
This Jewellery Quarter gem is a chocolate lover’s haven and offers chocolate-making masterclasses as well as chocolates to take home and indulge in too. In this class, you will experience a range of skills from piping, rolling, filling and dipping ganache plus tempering your own chocolate by hand all in a relaxed and casual environment. And the whole experience is topped off with an indulgent chocolate fondue feast and prosecco. Check out The Chocolate Quarter’s workshops and masterclasses here.
10. Get lost in a museum
We love a good museum when it’s raining. Head inside and lose yourself for hours, learning as much as you can, as you completely forget the world that awaits outside. Birmingham has some pretty brilliant ones too, from the old Victorian lock-up, West Midlands Police Museum, to The Pen Museum – which is literally all about the world of pens. Check out the best museums in Birmingham here.
11. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts. Flight Club has a whole lot of fun in store for your visit. From ‘Push for Drinks’ buttons at the tables, to a whole host of competitive games to challenge your mates to (as well as various photo-ops!), you’re sure to be in for a good night.
12. Go axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Perfect for a mate’s date, axe throwing is an immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking. Experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Book your session here.
13. Have a ping pong party at Drop Shot
Drop Shot has long attracted in-the-know Brummies when the sun decides to hide away for a while, and is tucked away down in Digbeth where you can truly escape the dreadful weather. Walk in and be greeted with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy, socially-laid out sofas – where you can kick back and relax, before heading to your ping pong table and play til your heart’s content. You can also grab a slice in between games to fuel your competitive streak, in case you needed more encouragement. Find out more.
14. Wind down with some cocktails
Of course, we all dream of making the most of our time when it’s raining in Birmingham. That’s the Brummie way: defiant in the face of adversity. Sometimes, however, you just have to call it quits on a rainy day and get a little boozy. Luckily for you we’ve rounded up some of the city’s coolest cocktail bars. If you ask us, a piña colada is the only way to beat the wet weather when it’s raining in Birmingham.