April is upon us, spring is in full swing, and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). And as Birmingham kicks back into glorious life, there’s a wicked lineup of things to do this April – from cherry blossoms and candlelight concerts to new restaurants and returning activities. And we haven’t even mentioned Easter and all the chocolate we will eat yet! So here are the most brilliant things to do in Birmingham this April.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a large spell of grey, but it looks like the weather might be changing! Everyone will be running to the nearest beer garden or terrace this April. There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand among good company. If you fancy being super prepared this month for when the hot weather arrives, book yourself a place at one of these outdoor dining spots or one of these rooftop bars.
2. Tuck into this brie-lliant Cheese Fest
Everyone loves cheese. Even vegans and lactose intolerant people can enjoy it these days. That’s why you all need to know about Birmingham’s ultimate celebration of all things cheese, Cheese Fest. Offering a mix of cheese-obsessed street food traders, artisan cheeesemongers on the market stalls, and a ripe atmosphere, Cheese Fest will return on Saturday, April 26, at the Uffculme Centre in Moseley. Just some of Birmingham’s cheesiest traders stopping by include That’s Mature Toasties, Melting Wheel Pasta and, for those with a sweet tooth, Urban Cheesecake.
3. Sing along to the best 00s anthems at this bottomless brunch
Throwing It Back on April 19, this bottomless brunch at Birmingham Bierkeller is bringing you a Saturday of nostalgic bangers! Get ready for five hours of the best party 90s and 00s anthems – 60 minutes of mouthwatering, bottomless rum punch. Whether it’s pop, RnB, dancehall, soul, hip-hop or dance music, you’ll be lip-synching along and dancing the afternoon away before you know it. Plus, there’ll be plenty of delicious brunch options available for purchase. Get your tickets for Throwing It Back Brunch: 90s & 00s Party in Birmingham here!
4. Find out what the fuss is about at the ‘Japanese Restaurant of the Year’
The Worchester-based ‘Japanese Restaurant of the Year’, Maneki Ramen is opening a second site in the Jewellery Quarter this April. Having secured a huge Victorian red-brick venue on Ludgate Hill. Offering a fusion of traditional Japanese flavours with modern techniques, expect popular dishes like Tebasaki Wings, Roast Duck Ramen, Katsu Curry, and Sesame Miso Shoyu to also make the move. We’re probably most excited for the arrival of a monthly Omakase tasting menu that showcases an authentic, experimental and refined take on Japanese cuisine.
5. Check out Birmingham’s new late-night, cult movie-themed rock bar
Spoilers: A late-night, cult movie-themed rock bar is opening in Digbeth in April. You can expect an American-style dive bar, like in the movies, serving craft beers and spirits, as well as anything from noodles to cereal and popcorn. It even has a late license to stay open until 6 am on the weekends and will feature a stage for live rock music, retro arcade machines, and its very own movie screen for cult film screenings. Plus, there’s going to be an outdoor terrace for soaking up that eventual sunshine!
6. Join Birmingham’s very first ‘indoor golf club’
Sure, two of the UK’s most renowned golf courses sit just outside of Birmingham, The Belfry and the Forest of Arden Hotel, but cuts down on cost, travel and many other barriers this April. Bringing all the benefits of a real golf club into the city, Pitch is set to recreate some of the world’s greatest courses with eight state-of-the-art simulator bays and a custom club-fitting bay – including the Old Course at St Andrews Links. You can also receive teaching from qualified professional coaches or just play for fun with friends. And like any great golf club, Pitch offers a premium space exclusively for use by members and their guests.
7. Watch the ballet like you’ve never seen before
Watch Sleeping Beauty like never before in this unique dance and light show on April 20. We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss. With glow-in-the-dark costumes lighting up the stage, this beloved classic is reinterpreted through a unique fusion of traditional dance and modern technology. Catch pirouettes and gravity-defying leaps and a cast of kaleidoscopic colours at the Crescent Theatre. To get your tickets to We Call It Ballet head here.
8. Hop on a time-travelling canal tour
It’s one of the Black Country’s most special experiences already. But this Easter (April 12 – 27), Dudley Canal & Caverns is launching its very own floating time machine and travelling back 420 million years for a dino and fossil hunt adventure. You’ll experience a sound and light show inside the echoing caverns; float through the Castle Mill Basin Dinosaur Graveyard; solve puzzles within the tunnels; and visit the Explorers Lab, where you can create your own fossils! To learn more head here.
9. Explore the best cherry blossom spots in Birmingham
Spring is finally here, which means warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning, and of course, the most beautiful of all-pink cherry blossoms . Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossoms for a short time during March and April, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. If you’re looking for a new walk or day trip out, then these beautiful flowers are the perfect excuse. From the beautiful Oozells Square to the quaint corners of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, cherry blossoms are abundant in Birmingham, but blink and you’ll miss it!
10. Make a splash as these fun kayak tours return to Birmingham’s canals
You may have seen the city on foot, via the bus, tram or train, but have you discovered it from the water? From April onwards, the charity Roundhouse will once again be offering you the chance to see Birmingham from a different perspective with their guided kayak tours on the canal. Roundhouse Birmingham guides will lead you on a journey through the city on their sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
11. Experience the iconic music of the greatest video games
A new, ground-breaking live music event that brings the most iconic gaming soundtracks to life is coming to Birmingham on April 21. Playstation The Concert, a state-of-the-art production, will merge thrilling music, cutting-edge visual technology, and legendary video game titles into one unbelievable experience. The legendary scores from composers like Gustavo Santaolalla (The Last of Us), Joris De Man (Horizon), Ilan Eshkeri (Ghost of Tsushima), and Bear McCreary (God of War) will all feature in the production, offering fans a unique, deeply immersive live concert experience.
12. Treat the senses at a candlelight concert
Whatever sort of music fan you are, there’s a Candlelight concert for you in Birmingham this April. David Bowie? Taylor Swift? What about Ennio Morricone? Settle down in Birmingham’s most beautiful building, lit by hundreds of flickering candles, and listen to a four-string quartet perform all your favourite tunes! To see all Candlelight concerts in Birmingham this April head here.
13. Stand on the roof of the Library
The weather always improves in April. So, make the most of it and soak in the stunning sights of Birmingham from the roof of our legendary library. Because on top of being the largest library in Europe and home to a massive collection of rare books, The Library of Birmingham also has a secret rooftop garden…
14. Head to the hills and discover the beauty of the countryside
The Easter holidays are the perfect time to rediscover how wonderful our country is. From the beautiful countryside of Shropshire or the Peak District to a day at Twycross Zoo or closer to home, Cadbury World – there’s plenty of places just a short drive from Birmingham to explore this summer. Check out our full guide to day trips from Birmingham here.