April is upon us, spring is in full swing, and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). The month narrowly misses out on Easter this year – not that that won’t stop us from feasting on chocolate all month – but there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Birmingham. From cherry blossoms to candlelight concerts, and brilliant pubs to hidden gems, 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 rain, 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. Celebrate the meeting point between music and literature
The inaugural Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival will take place in and around Kings Heath on April 18 – 21. Over four days, The Heath Bookshop will put on author events, music shows and art commissions (in spoken word, film, dance and sound) that celebrate the connections between literature and music.
Hear Robin Ince explore his lifelong love of bookshops at Queensbridge School; catch How Brave is the Wren’s Story Time with a musical twist; listen to a late-night club show with the legendary General Levy in conversation with Alex Carr; or join an Advanced Writing Workshop with award-winning author Michel Faber. To learn more heading here.
3. Sing along to the best 00s anthems at this bottomless brunch
Throwing It Back on April 6 & 20, 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. Say ‘konnichiwa’ to this kawaii cafe
On top, Primark shoppers can also find a new Hello Kitty collection in collaboration with creators Sanrio. Over 100 items across womenswear, kidswear and homeware, embodying the timeless charm of Hello Kitty, will be available. This includes everything from cosy loungewear to playful accessories, trendy graphic tees, adorable nightwear, collectable bags, and much more. It’s the ultimate nostalgia kick for Hello Kitty fans.
5. Celebrate Japan’s beverage of choice
Birmingham’s very own Samuel Boulton – who used to work at The Pineapple Club – launches the UK’s largest celebration of sake and shochu this month (April 15 to 21). National Sake Week is all about the Japanese fermented rice wine, with a tantalising opportunity to learn more about the underappreciated drink. The week-long celebration, spanning multiple cities, has many events in Birmingham – including at Fox & Chance, Grain & Glass and Mooncat – which you can learn more about here.
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. Spend a night at the opera by candlelight
A candlelight concert is always special, but on April 28, you can hit the high notes with A Night at the Opera. Whether you’re a seasoned classical concert-goer or a bit of a newbie, this is a unique experience for all! The most iconic pieces from the most legendary composers come together at Lichfield Cathedral – with compositions including Flower Duet and Habanera – all under the gentle flicker of candlelight. To get your tickets to A Night at the Opera head here.
8. Grab a bottle at Birmingham’s best pub
For the second year running, Hop & Scotch has been crowned Birmingham’s ‘Pub of the Year’. The independent bottle shop and bar based in Kings Heath specialises in real ales and craft beers – with a rotating selection of cask, keg, and bottles from some of Britain and beyond’s best beers and ciders. Plus, gin, whisky and wine if you prefer!
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. Visit this ‘down-to-earth suburb’
The secret’s out, everyone knows about Birmingham’s hidden gem neighbourhood – Stirchley. Home to the most exciting restaurants, incredible bars and a fiery independent spirit, The Sunday Times recently called the area the best place to live in the Midlands. So before everyone, their nan and their dog move in, check out what makes this Birmingham suburb so special!
12. Celebrate Eid al-Fitr
April might usually be the month of Easter, but this year Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr take centre stage (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, then all of Birmingham can get involved with the Festival of Sweets on either April 9 or April 10. Nothing is confirmed yet, but Birmingham’s mosques put on some of the largest Eid celebrations in Europe. The most legendary is the one annually held at Small Heath Park, which usually attracts record numbers of people. Eid Mubarak!
13. 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.