April is here meaning spring is in full swing and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). It might be the month of Easter, but this April offers so much more than feasting on chocolate (as much as we like doing that regardless of the time of year). There’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Bristol, from cherry blossom to candlelight concerts, food halls to hidden gems. Without further ado, here are the most brilliant things to do this April in Birmingham.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a large spell of wet weather, but it look 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. Win bags of bizarre prizes at this bonkers bingo rave
Bored of going to the same bars every weekend? Bongo’s Bingo is a rave phenomenon is the alternative experience we’ve been looking for. Taking the quintessentially quaint British pastime of bingo, it adds a large dollop of madness to the mix. The immersive live show features rave rounds, dance-offs, and crazy prizes; think giant pink unicorns, Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters and karaoke machines. It’ll be at The Forum in Birmingham throughout the month with five matinee dates on April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Learn more here.
3. Head to the hills and rediscover the beauty of the nearby countryside
One thing we rediscovered during the pandemic was how wonderful our country really is and the Easter holidays are the perfect time to explore what the nearby rural areas have to offer. 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.
4. Sing along to the best pop anthems at a bottomless brunch
Pop Icons Drag Bottomless Brunch is coming to Birmingham on April 15. Combining pop icons, drag performances, bottomless drinks and delicious brunch, prepare to shine like a pop star! Get ready for 3 hours of all the best party starters and classic pop anthems, alongside the house’s terrific drag queen trio performing all the pop hits of the past 25 years. Plus, a delicious brunch of your choosing and bottomless drinks such as Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini and Pink Martini at JoJo Lounge. Get your tickets to this bottomless brunch here.
5. Head to Solihull’s new lively Latin American street food restaurant
While one Solihull restaurant won a Michelin star in March, another was opening its doors for the first time. Tio Latino brings all the vibrancy you’ve come to associate with Latin America to Birmingham. Expect a large selection of, mostly Mexican-inspired, street food dishes, such as tacos al pastor, beef birria burritos, spinach empanadas and chicken fajitas. As well as Latin American cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and caipirinhas. Just remember to pack your salsa shoes!
6. Sample this Black Country delicacy
Is this an exclusively an April activity? No, not but a long shot. But this wet weather we’ve been having, we’ve been thinking a lot about orange chips. Arguably the best comfort food you can find on a budget. Major’s in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, is a name you’ll hear a lot when discussing battered chips. As is Beks in Darlaston and Hooked on Fish in Cradley Heath.A little closer to home, you might want to look at The Sailors in Bearwood. Looking in Birmingham? Your best bet is Tasty Plaice in Grand Central with their “battered chips”. It’ll change your life.
7. Watch a glowing tribute to Adele at this candlelight concert
Hello, it’s us, we were wondering if after all these years you’d like to listen to Adele’s biggest hits by the soft glow of candlelight? This mesmerising concert will whisk you away on a journey through the singer-songwriter’s most popular songs. All you need to do is take a seat among the stunning surrounds of the Birmingham Cathedral on April 15 and let the sound of her powerful ballads wash over you. Almost like a soothing submersion into a hot bath, this captivating concert invites you to forget the world for the evening. Grab your tickets here.
8. Head to this Birmingham bakery for late-night revelries
Back in the 90s and 00s, The Medicine Bar was a hot destination in Birmingham for nightlife revelry. While it closed in 2011, owner Simon Jones later launched Medicine Bakery one of the best bakeries in Birmingham. He will return to his nightlife origins this month, however, with the launch of Medicine Nights. On April 14, head down Medicine Mailbox to see what is has instore for Birmingham.
9. Explore the numerous cherry blossom spots in Birmingham before they’re gone
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 blossom. Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom 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 blossom is 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 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. Travel Asian cuisine at this brilliant Birmingham food hall
Food halls are all the rage right now. But for the best in Birmingham, look no further than Asia Asia Foot Hall in the Chinese Quarter. EnjoyTravel.com recently named it among the best in the UK for offering up “everything from authentic Uyghur dishes to Thai, South Korean and Japanese meals.” There are six individual restaurants across two floors, including Pho Viet, Korean Food, Sakura, Traditional Malatang, Bangkok Cafe and BBQ And Dumplings.
12. Celebrate Eid al-Fitr
April might be the month of Easter, but this year it also contains Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (Which change date every year). If you’re observing the Islamic month of fasting, you might interested in these halal restaurants, or places offering both iftar and suhoor. If not, than all of Birmingham can get involved with the Festival of Sweets on either April 21 or April 22. Nothing is confirmed yet, but Birmingham’s mosques put on some of the largest Eid celebrations in Europe. The most legendary is the one annualy held at Small Heath Park, which usually attracts record numbers of people. Eid Mubarak!